3 Mandatory Supplements for Our Fat Loss Diet
Updated: July 2016
Disclaimer: Although I am a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist, please check with your physician or a certified dietitian before adding any dietary supplements to your diet. The content below contains some affiliate links, if you purchase something, I get a small commission.
This is an installment in our "Good Looking Loser Body" series.
Below are the 3 supplements that I consider absolutely necessary with our fat loss diet for the natural trainee.
They are essential to just about any weight loss diet that restricts carbohydrates and high calorie foods.
I’ll tell you why.
These recommendations will cost you about $3 a day.
You will probably save money on food in the process.
I don’t put ‘stuff’ on the mandatory list unless I think you really need it.
I also don't put garbage that doesn't work or stuff I don't use.
I used to take TONS of supplements, it was a total waste of my money.
You don't necessarily need to buy multiple quantities, I'm just showing you that I use them.
The 3 Mandatory Fat Loss Diet Supplements
#1 BCAA Complex - Preserve Muscle, Target Fat (Muy Importante)
Branched-chain amino acids, BCAA's, are arguably the most important supplement in the entire program.
In short - BCAA’s allow your body to burn FAT instead of burning MUSCLE.
Without this supplement, with aggressive low-carb dieting - you will end up “skinny-fat,” I guarantee that. I’ve experienced that 2 times before and I literally ate away most of the muscle that I spent months building.
I will NEVER do a weight loss program without large amounts of BCAA’s.
You know how guys take steroids to prevent muscle loss when they diet? Well BCAA’s aren’t steroids, but for the natural trainee, they are the VERY BEST supplement you can have to preserve your lean mass in my opinion.
I suggest the formula below - they are inexpensive and taste wonderful. In the diet, I recommend taking them before training and during training, but honestly- you CAN’T get enough BCAA’s. Drink up. Take them on an empty stomach.
My recommendation is to -
- Take 2 servings (on an empty stomach) before your workout
- Take another 2 servings during your workout
You can't get enough of these, I drink them all day (often with Kratom) but it depends on how much you have to spend on BCAAs.
You don't need BCAA's if you are on a normal diet or trying to gain weight. It is only usually for a low/no-carbohydrate fat loss diet.
Certain protein powders contain BCAA's. Unfortunately, when BCAA's are consumed with other amino acids (and calories) they don't seem to get absorbed as well. Furthermore, there's no solid foods that provide significant amounts of BCAA's in the clinically tested ratio 2:1:1 or that will get absorbed as well.
Branch-chained amino acids have been around a long time, they are clinically proven to prevent muscle loss. In my opinion, they are one of the most underrated supplements of all-time.
Here are some university studies published in medical journals-
- "Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids..."
International Journal of the Society of Sports Nutrition; May 2012.
- "Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise."
Journal of Nutrition; January 2006.
- "Exercise promotes BCAA catabolism: effects of BCAA supplementation on skeletal muscle during exercise." Journal of Nutrition; June 2004.
#2 Fat Burner - Kill Fat, Appetite, Increase Focus and Motivation
After BCAA's, I consider a high-quality fat burner the most important dietary supplement if you want to aggressively (but safely) shed fat.
It makes cardiovascular and weight training a breeze when it would be otherwise pretty difficult on an empty stomach. I never liked aimlessly jogging in place on a treadmill, but with a fat burner - it's not only tolerable, it's a pleasure.
If you have preexisting cardiovascular conditions, do not use fat burners.
The product I recommend is our own formulation.
I am very proud of this supplements, you guys will really like it.
It is strong enough to use as a pre-workout supplement (2-3 capsules) and mild enough to use on non-training days and won't make you a anxious, jittery, overheated basketcase.
This is the same formula that I used to drop a considerable amount of bodyfat in 25 days.
#3 Greens Formula - Organic Fruits and Vegetables
The diet calls for a serving (or 2) of vegetables at each meal.
But I don’t have time to cook vegetables or the patience.
Neither do you.
This is the answer.
It is less expensive than buying organic vegetables, it takes about 12 seconds to prepare and it tastes a hell of a lot better.
Also, in general, low-carbohydrate diets tend to lack fruits and vegetables. Although neglecting vegetables won’t really impact your weight loss, it’s simply not healthful to miss out on your greens (and reds).
I'm serious, it matters big time and I'm no hippie.
2 scoops of this formula has more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than you could get by eating a full salad or bowl of fruit with every meal.
Regardless of what diet you follow, the average person doesn't consume enough fruits and vegetables and would significantly benefit from this supplement.
It is the only nutrition supplement that I feel almost everyone needs - even if they aren't trying to lose weight.
Remember, we take supplements to ‘supplement’ or replace dietary deficiencies (such as not eating enough fruits and vegetables), this formula will do that and then some.
If you are following our low/no-carbohydrate diet, be sure to prepare it with UNSWEETENED Almond Milk or one of these dairy milk alternatives that don't have maltodextrin. Throwing it in a protein shake is great too.
The taste is phenomenal.
This Will Cost You About $3 Dollars A Day
Those are the 3 mandatory recommendations.
They will run you a TOTAL of about $3/day.
You may find yourself saving money on food, with the appetite suppression from the fat burner, you will be eating less.
Conclusion
That's it.
3 dietary supplements to combine with our fat loss diet.
(they will be useful for any legitimate low-carbohydrate fat loss diet)
They'll run you about $3 a day and ultimately save you money because your appetite will be suppressed.
Comments are open below, but I'm super busy, I encourage you to ask all of your questions or start a fitness log in our health and fitness forum.