Overfeeding gradually leads to increased fat mass. Arginine supplements prevented fat accumulation in rats fed high-calorie diets. In a study genetically obese rats were fed diets high or low in fat. Fat pad weights were 74 percent higher in rats fed a high-fat diet. Supplementing their diet with arginine reduced fat increase by 50 percent. Arginine treatments resulted in lower blood levels of leptin (weight controlling hormone), glucose, triglycerides, urea, glutamine and branched-chain amino acids. The arginine-fed rats also had higher levels of nitric oxide, an important marker of metabolic health. If these results apply to humans, taking arginine supplements might be useful in athletes trying to gain quality weight.

Ever hear “affordable” and “high quality” in the same sentence when referring to protein?  How about “great tasting” and “inexpensive?”  These are all words that describe Intek’s Protein Evolution.  This protein powder blend consists of whey isolate, egg and casein proteins.  This allows for an immediate and extended release of aminos for an anabolic and anti-catabolic effect.  What’s cool about this protein is that its not loaded with fillers like alot of other brands.  Each 40 gram serving size contains a whopping 34 grams of protein!  I don’t know about you but when I buy protein I want protein and not all that other junk some companies throw in there to water down their product.  With 34 grams of protein per 40 gram serving there is no room for fat, cholesterol, sodium or sugar so this is a protein perfect for dieters or people looking to gain lean muscle.  The story doesn’t end there with Intek’s Protein Evolution though.  Intek also adds fiber and a blend of digestive enzymes to further enhance absorbtion.  That means more protein will actually enter your system and less is wasted; more bang for your buck.  A unique feature of this particular protein is the addition of colostrum.  Colostrum is found in mother’s milk and helps to enhance immune function and increase IGF-1 levels which can lead to increased nitrogen retention.  Increased nitrogen retention equals more lean muscle accumulation.  The icing on the cake is that you get all this in a 5lb jug for $47.99!  If you haven’t tried Intek’s Protein Evolution yet I strongly suggest that you do, you will not be sorry.

Vasopro Alternatives

As the cost of Mega Pro Vasopro ephedrine has increased we have had numerous customers ask us about potential alternatives.  Below is a list of some of our recommendations broken out by the most common uses for Vasopro.

Energy:

If you are using the vasopro ephedrine for energy we recommend trying one of the following.  BioRhythm’s Adrenalean or Intek’s Fat Burner Evolution if you are looking for moderate energy.  If you are looking for something that is more intense take a look at Intek’s Thermogenic or Hyper Genetic Labs Killer Bee’s.

Metabolism:

If you’re looking for a boost in metabolism or help with weight loss try Intek’s Fat Burner Evolution or Intek’s Thermogenic.  Both will provide good energy as well as a boost in metabolism while keeping appetite in check.

Pre-workout Intensity:

If you are using vasopro before a workout for intensity and energy you may be better off with one of the products specifically designed for this purpose.  Our favorites in this category are BioRhythm Arnge Krush, SSL Rush, Nutrex Hemo Rage, and Champion Adrenol 8.

For Breathing Relief or Asthma:

Try using NOW Foods Respir All or Irwin Naturals Aller-Pure.  There products are designed to open up the nasal passages and help clear the sinuses to support clearer breathing.

Give us a call for more information or to purchase any of these products. 

This is a sample of the type of foods that would constitute a healthy diet which would allow an individual to maintain muscle while losing body fat.  For best results the calories would need to be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual.

Sample Weightloss Diet For Women
Meal 1 (7 AM)
1/2 cup of dry oats mixed with water
1/2 cup of egg beaters

Meal 2 (9 AM)
Meal replacement like BioRhythm Whole Gains mixed with water

Meal 3 (12 Noon)
1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

Meal 4 (3 PM)
Same as Meal 2

Meal 5 (6 PM) 1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

Meal 6 (8 PM)
Same as Meal 2

Dairy based protein has been shown to be more anabolic than plant proteins.  Of the two main dairy proteins whey elicits a faster rise in plasma amino acids than casein does.  Recent studies have also shown that you should combine whey and casein to build muscle and reduce body fat more quickly. 

It can certainly help.  Replacing some carbohydrates and fats with lean protein increases metabolic rates because the human body burns more calories breaking down protein than other types of food.  Most people consume 12 to 15 percent of their total energy intake from protein.  If protein calories are increased research has shown a metabolism boost.  When people eat more protein, they tend to back off from some very refined carbohydrates. 

Include protein for Breakfast for more Energy

If you breakfast consists of yogurt, cereal, or simply coffee, you may need a protein boost to avoid energy slumps, cravings, and overeating later in the day.

If you’re anything like me you want the absolute best of everything.  When it comes to exercise you want the best facilities and the best training techniques and, of course, the best supplements to promote recovery.  Let’s say you’ve got the first two covered and as an avid gym goer you use protein as your foundation supplement.  There are many different kinds of protein on the market including; casein, whey, egg, soy and even hemp protein!  By now I’m sure you’ve figured out that you should be using whey protein due to its absorbability, high BCAA content, mixability and better flavoring.  But did you know there is more than one type of whey?  From poorest quality to purest, this list includes: whey concentrate, whey isolate, micro filtered ion exchange whey isolate, and hydrolyzed whey isolate.  Ion exchange whey is of the purest quality and hydrolyzed whey is a form of ion exchange whey broken down for enhanced absorption.  Although these are the absolute best types of whey they are not cheap to manufacture and can be a costly finished product.  The people that use Isopure or VP2 know what I’m talking about.  I’ve seen Isopure at $52 for a 3lb and VP2 at $50 for a 2lb!!  Ok, you might just want to wipe down your computer screen real quick because you’re about to kiss it.  I’ve found an affordable ion exchange/hydrolyzed whey protein that actually tastes good, no, scratch that, great.  Fortified with glutamine and a vitamin and mineral complex Intek’s Isolate Evolution Protein is, bar none, the best isolate I’ve ever had.  As an added bonus it contains way less sodium than any of the other isolates on the market and it comes in a really cool see through green jug!  Did you kiss your computer screen yet?  Well if that didn’t do it than let’s talk price.  A 3lb jug fetches just $39.99…seriously; you can stop kissing your computer screen now. 

Intek’s Thermogenic Evolution??  More like Intek’s Where the F#*% Did the Fat Go!!!  I’ve used alot of fat burners in my time and this one ranks with the elite.  Having gained a solid 15lbs for my strongman competition I figured it was time to get back down to a leaner, healthier bodyweight of 220lbs. I’m sure you can do the math.  Gaining 15lbs was fun and quite easy; I just ate more.  Dropping 15lbs is another story.  Cardio sucks but its a necessary evil and being hungry all the time gets annoying.  Intek’s Thermogenic Evolution is the answer to your dieting woes.

I was sent a bottle to try and with like most supplements I was skeptical, until I took my first dose.  Holy gratuitous amounts of energy, Batman!! The compound blend Intek uses is specifically formulated to boost energy levels, kill appetite, and even enhance mood. I was zipping through my day and when it was time for my work out I conquered that gym like Conan the Conquerer.  And talk about appetite suppression!  At 235lbs I am hungry all the time.  It takes alot of food for me to maintain that bodyweight.  When I’m on Thermogenic Revolution the hunger is crushed.  It’s almost like I have to remind myself to eat.  It literally took me three weeks to drop that 15lbs.  No joke.  This is not a fat burner for the faint of heart.  This is, however, a fat burner for anyone that wants to drop bodyfat fast.

Test Revolution is another formula loaded with science based ingredients from MSI.  Check out the list of active ingredients below. 

Divanil is an extract from Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) that’s standardized to 95% 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran. Research has shown it can bind tightly to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), giving it the potential to increase bioavailable (free) testosterone.

Icariin is a “testosterone mimetic”.  Research on Icariin has shown it to support circulating testosterone.  Several animal-based studies have found icariin is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, similar in function to Viagra.

FenoTest also has Testosterone-like properties on its own. By binding to the Testosterone receptor sites in the body it stimulates anabolic and androgenic activity. This has been verified by studies where FenoTest has led to anabolic and androgenic activity similar to Testosterone.

6-alpha-Bromodione is a fast acting competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme. It works by binding to the aromatase enzyme to prevent it from aromatizing androgens. This is not a permanent binding and later acts to normalize aromatase (and thus estrogen levels) as hormone production returns to normal. It specifically targets aromatase and does not act as a central anti-androgen like some other post cycle products can. This means that your libido and mood will not be negatively affected.

White button mushrooms suppress aromatase activity and estrogen biosynthesis.  White button mushroom helps keep your testosterone from being converted to estrogen via aromatase enzymes.

Fadogia Agrestis won’t provide an unnatural boost in testosterone levels that competes with your own testosterone production, instead, it actually elevates your testosterone level naturally by first elevating your Luteinizing Hormone (LH).  LH in the male body, is the hormone which signals the release of Testosterone and once LH levels are elevated, Testosterone levels soon increase as well.

This formula is a truly science based blend of ingredients shown to increase testosterone naturally translating into improved athletic performance and improved body composition.  What makes this formula unique is the multi pathway approach that this product uses.  This product is appropriate for muscle building and fat loss as well as post cycle recovery.

What is the difference between men’s and women’s supplements?  Is there a protein designed for women and one specifically for men?

When it comes to gender specific supplements be careful that you are not being sucked into clever marketing vs. actual science.  Think about this, have you gone to the store to purchase a women’s steak, a man’s chicken, a women’s apple, etc.  Obviously you haven’t because there is no such thing.  Nutrients as they occur in nature are not gender specific and often with supplements the concept of gender specificity is nothing more than a good story with compelling marketing.  After all who doesn’t want to buy a product that is specifically tailored to their needs?  The problem is that there is usually no science to support the role of the gender specific product.

The one area where gender is relevant is when dealing with products that may influence hormones.  For women products relating to PMS, Menopause or other hormonal factors would necessitate gender specificity.  For men products which boost testosterone or that are related to sexual health would be valid gender specific products.

While there are some valid reasons for gender specific products many companies simply use it as a marketing ploy so make sure you understand what you are looking at before you make a purchase.