Im cutting

[MANSON1]

Hi im cutting at the moment and was wondering if i should still take ZMB before bedtime as well as Alpha lipoic Acid (pre workout). I currently have shakes and take L- arginine tablets too.
I bought these supplements before i started cutting but will they still be beneficial to me as i still want to make strength gains as well as cut!!!!

[bradley]

Originally posted by MANSON1
Hi im cutting at the moment and was wondering if i should still take ZMB before bedtime as well as Alpha lipoic Acid (pre workout). I currently have shakes and take L- arginine tablets too.
I bought these supplements before i started cutting but will they still be beneficial to me as i still want to make strength gains as well as cut!!!!

I assume by ZMB you are referring to the combination of zinc, magnesium, and B6, which might offer some benefits, especially if you are defecient in Zn or Mg.

I would use the alpha lipoic acid (ALA) post workout, as it will allow more glucose to enter the muscle cell due to it's effects on H2O2.

I have yet to see any evidence to show that L-Arginine will offer any significant benefits in regards to increasing muscle hypertrophy or preventing catabolism.

[MANSON1]

Would you therefore reccomend taking a supplement with all 8 essential amino acids or something like glutamine?

[bradley]

Originally posted by MANSON1
Would you therefore reccomend taking a supplement with all 8 essential amino acids or something like glutamine?

Yes, but this can be accomplished through whole foods or a protein supplement. The benefits derived from glutamine are debatable, and anecdotal evidence suggests that glutamine is not as beneficial as some would have you believe.

[MANSON1]

How do i make sure that i am not going into a catabolic state when i am cutting. I have just started taking a thermo product and am keeping my calorie intake the same but adding more cardio.
Will thie ensure i saty anabolic???????

[MANSON1]

In regards to the ZMA i am taking it says to take on an empty stomach 30-60 mins prior to going to bed. However, i try and take a shake before bedtime as i am not eating for 8 hours. Will this mean i am wasting my money on the ZMA.

[bradley]

Originally posted by MANSON1
How do i make sure that i am not going into a catabolic state when i am cutting. I have just started taking a thermo product and am keeping my calorie intake the same but adding more cardio.
Will thie ensure i saty anabolic???????

I would just concentrate on consuming adequate amounts of protein and EFAs, while creating a small calorie deficit each day. The calorie deficit can be created through diet, activity, or a combination of the two. Also try and lose a small amount of weight each week (~1-2lbs. per week), which should help minimize the amount of lean body mass that is lost when dieting.

On a reduced calorie diet you will be in a catabolic state, since the body is either building tissue or breaking it down.


In regards to the ZMA i am taking it says to take on an empty stomach 30-60 mins prior to going to bed. However, i try and take a shake before bedtime as i am not eating for 8 hours. Will this mean i am wasting my money on the ZMA.

I do no think it will make a significant difference, and you could take the ZMA ~30 minutes before you consume your shake if you wanted to take the ZMA on an empty stomach.

[MANSON1]

Why is it best to take the ZMA on an empty stomach ?

[bradley]

I would imagine you might see more of a "calming effect" if you were to take it on an empty stomach, and also avoid any absorption issues. This is just speculation, and I really do not think it is going to make a significant difference either way.