Newbie Questions!

[c130jumper53]

Ok... A Little Background on me, before i get to the questions.
I am a member of the US Army, currently serving in Iraq. I am no stranger to physical excersize, but just recently (a month ago) i began starting to going to the gym, with two of my friends, and started working with weights. My friends are already suggesting that i began taking supplements and all. (Friend One says NoXplode, and Friend Two suggested Super Pump 250, Amino Acids, any Form of Protein, Novadex XT, or that i should try Super Pump Size-on, and any form of protein) But from what i have read on past posts. It seems it would be better to get my work-out, and diet right first before starting anything. Right now ,through MRE's and the DFAC (Dining Facility), and using FitDay i am averaging about 3340 calories a day (you dont want to know the amount that is protein, fat, or carbs... its atrocious). Also, im currently taking MegaMan Sports Pak, Glucosamine, and Fish Body oils. And last but not least my main goal is to build muscle (i figure if i build muscle that the fat will burn away too... as soon as i fix my diet)

So my questions are... should i just ignore their advice on supplements (these friends have seen big gains in the past four to five months), or should i began using everything, or some of what they said?

And secondly, this is kinda stupid question, but while trying to fix my diet, should i stay away from Meal Replacements (such as MetRxx), or is it wise to use them to help with my diet?

Thanks in advance for any advice ya'll give me. (and hopefully you wont make too much fun of my newbie questions ;-)

Luke

[Stray]

Welcome aboard,

Ignore your friends pushing their supplements on you. Diet and exercise are what's key here and it sounds like you have alot of that figured out. Most supplements that are worth anything are all derived from food anyhow and if you're getting enough clean protein then you already have the amino acids down.

Some of the other stuff they're pushing - the Nitric Oxide powders (Superpump, NoXplode, etc) are controversial at best. IMO they're worthless, only providing a descent pump postworkout temporarily.

I'm surprised out of all the stuff they're pushing on you they didn't mention plain old creatine - one supplement actually worth owning.

Meal replacements are good to use in that you know exactly the nutritional values going in but some will say regular food is better. Either way nothing wrong with them.

Keep a good mix blend protein powder around if you don't think you're getting enough protein in your diet. (http://www.atlargenutrition.com/nutrition_detail.php/products_id/1)

Eat well, lift heavy and get enough rest. The recipe is simple.

[c130jumper53]

Thanks for the reply Stray!

I kinda figured i should leave some of those things alone.

What is the difference between whey and casein?

And What about Amino Acids? I remember from Science that protein is made up of this (if i remeber correctly), so its seems to me that this could be good, but then again im the inexperienced rookie, so maybe my logic is wrong?

Sorry if my questions seem like their pestering you, but i like to be informed before i get invested in something (especially since its my body, and health)

Thanks
Luke

[Stray]

Amino acids are a waste of money if you're getting enough complete protein as it is.

A blended protein has been shown to be optimal - brand doesn't matter. Check out the link above.

Whey protein is good also..post workout mainly - I like optimum nutrition for the taste/value. Toss in some creatine and some dextrose (uber cheap) and viola instant postwork out shake.

[c130jumper53]

Whey protein is good also..post workout mainly - I like optimum nutrition for the taste/value. Toss in some creatine and some dextrose (uber cheap) and viola instant postwork out shake.

So, Nitrean and Creatine should be good for me to start with.

One more question, I read that creatine takes 1 to 1.5 hours to get in the blood stream, and that one of side effects could be dehydration. Now with me being over here, with weather getting to reach about 150 degrees, i already have to drink quite abit of water (3.5 liters is average for me). So, should i use it and just drink more water, or should i forget about using it till either im back in the states, or the weather cools down? And how long does it take to get the "saturation" of using creatine out of your system? I ask because i dont want to be in the middle of an operation and go down as a Heat Casualty.

[Stray]

I don't notice being any more dehydrated when taking it. Here's what a quick Google found on the subject:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mohr36.htm

[c130jumper53]

Thank You So Much, Stray! You have been a very valuable source of information, and i feel i learned a hell of a lot more from you, then my friends!

Thanks again!

Luke

[Unreal]

Creatine takes days to build up in your muscles, and the point of taking it is to keep your muscles saturated at higher then normal levels. You don't want it in your blood stream. Just take 5g a day, to maintain proper levels. It isn't something you take and feel an effect.