Reading over the supplements that John used, I can understand most of them. I'm not an expert, so I wanted to see if anybody can enlighten me on a few things.
When I read the bottle of metamucil, it didn't really impress me with its fiber content, so I didn't buy it. Was I looking at the wrong thing or interpreting it incorrectly. Somebody plz clue me in.
When should I be eating the whey protein? I workout primarily in the morning and around lunchtime, but not right after I wake up usually. It's kinda sporadic, as I've read that it is good to keep your body guessing. Should I drink some protein as my "breakfast" right when I get up and then have some more after I work out?
I'm not sure I understand the use of glutamine entirely either? Any info would be great on this, as I'm trying to decide if I should incorporate that into it.
I don't want to use creatine, and I already have shitty joints, so I made sure I got some glucosamine.
Finally, where can I get this stuff at a good price? I went to GNC today and thier prices were outrageous, so all I got was the glucosamine and whey protein. Their multi-vitamin didn't impress me, and I would really like to use something that I know works, such as the Eclipse Complex.
Thanks for all of your help everybody and sorry for such a long post.

Let's see if I can give you a little insight here. As far as the Metamucil goes, I've never felt the need for it. I feel I get enough fiber throughout the day with my diet. Fruits, veggies, and breads. The bread I eat is from a company called Breads for Life. It's a good source of fiber, protein, and clean,healthy carbs.

Whey protein is a supplement. I recommend you try to get the majority of your protein through your diet. When I powerlifted, I would get over 100 grams of protein from drinks. Then again, I was taking in 400 grams/day. Now I only take one. I get about 40 grams from a shake rught after my workout. I feel it's improtant then because you've just taxed your body and it's looking to recover. Feeding it protein and carbs helps in the recovery process.

As for the glutamine, it is used to minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism. Your body burns this up during your workout and therefore it's usually good to add with your post-workout protein shake.

I think glucosamine is a hit or miss think. I've been told it need to be taken over a long period of time before you'll notice results. I have a bad knee and ankle, they've both been operated on more than once. I took glucosamine for over a year and deep-sixed it. For me it wasn't worth it. But I have friends that do swear by it!

And I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but GNC is a total rip-off!! I have a couple of good sources for suppliments. I'll call them up and see if they have web-sites or if they will take orders over the phone. I'll post that info when I get it.

I've had good luck with vigorousliving.com (http://www.vigorousliving.com/) for online ordering of supplements

Reasonable prices, flat rate shipping and good service.

Jonesy: Thanks for the info. I guess I ought to pick up some of the glutamine after all and mix it in with this whey after I work out. Worth a shot, eh? My joints aren't too bad yet, but they creak when I climb stairs and such, so I want to try to strengthen them up before anything happens causing more damage. I've also heard biking is very therapeutic for knees, so I've started with a vigorous biking routine instead of stair climbing as a cardio exercise. I totally agree that GNC is a ripoff as well :D. Thanks for the information.
Clinic: Thanks, I'll have to check them out.

anybody else got any more opinions/information?

L-glutamine is an amino acid that aids in boosting the immune system as well as preventing muscle breakdown.

Naturally occuring in your body, it is depleted when your body is put under stress and it can take days for your body to recover its supplies.

After a workout, your body can absorb about 10 grams of it without difficulty, though 5 grams a day is enough for most people.

Pretty much tasteless, just toss a sppoonful into your post workout protein shake

A very important supplement if your cutting, as it saves the muscle mass that you worked so hard for from being cannibalize by your body as you cut your calories in half and step up the cardio.

In terms of importance:
1)Protein powder
2)Glutamine
3)Creatine

That's my two cents

*bump

Yes, GNC is a total rip off. I should know, I used to work there. Most of their prices are over twice as much as you'd find on the internet. GNC pro performance products are themselves medicore at best.

No I don't hate my ex-job, and I left on good terms. I just think corporate should get a clue.

Yes, GNC is a total rip off. I should know, I used to work there. Most of their prices are over twice as much as you'd find on the internet. GNC pro performance products are themselves medicore at best.

No I don't hate my ex-job, and I left on good terms. I just think corporate should get a clue.

Damn, I guess I learn as I go.... I bought 3Lbs of whey protein from them. I dont know if it's their protein but I've tryed to make shakes from it in everyway I can think of and it still tates like crap.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to mix for a good post workout shake?

I just hit the local Costco/Sams Club and pick up a 6 lb jug of whey protein for $19.99. It's not the designer whey but I'm seeing results after two weeks, I think. :D

As for taste, I don't mind it much. I just mix with 4 oz of water so it's sludgey and knock it back quick and then a chaser of more water.

When it's post-workout, don't be afraid to add some goodies. Your body is in high gear from your workout and will pretty much "burn up" what you consume to replace what you've just spent in it's attempt to recover. I'll do anything from a couple scoops of ice cream to fresh fruits.

right now I'm using up some soy/vegetarian protein powder from Whole Foods, 23g protein per scoop. I usually have this in the morning w 10-12oz unsweetened soy milk (very allergic to dairy, ugh) and 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries or blackberries. other than picking lil seeds out of my teeth it tastes OK.

my Costco (St Louis Park MN) doesn't sell whey mix. the GNC across the street has so many brands and giant honking graphics on everything I left in utter confusion without buying anything (ps I hate GNC in general; mostly clueless staff and high prices).

so anyway, what's the diff between whey and soy? is one more protein-y than the other?

I'm just starting out with this and the prices of supplement things are scary. Costco had Schiff Glucosamine/Chondroitin 1.5/1.2g per giant tab on sale so I bought some but other than vitamin/mineral supps that's all I'm taking so far. will add creatine and glutamine shortly.

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=42&page=2

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=42&page=2

thanks, I just ordered the Pro-rated stuff from allsportsnutrition.com, plus some glucosamine and creatine. hope I can choke all that stuff down!

Pro-Rated, at least the stuff that I'm using is whey protein. Whey protein is a dairy product, so if I read your post correctly, you'll probably get a reaction to this too.

*edit: your alternatives to whey will most likely be either egg or soy

Yup ... whey is good to supplement right after you workout. I prefer Optimum Nutrition's Chocolate, and Syntrax Swole Sour Apple.

If you aren't going to have a shake after working out, just make sure you're eating something with a decnt profile of protein and carbs to restore your reserves that you just depleted.