Best products from r/ketogains

alright here goes my exhaustive list of stuff that goes into my preworkout! i love to research the stuff that works, and then experiment to see how effectively they work for me, especially on keto.

1. 1 scoop of pre jym from bodybuilding.com - just because i don't want to add all those ingredients (good compared to most) on my own and it tastes pretty good (raspberry lemonade). it does, however, have 4g carbs per scoop - https://www.bodybuilding.com/store/jym/pre-jym.html
   
   
   
2. 1/2 scoop of optimum nutrition hydrowhey protein powder (about 15g protein) - fast digesting preworkout protein seems more logical than just bcaas. keeps me satiated during my workout and seems to boost recovery times because i have the full gamut of proper amino acids in my bloodstream as exercise-induced insulin rises. turbo chocolate and chocolate peanut butter are my favorites. vanilla surprisingly sucks and gets very foamy - https://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/platinum_hydrowhey.html
   
   
   
3. 1 tsp curcumin powder from bulk supplements - expensive but 1kg lasts a long time - go to examine.com to see the dozens of benefits it has across the board. i use this to help alleviate my disc issues, but it feels great for workouts because it reduces inflammation everywhere, especially joints. you can get pills instead, but they're not as cost effective and i like to blend it into my shakes. MAKE SURE YOU PAIR IT WITH BIOPERINE (already in pre jym but super cheap anyway) OR GET THE BIO AVAILABLE TYPES. otherwise, only your gut will get the benefits -
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GHY364A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
4. 1 digestive enzyme pill - research has shown that such enzymes not only help with what you'd expect, digestion, but also boost muscle synthesis, immune system, reduce soreness, etc. - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RH5K26I/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
   
5. 1 tbsp extra citrulline malate - because 1 scoop of pre-jym doesn't have the clinical dose of around 8g. research has shown that it reduces soreness and speeds up muscle repair. i believe it helps performance as well - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYDJU50/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
6. EDIT: 1/2 tsp (not 2 tsp) extra beta alanine - because 1 scoop of pre-jym doesn't have enough. this stuff kinda acts like creatine, boosting the number of reps you can do. especially helpful on my high rep/speed days. great for crossfit types of workouts if you're into those. i like the tingly feeling as well - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EIO4I8E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
7. 1/2 tsp potassium citrate - i take electrolytes before and during my workouts -
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENSA93S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
8. 1/16 tsp magnesium glycinate - one of the most bioavailable forms of mg and doesn't mess up your digestion -
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F7OZJR8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
9. 1/2 tsp calcium citrate - Ca and Mg go well together in the body. also, multivitamins rarely hit the RDA for calcium -
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8I5XPG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
   
   
   
10. 1/2 tsp pink salt - sodium! need lots of it because i sweat a lot - https://www.samsclub.com/sams/himalayan-pink-salt-5-lb-fine-grain/prod20131268.ip
    
    
    
11. 1/4 tsp vitamin c - i take a lot of vit C to help with disc healing. collagen synthesis requires vit C. of course, great anti-oxidant, great for skin, etc. -
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYIM9Y8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
    
    
12. 1/2 tsp ALCAR - i supplement this mostly for the nootropic effect (boosts the brain and concentration), but it supposedly helps with fat breakdown and energy a little bit. i feel razor sharp concentrated during my workouts with this. also, it's just plain old good for the brain. -
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E7H96DY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
    
    
    
13. 200 mg L-theanine - smooths out the jittery feeling from caffeine to provide more stable energy. also good before bed to get higher quality of sleep. -
    https://www.amazon.com/BulkSupplements-Pure-L-Theanine-Powder-grams/dp/B00E7GESLA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492089341&sr=8-1&keywords=bulk%2Bl-theanine&th=1
    
    
    
14. 100mg pill RALA - good for the nervous system and energy - https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Stabilized-R-Lipoic-BioEnhanced/dp/B000I4C19G/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492089382&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor%27s+best+rala
    
    
    
15. 200mg coq10 - good for the heart, boosts energy a bit - https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Absorption-Bioperine-Supplement/dp/B00HRGN36S/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492089466&sr=8-2&keywords=doctor%27s%2Bbest%2Bcoenzyme%2Bq10&th=1
    
    
    
16. 320mg saw palmetto extract pill - good for men's prostate health, keeps good testosterone high (instead of DHT), and for me, prevents the hairloss that creatine (i think) has induced. not just bs bro science, go to examine.com for research. i personally have regrown a lot of hair by taking 2-3 three of these a day for the last three months! - https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Palmetto-Softgels-Count/dp/B006RQ6TAG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492092375&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor%27s+best+saw+palmetto
    
    
    
17. 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder - keeps my digestion on track, prevents the indigestion i tend to get from MCT oil - https://www.amazon.com/Bulksupplements-Pure-Psyllium-Powder-grams/dp/B0100QRXOO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1492092483&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=psyllium%2Bhusk%2Bpowder&th=1
    
    
    
18. 10g MCT oil - i either use brain octane or miCkey T Eight because they are pure C-8 caprylic acid instead of blends of the crappier acids. definitely boosts energy during long workouts. careful, it tends to mess with your stomach if you don't ease into it. if you're good with coconut oil, you're probably good with this. - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RUCHISS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
    
    
19. 100mg hyaluronic acid - helps with joints and skin. i have noticed my knee and elbow pain going away while taking this. skin complexion also improved. - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00663G8WO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
    
    currently experimenting with:
    
    
    
20. clear muscle - i usually supplement HMB, but this is the newer liquid variant. its pricey, and i haven't noticed anything bad about it, but it's hard to say if it's working better than the much cheaper powdered HMB. studies are probably very biased, so i can't really trust them - https://www.amazon.com/MuscleTech-Advanced-Strength-Building-Capsules/dp/B00JQ3WXS4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492094034&sr=8-1&keywords=clear+muscle
    
    
    
21. phospha muscle - phosphatidic acid has shown some promise in studies, but again, probably biased research. also cannot tell yet, but i have seen some decent strength gains pairing this with clear muscle. we'll see! - https://www.amazon.com/MuscleTech-Phospha-Clinically-Phosphatidic-SoftGels/dp/B00UVAG1PM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492094155&sr=8-1&keywords=phospha+muscle
    
    
    phew! making this list made me realize how much time and effort i put into the trial and error of my preworkout. of course, i supplement a lot of this stuff with my other meals as well. as you can see, i'm very big on supplements, biohacking, and nootropics. i read up a lot on research in my spare time.

I am similar to you. I have ET, and it is very hard for me to gain weight. When I was your age (30+ years ago), I was 6'2" and 128 lbs soaking wet. About 8-9 years ago, I was still no heavier than 135-140 lbs.

Then I read a book called, Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. It inspired me to start lifting heavy for the first time in my life. There are a lot of ways to go about it, but I followed a super simple plan called StrongLifts 5x5. On top of that, I lowered my carbs a bit and increased my protein and fat intake (this was before keto was such a big thing) and tracked my macros and calorie intake on My Fitness Pal. For the first time in my life, I started to gain weight and got up to a lean 160 lbs in less than a year. I'm sure that I would have continued a "clean" weight gain if I had stuck to my diet and exercise routine. Unfortunately, I got off track for a variety of reasons and lost 10 of the pounds I had gained.

Now I'm considering keto to help with my ET and energy level, even though I'm not lifting and certainly not trying to lose weight.

Bottom line, if I can gain, you can gain. Lift heavy free weights. Don't waste your time on those circuit machines. Track your calories and macros. Get advice from this sub and others as far as what to eat. Stick with it. Get a workout buddy to help you stay accountable and to give you encouragement.

Good luck!

First off, welcome! :)

There is already a ton of good info in the links, and other's posts, but I want to emphasize, as you've mentioned:

Starting Strength, the book, and Starting Strength, the DVD.

The book does a better job than any other program I've seen in explaining exactly what to do, and how to do it. The DVD shows you what good form looks like.

Sure, you can get both from links and YouTube, but as far as I'm concerned, this is some of the best possible money spent, in terms of return on investment. You'll get a good beginner's program, and you'll see exactly what the motions are you need to do.

A good trainer is a big plus, no doubt. The problem is finding a good trainer, and not one that will just try and push hard for you to do a 30-minute circuit and call it a day. And this really is a problem. It took me months upon months to finally find the guys I wanted to train with. The amount of bull pushed in the fitness world is astounding.

My advice for supplements (beyond a basic multi, fish oil, & D) is simple: For your first year of training, ignore them.

First comes form, technique, and newbie gains. That will fill out an entire year. There's enough to learn that you won't get bored. Honest. :)

Eat however you enjoy most that gets you the daily calories/macros you need. Timing details are when you're searching for the last half a percent of gain. Right now is not the time for that. Right now is time to bask in your newbgains and nail down the basics, because the rapid progress a beginner makes is an awesome feeling!

You'll definitely need to recalculate your macros to incorporate working out and losing more fat/gaining more muscle.

Calorie-wise, Fat contains 9 calories per gram, Protein contains 4 calories per gram, and Carbs contain 4 calories per gram. That's essentially why we can remain satiated eating far less carbs by comparison, and more fat than the Standard American Diet (acronym is SAD for a reason...).

But the good thing with incorporating exercise, specifically lifting weights with this diet, is that you can cut back on some of the fat and incorporate more protein, which not only fuels your muscles, but is less calories per gram, so less to burn. For example, your macros are the following:

• 98g Fat (882 calories, 51%)
  
• 79g Protein (316 calories, 41%)
  
• 16g Carbs (64 calories, 8%)
  
  For a grand total of only 1262 calories. You could easily afford to eat more protein while lifting since you'll probably burn at least another 100 calories during your workout. Since protein is just as calorie-dense as carbs, and more than half as calorie-dense as fat, you can afford to increase your protein intake by another 25g to compensate for the 100 calories you're burning during a workout (again, just an estimate).
  
  Luckily, Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder has exactly 25g of protein per scoop, zero carbs, and zero fat.
  
  Also, as another tool, try the Fitbod app, which can be used for free for three workouts before you have to pay. That can give you a relatively decent idea of how many calories you're burning per workout, and it has a lot of specific lift exercises that can really narrow it down.
  
  Hope this helps!

Cramps and fatigue will tell you if you're getting enough electrolytes. I've never been big on fixed numbers for the day but it certainly works for people. If you're doing hard workouts then I recommend those ketone salts (unflavored). They have a pretty good ratio (although it does have calcium but also a lot of magnesium to go along with it). The whole salt = high blood pressure thing is a bit overrated and not well understood. If you have good functioning kidneys, then you should be able to process huge amounts of salt without any problems and it will actually lower your blood pressure and keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Source.

​

Check out vitamin D3 + K2(MK7) supplements to help move the calcium into the bone and tissue if you're still cramping after getting enough electrolytes.

>My scale says 14% and had gym do caliper test, they said 6%...

How the F**k did they do the caliper test in the gym? You'll get better results if your dog does them.

My advice:

• Disregard what your scale says (I assume it's electric, and those are ways off, even more so on keto because you are not retaining water).
  
  
• Use this visual guide for comparison. Be sure to read the description to see where you fit.
  
  
• If you can, buy some calipers from BodyBuilding.com or Amazon, this is the cheapest and highest quality you can get for home
  
  
• Use the guide on the sidebar (under useful links) as to measure your bodyfat. Have someone else do the measurements and use the Jackson-Pollock 7 point method which is the most accurate.
  
  Now, if you want, you can post some pictures (flexed) and I´ll help you guesstimate where are you right now.
  
  As for everything else, remeber: Diet & Nutrition > Strength Training > Cardio
  
  I wouldn't really recommend a fat fast, what is the point of it? In any case, better do a PSMF (protein sparing modified fast).
  
  If you want abs, eat perfect, hit your macros, and lift. Crash diets will crash you and are only recommended to meet deadlines. If you don't have muscle underneath, you'll just end drenched and won't look as you'd hoped.

Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb Creamy Vanilla is a staple in my diet. 50g protein per 2 scoops and 0 carbs. I add 1-2 tbsp of peanut butter for an extra fat boost and blend it with some water and some crushed ice which gives it a nice smoothie texture. Tastes great and fits my macros nicely. If you're not down for Vanilla flavor, the dutch chocolate is pretty good and only 1 net carb per 2 scoops.

No this one

https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Basic-Barbell-Training/dp/0982522738/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

It's the current edition.

This book will tell you everything you need to know about starting to train. The squat chapter is 64 pages long and it will explain everything, foot position, angle, grip, where to put the bar... all of it. There's also a starting strength channel on YouTube and you can see real time coaching. It's hard to go it alone but I'm doing it to pretty great effect. At some point in the next month I'll finally make an appointment with a SSC (starting strength coach) and get the issues with my form cleared up. It'll be a couple hours drive but worth it.

I can't say from experience in regards to MusclePharm Z-Core PM; however based on the supplement facts on their website it doesn't contain any BCAAs. Not to mention this isn't really a pre-workout supplement, more for before you sleep (unless you workout before you go to bed). *Note that it has melatonin.

[Unstoppable pre-workout?] (http://www.bodyenfitshop.nl/workouts/pre-workout/dedicated-nutrition/unstoppable/#ingredienten) based on this, since it doesn't have any BCAAs either, yes you will need extra BCAAs (preferably post workout).

ON Amino Energy has all the essential BCAAs, so you're good with that.



Frankly, you would benefit the most from the creatine (make sure it's monohydrate) and from ON Amino Energy. However, it would be more cost effective if you just bought straight up BCAAs like [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-BCAA-Capsules-400-Count/dp/B000SOXALE/) and instead of using that Unstoppable pre-workout, go for some coffee or caffeine pills.

If you want to do a whey protein, I've been using Nature's Best Perfect Zero Carb Isopure. Tastes good and doesn't have anything ketoers don't want.

According to the nutrition facts your 6x Orange Triad Multivitamin is only giving your 100mg or 25% of your daily magnesium needs. I would definitely up your magnesium levels. I usually take about 400mg a day and I don't have problems with muscle cramping or excessive soreness. It's worth a shot anyway, it's relatively cheap, I use Doctor's Best brand

Optimum Nutrition is freaking great!! Overall good brand, and always priced pretty affordable - no frill good stuff

http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-BCAA-Capsules-400-Count/dp/B000SOXALE

All sorts of sizes avaiable!

I'd check out Starting Strength and as /u/dubdubdub2014 mentioned, Stronglifts 5x5. You'll see both of these programs recommended a lot on /r/fitness.

Beyond picking up a copy and reading Starting Strength, 3rd edition, I don't have any personal experience with either program. What I can say is that the author, Mark Rippetoe, does an amazing job at breaking down and explaining the mechanics and progression of learning of each of the lifts in his program. Though I haven't started yet, I decided on Starting Strength over SL 5x5 based on this review.

Whatever path you choose, make sure you learn the proper movements before you start loading up the weight. Learning the right technique initially is a lot easier than unlearning the wrong and then learning the right one later on. Take your time, and if something feels wrong, it probably is.

> Just eyeballing it and due to lack of definition in the upper abdominals (I'm sure you can "pinch an inch" just below your pecs) I believe you are around ~15-16%

That's what I was originally guestimating at, between 14% and 16%. And yes, I can definitely pinch an inch.

> What calipers are you using?

For home use, I'm using the Sequoia Defender calipers.

> To correctly use calipers, follow this guide
>
> And place results here (choose 7 point system, as it is more accurate).

Thanks, I'll see about taking a more accurate measurement this way this weekend.

Hm, interesting. I've never heard of it but checked it out. Really, you're only at 60g of net carbs at two servings of it (because of the fiber). It also has a little MCT in it which is interesting. If you had really low carb at dinner you could potentially stay in keto, and even if not in keto you're keeping insulin pretty low throughout the day so you should be able to access fat for fuel pretty easily.

I go for a similar amount of nutrients in a quick shake form by using a scoop of VegaOne and a scoop of IsoPure (which has a ton of potassium) in a shake with spinach, a few berries, an avocado and a handful of macadamia nuts.

I use Mickey T 8 - cheapest C-8 MCT I could find on amazon. There are a lot of other 'MCT Oils' on there, but I was looking for predominantly c-8.


Mickey 8 is great IMO. Also never had an issue with bottling or quality, or anything (and if there was, I know amazon would sort it out). Link below


http://www.amazon.com/MiCkey-Eight-32oz-AMAZON-Caprylic/dp/B00RUCHISS

I also bought a little squeeze bottle so I could easily put the right amount of MCT in.

http://www.amazon.com/Soft-Style-B22-Applicator-Bottle/dp/B001MP5X2M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I would highly recommend tracking your first couple of weeks if not months on an app like https://cronometer.com/ that way you know exactly what you're getting (especially the electrolytes) and you can look back over time to see what did and didn't work for you. I personally prefer cronometer over myfitnesspal because the data is from "official" sources making it more reliable, and it automatically calculates net carbs.

As for my sodium intake I drink 1-3 "cups" of broth a day. I suggest a product like this: https://www.amazon.com/Tones-Bouillon-Cubes-Chicken-Ounce/dp/B00COCUM96/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488304840&sr=8-10&keywords=bouillon or similar. This specific listing on amazon is a little weird, because it used to have 1.1g of sodium per cube but the ones that I got only have 850mg.

Potassium is regulated to only be 99mg per serving in the US (for supplements). I supplement my potassium with Potassium Citrate from bulk supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENSA93S/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488305035&sr=sr-1&keywords=potassium+citrate and use a MG resolution scale. I wasn't very strict about my potassium until the last couple of weeks and I've noticed a HUGE difference in energy, mood, and concentration.

It'll take a little bit of time for your body to adapt and feel hunger again (especially for fats) I know when I start up Keto again it's hard for me to eat that much fat, my body just wants carbs. After a couple weeks I can eat more.

This one works for me! I've heard great things about this drink, but I prefer the pills to just get it over with haha.

Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Lysinate, 100% Chelated, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, 200 mg, 240 Tablets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BD0RT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.g0DzbCVRDFK0


This is what I use and what I have heard from a couple people is the best kind. I swear by it. I bought it for anxiety purposes but it works for this really well.

I tend to make my own. You can buy empty capsules and then just fill it to what you estimate you need sodium wise.

Looking online, they have this deal called a "SaltStick" which sounds awesome! I might have to pick me up some of these instead of making my own. Especially as it has more than just "salt" in them!

http://www.amazon.com/SaltStick-Electrolyte-Replacement-Capsules-Supplement/dp/B002IY96B0

Read this: https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Fix-Experts-Wrong-Eating/dp/0451496965/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1536239348&sr=8-5&keywords=salt+book

​

Then get these: https://www.amazon.com/SaltStick-Electrolyte-Replacement-Capsules-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536239395&sr=8-3&keywords=salt+sticks

​

Pop 2 two to three times per day (in general) and before and after every workout. They also sell a version with caffeine in it. I'll take 3 of those (solid dose of electrolytes) for 90mg of caffeine before a fasted morning workout. Makes a big difference.

​

As another poster said, measure your electrolyte intake daily and increase it until your symptoms go away (within reason). You should also make sure you are supplementing Mg... per Volek and Phinney. I've found that Mag64 2x per day prevents almost all cramping. I'll do a 30 day cycle and then drop it until I start to early signs of cramps and then restart (it is not cheap).

​

Good luck,

NB

Here ya go:
https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-Basic-Barbell-Training/dp/0982522738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519836477&sr=8-1&keywords=starting+strength

The app also includes the entire book as well as warm up weight amounts. Pretty slick.

That kind of testing should be part of the membership. I bring in my own calipers, show which sites I want skinfold measurements and put them into the calculator on my phone so there's no room for interpretation. Some personal trainers are scumbags.

Maybe your husband can do the measurements for you. Here's a site that shows the 7-point method and also where to plug those numbers in to give you the results. As per /u/darthluiggi 's suggestion, I use the Defender bodyfat caliper. I've had great results with it.

Very interesting!

Question though, why are protein shakes listed as 'in moderation'? I'm drinking 2 or 3 of these a day: https://www.amazon.com/Isopure-Protein-Powder-Creamy-Vanilla/dp/B000E95HP0 Should I be concerned?

Magnesium oxide is useless. I get this magnesium:
http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Absorption-Magnesium-Elemental/dp/B000BD0RT0

Works great and solves my cramping.

Is this the right ratio? Is there a different one you recommend?

I ride 50-68 miles as well on keto.

For electrolytes, I've been using SaltStick

> Isopure zero carb

The one I have is Zero carbs for 2 scoops. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Isopure-Protein-Powder-Vanilla-Packaging/dp/B000E95HP0?th=1

Try Salt Sticks. http://www.amazon.com/Saltstick-Electrolyte-Capsules-100-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412117793&sr=8-1&keywords=salt+sticks

Salt tabs yo'. It's basically exactly what you're looking for: http://www.amazon.com/Saltstick-Electrolyte-Capsules-100-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0

Why don't you just take the BCAA in capsule form and avoid the entire need to water anything down, worry about flavor, etc? Way easier, and not that expensive. Optimum sells them on amazon for $23. http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Capsules-1000mg-Count/dp/B000SOXALE/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1462286207&sr=1-2&keywords=bcaa