Order of priorities...?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’m a 36 year old male, 6’1’’ 250 lbs (roughly 35% BF), 45" waist, poor lipid panel, untrained, etc.

In the last 3 weeks, I’ve used MyFitnessPal to track macros. I’ve lost 8 pounds and 1 inch off of my waist so far fairly effortlessly and without training (admittedly).

Here are my current priorities:

  1. Establishing good nutrition/macros aimed at a minor caloric restriction.
  2. Training / Novice LP

Once I’m a little more adapted to training, I’ll throw in HIIT on my C2 rower 1-2x per week to hopefully get additional recomposition.

At which point do you start to weigh the benefits vs. the buy/compliance aspect of supplements to a novice/early intermediate? By that I mean adding in a pre/peri-workout, creatine, etc.? Obviously, establishing healthy eating habits and training habits offer the most bang for the buck (at first, at least).

Are supplements overkill for someone early in the journey? I mean, I understand that putting down that can of Coke every day is likely a bigger lever than taking BCAA’s, etc. regularly. Can you shed a little bit of light on when you introduce more complexity to a trainee?

thanks in advance,
jordan

2

I think it’s a complex question dependent on the individual. Compliance is obviously key, but there is no universal compliance tool in this game.

I don’t think I’d give too much bandwidth to supplementation (save for whey protein) when a trainee has a waist > 40" or medical issues that can be addressed by dietary and lifestyle changes.

I’d encourage continued training, calorie restriction, and conditioning as needed.

3

That makes perfect sense. Thank you. Your content has been a huge resource for me in the last few months. Enjoy the site, podcasts, etc.

4

Thanks man!