Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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I am starting a LeanGains-inspired weight training program and Martin recommends 10g of BCAAs immediately before and immediately after fasted training. I travel a lot so I'd rather buy a smaller container of BCAA powder (and I do want powder rather than capsules) than a big tub from Amazon so it will fit in my suitcase. GNC doesn't carry Martin's preferred brands (Xtend and Wraath), so does anyone have experience with the BCAA powders carried at GNC?

It looks like the main BCAA powders they carry are:

GNC ProPerformance Rapid Drive BCAA
Optimum Nutrition BCAA
BSN Amino X
USPlabs Modern BCAA
Labrada Nutrition BCAA
Ultimate Nutrition BCAA

There are a few others as well. If anyone has experience with these I'd love to know what you thought. I'd prefer one with as little sugar/carbs/calories as possible since it will be for training during IF.

Thanks!

flag	asked Apr 26 2012 at 15:02 Sam 1,371●3●17

	I choke down on pure BCAA. It's nasty as hell, but I don't do artificial sweeteners. – Wisper Apr 26 2012 at 22:32
	GNC in my area carries Purple Wraath--its just super expensive ($100 for a 2 lb tub). I am sure there are better offers online. – Craig Apr 27 2012 at 17:55

pbo · Answer 1 · 2012-04-26 17:35:51Z UTC

I get the USPlabs Modern BCAA UNFLAVORED, since it is just pure protein.

For flavor, I add 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder and a few drops of stevia. This seems to hide most of the nasty bitterness of the protein powder.

Any other brand I found has sucralose and more ingredients I rather not have. Not crazy about adding the stevia, but figured better than splenda.

2 scoops mixed w/ some water pre workout is my current routine.

Alan · Answer 2 · 2012-04-27 15:11:30Z UTC

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You may be interested to read this.

BCAA Supplementation Hinders the Benefits of Truly Fasted Training

answered Apr 27 2012 at 15:11

Alan
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	Good article, but the comments section leaves me confused as to when I should take BCAAs. – D.K. Apr 27 2012 at 18:30
	Interesting food for thought. Thanks for the link, Alan. – Craig Apr 27 2012 at 19:52
	I found the link to my site through an analytics tool. @DK BCAA could be used productively for fasted endurance training, if you're into that kind of thing. Other than that, there really isn't much use for BCAA supp's, as you will get plenty of plenty of BCAA's from whole food protein sources. – Matthew Caton May 26 at 21:33
	Thanks for popping in Matthew. I always trained fasted with 10g EAA before, 10g midway and 10g immediately after. For the last month I have stopped all EAA supplementation and have observed no difference at all. Was I wasting my money? Dunno.On non training days I'm trying protein first thing with the aim of dropping fat.. – Alan May 27 at 9:58

jared · Answer 3 · 2012-04-26 15:55:00Z UTC

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I'm going to go out on a limb here, but couldn't you put some in any plastic travel size container? That's what I do when I travel and want to bring some whey protein isolate with me. That way, you can get a brand based on quality and/or price and worry about the size of the container later.

answered Apr 26 2012 at 15:55

jared
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I bring all my supplements in travel containers when traveling. Sometimes I get weird looks, but never any real hassles. – Jen Apr 27 2012 at 17:02

Robert Scott Lawrence · Answer 4 · 2012-04-26 21:57:51Z UTC

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I like IsoPure Zero Carb way better than any of those you listed. All protein, tastes good, no aftertaste, no bloating. Just 100% whey protein. You can get a 3 lb. skinny jug from Amazon for something like $33.

answered Apr 26 2012 at 21:57

Robert Scott Lawrence
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EDouble · Answer 5 · 2012-04-26 16:31:14Z UTC

I can't comment on any of those brands but I like Xtend and Purple Wraath, but I find the former to taste waaaaaaaay better. Purple Wraath seemed to have a bit of a chemical taste to me and I had to work to get it down. Some people like Purple Wraath better because it has Beta Alanine and Niacin in it, both of which make you tingle a little bit during your workout.

I second the suggestion that you back your supplements into a travel-sized container or ziploc bag.

D.K. · Answer 6 · 2012-04-26 17:59:30Z UTC

I also use USPlabs Modern BCAA UNFLAVORED. It also included Sustamine, which is a more bio-available form of l-glutamine. Since sucralose is toxic and poisonous, I stay away from the flavored ones. I also add cacao and stevia and blast it all in my Magic Bullet to dissolve it fully.

Has anyone else tried stacking BCAAs with l-arganine or l-carnitine?

Ed Winmere · Answer 7 · 2012-04-27 16:55:41Z UTC

I have never fasted so I am not sure about what the body needs during that time, however I do know about lifting heavy things. I used to take BCAA's, pre and post workout supps, and creatine. I have eliminated all supplements from my routine and just try and EAT BIG. Eggs, beef, and tuna for every meal helps me stay paleo and build muscle. I must add that on lifting days I have a fruit smoothie as a post workout beverage.

Chris · Answer 8 · 2012-04-26 18:06:12Z UTC

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Unflavored USPlabs BCAAs tastes like crap, so pbo is right with regard to adding some sort of sweetener.

Definitely a good product other than that though.

Edit: Downgrade? I'm just being honest. :(

edited Apr 26 2012 at 18:06

answered Apr 26 2012 at 17:49

Chris
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Christian Golez · Answer 9 · 2012-04-27 17:20:15Z UTC

I've been doing fatlossforever by John Romanello and Dan Go IF program and really enjoyed the structure of the diet and workouts incorporated and how it fits into my lifestyle.

In regards to supplements I use CytoGreens Greens and SciVation Xtend BCAAs they taste great and use it on my fast day to get me by.

IF and Weight Training: BCAA brands at GNC

9 Answers