Calories in, calories out. That’s the most common mantra when it comes to getting lean and cut. But is it really that simple, or is getting washboard abs more complicated? This article addresses the best supplements for your cutting phase and how to stack them.
First, let’s address the big question everyone’s asking.
Do You Need Workout Supplements to Get Ripped?
While supplements can be beneficial for pros and beginners alike, it’s always recommended to start with a clean, high protein diet while maintaining a calorie deficit. This will keep you full while burning fat and maintaining muscle. According to a 2018 article in National Institutes of Health, supplements are just that; supplemental and should only be added if you feel they are crucial for meeting your goals. The foundation of a healthy, nutrient dense diet is always best.
Lastly, we always recommend consulting a sports nutritionist or professional before jumping in, as everyone’s body is different.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start with the supplements you’ll want to take before your workout when cutting fat.
Pre-workout Supplements
The most ideal pre-workout supplements when fat burning are, you guessed it, fat burners. Top Ultimate Nutrition products to reach for include L-CARNITINE: AN AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENT FOR ATHLETES, ULTRA RIPPED: A THERMOGENIC FAT BURNER, GOLD BURN, BETA-ALANINE, and CARB BLOC: STOP CARBS BEFORE THEY TURN INTO FAT.
Fat burners increase metabolism, energy, muscle recovery, and endurance, giving you the edge to power through while burning massive calories.
In addition to classic fat burners, green tea based formulas like PRE GOLD by Ultimate Nutrition have the caffeine boost you need to stay energized and focused while fighting fatigue.
Not a morning person? We got you. Discover the transformative power of combining your morning brew with a protein punch.
Now that we have your morning supps on lock, here’s what to take during your workout.
What to Take During Your Workout
We can’t talk about fat burn without preserving lean muscle. After all, that’s what’s going to give you that shredded physique. Here’s the best supplement to take in the middle of your workout.
BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids)
BCAAs are essential amino acids critical for long term muscle growth. Second only to protein powder, this supplement helps with instant muscle recovery and energy, making them ideal for intra-workout.
Choose between our Flavored BCAA 12,000 Powder and Unflavored BCAA by Ultimate Nutrition. Recovery never tasted so good.
Now that we’ve covered pre-workout and intra-workout supplementation, let’s look at what you should be taking after your sweat sesh.
Best Fat Loss Supplements Post workout
You’ve worked hard burning the fat to lose weight and show off that shredded six-pack. But not so fast; recovery is just as essential for your gains as pumping iron. Here’s what to take and when after your workout.
Whey Protein Powder
The best and most significant supplement for building earned muscle is Whey Protein Concentrate like Prostar 100% Whey Protein by Ultimate Nutrition. Take this within 20 minutes after your workout to promote premium muscle growth and recovery.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino fatty acid produced in the body, but it’s also present in a healthy diet. If you’re working out to failure, this can deplete natural gluatmine reserves, that’s where supplementation comes in. According to one 2018 article in Nutrients, glutamine is responsible for providing strength to intestines, boosting muscle gains, and promoting recovery. It also provides fuel in the form of nitrogen and carbon to the body, making it essential for a ripped, lean physique.
Check out GlutaPure by Ultimate Nutrition. Because recovery starts at the cellular level.
Creatine
Creatine is the powerhouse you need to push pash plateaus and achieve those shredded results. You can choose to take this supplement either 30 minutes before or after your workout.
Reach for Creatine Monohydrate by Ultimate Nutrition for explosive endurance, decreasing recovery time, and building lean muscle mass.
Casein
Unlike fast absorbing whey proteins, casein is a slow-digesting protein. It supports sustained muscle recovery overnight while the body is fasting and should ideally be taken about 2 hours before bed.
Should You Bulk Before Cutting?
Whether one should bulk or not before cutting depends entirely on individual experience and preference. In general, we don’t recommend bulking to beginners, as it’s not necessary for getting those lean results. Bulking is mainly used by professional athletes and those serious about their training.
The best areas to focus on for cutting are building muscle, staying in a calorie deficit, and performing cardio when needed. In general, it’s better to cut fat first before turning immediately to bulking.
Always consult a trusted medical professional or sports professional before starting your fitness journey.
Overall Best Stack for Cutting
Still feeling lost with where to start for your perfect fat burn supplement stack? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Morning (Fasted or With Light Meal)
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BCAAs (1 scoop): Prevent muscle breakdown during fasted training or cardio
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Glutamine (5g): Supports muscle recovery and gut health
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Optional: Black coffee or fat burner for energy
Pre-workout (30 min Before Training)
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Beta-Alanine (2–3g): Improves muscular endurance
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Creatine (5g): Maintains strength and muscle fullness
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BCAAs (1 scoop): Extra amino support for muscle retention
Intra-workout (Sip During Training)
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BCAAs (1 scoop): Continue sipping for endurance and hydration
Post-workout (Within 30 Min)
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Whey Protein (1 scoop): Fast absorption for muscle recovery
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Creatine (5g, if not already taken)
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Glutamine (5g): Helps reduce soreness and aid recovery
Lunch or Afternoon
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Beta-Alanine (2nd dose if split): Maintain consistent levels
Before Bed
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Casein Protein (1 scoop): Slow-digesting protein to prevent overnight muscle breakdown
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Glutamine (optional 5g): Enhances overnight recovery
Ready to Get Shredded?
When looking to cut the fat and keep the lean muscle, skip the bulk and stick to a fat burner, pre-workout, BCAA, whey protein, and casein for recovery. While supplements are great for helping you achieve your goals, remember that a healthy diet comes first and should be the main foundation of your fitness regimen.
Ultimate Nutrition has the premium supplements you need to take your training to the next level. Whether you’re a pro athlete or a beginner just getting started, we’ve got your back.
Be aware of possible side effects like water retention whenever switching to a new diet and workout regimen. Always consult a physician before you start your journey.
Check out the Ultimate Nutrition Blog for meal prep, bodybuilding, and hacks for sweet cravings.
The information provided in our articles are meant for informational and educational purposes exclusively and should not be considered as medical advice. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new nutritional product and/or making significant changes to your diet and/or starting a new exercise regime. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and/or prevent disease.
