Reddit mentions of Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA Powder, Unflavored, Keto Friendly Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Powder, 5000mg, 60 Servings, 12.16 Ounce

There are brands that make unflavored BCAA's.

https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Essential-Unflavored/dp/B002DYIZIU?th=1

You could always buy the unflavored and then whatever flavor you do like and do a half and half?

I go with optimum nutrition. It tastes awful, but I believe all unflavored ones do. I trust the brand though.

edit:

http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-5000mg-Unflavored/dp/B002DYIZIU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381280186&sr=8-3&keywords=optimum+nutrition+bcaa

Comes down to $23.51 USD. Which is only 3 dollars cheaper then what Amazon has it listed as -$26.08

i got the unflavored optimum nutrition, and mix it with a glass of water before i leave for the gym. it tastes like chalk, but at this point 1) idgaf, 2) i can't even taste it anymore. http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-5000mg-Unflavored/sim/B002DYIZIU/2


i got 2 containers, since i didn't know how much i would need. have been using it since june, and there is still a ton left of the first container.

Approximately, 2 heaping teaspoons. I like ON.

Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA 5000mg Powder, Unflavored, 345g

BCAA is branched chain aminos, yes. I'd say try both, if getting it through natural foods doesn't bother you while lifting then eat it, but you said you have trouble eating solid food. Make sure dairy doesn't trouble you similarly.

ON's instantized powder isn't terrible.

I have been using ON Pro Complex but I plan on switching back to ON Whey for the during of this challenge.

I haven't been taking vitamins or supplements for a few months, but plan on getting on a MultiVit and fish oil. If needed I will take BCAAs because I still a bunch left over from when I was being more intense about this a few months back.

I've never used Creatine, I might look into it for this. :)

I have the pure, unflavored BCAA. The calories are negligible (but the down side is it tastes like a mix between sucking on a penny and chewing an advil tablet).

And i know there is no magical BCAA number, but I have been reading recently that some people claim it helps preserve muscle mass in a deficit. I was trying to hash it out with my buddy who is PhD candidate and chemistry and his understanding leans towards that too.

Basically the way I understand it is BCAA are the essential amino acids your body cannot synthesize on its own and so it gets them from what you eat. However, if say you need 180 grams of protein and day and you run a deficit but eat 180 grams of protein, your body is going to take some of that protein and convert it to energy to make up for the deficit. Therefore, your muscles are only getting say... 150 grams of protein. Your body needs BCAA to function so it breaks down your own muscle to make up the different. By ingesting pure BCAA you keep it in your body so that your body does not need to break down muscle to convert it into BCAA and thus you preserve more muscle mass.

OPTIMUM NUTRITION Instantized BCAA 5000 Powder, Unflavored
or
OPTIMUM NUTRITION Instantized Bcaa Powder, Fruit Punch

BCAAs help muscle recovery and add very few calories, it tends to give you an energy boost as well. My wife prefers the unflavoured one mixed with fresh lemon juice. I'll take a scoop or two of the second one in my first liter of water of the day. They're also good for while you work out.

When working out I also like Optimum Nutrition Natural Amino Energy Naturally Flavoured as it also has caffeine.

I'm no good at it, and haven't ever successfully got into the habit, but from reading about it, paying attention to your macro nutrients is also very important. Personally for me, to break any current plateaus it's my next step.

Check your history, good on ya for what you've already accomplished!