I want my body to run optimally, and I feel that proper diet and nutrition is of the utmost importance in achieving this.  However, I feel that it is impossible to get all of the nutrients needed for optimal performance from food alone.  That is why I take supplements.

When it comes to supplementation, I keep it simple.  Year round, I take a multi vitamin and mineral pack.  Because of the extreme amounts of stress that I put my body under, I am looking for high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E in my multi pack.  I also look for the various B vitamins for energy (and to make up for my lack of sleep).  When selecting a vitamin, I want something that is natural, not synthetic, as natural vitamins are more easily assimilated by the body, and thus are more potent.

The next most important supplement that I take year round, would be protein.  Based on research, I feel that athletes need anywhere from 1 to 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.  Protein shakes allow me to consume the protein that I need throughout the day, without constantly feeling full from whole food meals.  If you look at the DIET and NUTRITION section of this site, you can see how and where I use protein shakes to supplement my already solid diet.

Glutamine is an amino acid, and I have been using it since high school to aid in recovery and immune system support.  I usually add 10 to 20 grams split up throughout the day to my protein shakes.

I take branch chain amino acids (BCAA's) before doing my morning cardio for the muscle sparing effects without extra calories.  I also take a BCAA supplement during my more intense trianing sessions.  I have a very fast metabolism, and the harder I train, the more muscle I risk wasting.  I feel that BCAA's help prevent this and allow me to train harder and more intensely without wasting precious muscle.

Those are the supplements that I take year round, on almost a daily basis.  Throughout the course of the year, I will also cycle various other supplements that aid in muscle growth, recovery, or immune system support.

I am a big believer in using the herb echinacea to fend off colds.  At the first sign of my body slowing down in anyway, I take maximum dosages of echinacea and I believe that is a big reason as to why I never get sick.

I recently added creatine to my diet to aid in building my body back to it's former muscular proportions.  I feel creatine is best when cycled, so I use it for 8-12 weeks and then go off of it for an equal amount of time.

When it comes to supplementation, people are going to have different needs and requirements.  Be sure to do research before using supplements, and make sure to read labels of products before choosing them.  And remember, they are called supplements (plural noun), because they supplement (verb) a proper diet and nutrition strategy.