In the summer we all want to look great. We at House of Nutrition understand that you want to look good and that you are busy cutting. Which supplements can help while cutting, and why should you buy them? It’s a question we hear often. In this article we summarize it clearly!
FIRST, WHAT DO WE ACTUALLY MEAN BY ‘CUTTING’?
The main goal during the ‘cut’ period is to maintain muscle mass and at the same time reduce the fat percentage. The ‘cutting’ means to burn that last bit of (visceral belly) fat so that that well-deserved six pack appears. The muscle mass you worked hard for in the winter will finally get the definition it deserves.
Casein & Whey protein powder
Proteins play an important role in the recovery process and the maintenance of muscle mass during the cutting period. There are different types of protein supplements, of which whey protein is the most well-known. A lesser known type of protein is casein.
The biggest difference between these protein types is the degree of absorption. Whey is absorbed by the body faster than casein protein. As a result, the release of amino acids is slower with casein because it is spread over a longer period of time.
Unlike whey, casein reaches the muscles much more slowly, but this ‘slow protein’ has the great advantage that you can benefit from it for longer.
Casein protein powders are often used before going to sleep so that enough protein is available during the rest period to repair your muscles.
2. L-Carnitine
Just like the supplement creatine, L-carnitine is also a body’s own substance. L-Carnitine is an amino acid. Opinions are very divided about the usefulness of this supplement, but under the motto ‘every little bit helps’ it is certainly worth trying to experiment with it.
Our body needs carnitine to burn fat. According to the theory, if your body produces little carnitine, it would retain more body fat. This is especially common in older people. Carnitine is formed by the body itself from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It also occurs mainly in red meat.
3. Caffeine
A cup of coffee in the morning is a day without worries. And that doesn’t seem to be a lie. Caffeine has been proven to have a mild stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Most people experience a more energetic feeling, better focus, more alertness and greater stamina. Something from which we reap the benefits of both strength and cardio training.
In addition to the resting metabolism, caffeine stimulates the metabolism after a meal, i.e. the consumption for processing food. In addition, caffeine ensures that more energy is obtained from stored fat instead of carbohydrates.
Caffeine is found in: coffee, soft drinks, chocolate milk and to a lesser extent in tea. Due to its beneficial effects on fat burning, caffeine is also the main ingredient of fat burners and pre-workouts. Daily it is advised not to consume more than 4 to 5 cups of coffee per day. This is about 400 to 600 mg of caffeine per day.
Are you not really a coffee drinker, but do you want to improve your performance or your metabolism? Then consider one of our caffeine supplements or pre-workouts.
One serving of this supplement contains around 200 or 250 mg of caffeine. It is best to take one or two servings half an hour before your workout.
4. Fat Burners
Losing belly fat is almost the hardest thing there is. Those abs and compound exercises in a schedule are the basis, but if the belly fat does not disappear, fat burners may offer a solution. Below are a number of reasons to use fat burners.
- All-day fat burning stimulation
- Preventing a too high fat percentage
- Good absorption of the right nutrients
- Suppressing the feeling of hunger
- Contain high dose L-Carnitine and HCA
- Stimulate sports performance
- Help to lower your fat percentage
5. BCAA/AMINO
BCAAs is the abbreviation for Branched-Chain Amino Acids. They are three of the eight essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. BCAAs play an important role in the synthesis of proteins. They not only give structure to the cells, but are also extremely important for the transport and storage of nutrients. This reduces muscle breakdown and also has a positive effect on fat burning. BCAA capsules are suitable for both strength and endurance athletes and can be taken before, during and after every workout.
