Hey everyone. I have a little bit of ocd about what I'm taking into my body lol. I'm 18 and I wanna start getting myself into nice fit shape: with toned abs and the whole 9 yards.

Are there any protien powders/suppluments that absorb the best, are powerful + natural and aren't bad for me in the long run?

I want your opinions about products that will help me gain muscle faster/increase my stamina, but are natural.


Some more info about me:
Waist size: 35.5"
Weight: 150 -155 lbs
Height: 5'9"

Thanks!

Whey Protein
Creatine Mono

Those 2 are the best for you.

Get your nutrients from natural food sources as much as possible. Avoid pre-processed foods and take-aways. Throw in a multi-vitamin and fish oil supps.

My 2 cents.

Want to know what is the most natural way to get protein? By eating whole food.

However, a good whey protein is ON's 100% Whey Protein. I love this stuff, but I keep off of it as much as possible.

why do you keep off of it?

Get the bulk of your protein from whole food sources, and supplement around workouts with Whey. Just remember that Whey is a very "fast" protein, and it is best used around the workouts...not really a great thing to take as your mid-morning snack, unless that coincides with a workout, for example.
Cottage cheese (fat free) is a great before bed protein source as it is a casein protein that "stays with you" for a longer time.

Also, as mentioned in a previous response, get yourself some EFA's. Concentrate on fish/flax oils as they are the best sources, although they work a little differently. I would suggest getting ground flax seed (I hate grinding it myself) and some liquid flax oil and liquid fish oil. The flax seed gives you the oil as well as fiber and lignens. The flax oil mixes with just about anything. Fish oil is absolutely, positively, without a doubt your best source of EFA's by far. I don't even bother with the pills as it would take over two dozen to get the dosage I look for in fish oil. Carlson makes a lemon and orange flavored oil that tastes great.

Don't get too caught up in the "natural" craze. Whey is a great source of protein for someone working out intensely. While you can get there without it, realize that it is about the most common supplement out there, researched to death, safe, and it's hard to find anyone that tells you it's a waste...some will tell you it's not needed, and that's true, but all the evidence shows that it is beneficial when used correctly. If you are in an intense resistance routine, many suggest at least 1g protein per pound bodyweight per day. It's possible to get that through whole foods, but it takes a lot more planning and just plain eating than I can make happen.

soo lets say somone works out 6 times a week is that good for whey?

Well, all I'm really saying is that some of the most "anti supplement" people who are also very knowledgeable will concede that whey supplements have a place. Toss in casein and egg white protein to complement whole food sources if you like.
I agree with what I think Dallen may have meant, in that whole foods should make up the biggest percentage of your protein intake. The Whey is such a "fast" protein that it really should not be relied on as a primary source. If you can get it all without whey, go for it, but it's tough.

Are you lifting 6 days a week, or is this a combination of cardio/weights?

Lifting hard 6 days a week could lead to overtraining. If you are lifting 6 days a week and NOT experiencing CNS overload, I'd suggest that you might not be lifting with enough intensity. I have experienced overtraining and it is one of the worst things in terms of reaching long term goals.