Top Low-Carb Supplements And Foods To Use for Strength Training

As an athlete, you know that strength training is very important. Without training for strength, you would not be competing at a professional level. The question I am frequently asked is ‘Which supplements are the most beneficial?’

Below, I have included my top go-to supplements for strength.

Low Carb Whey Protein Powder

Protein is essential for strength training because it builds and rebuilds muscle tissues – after all, protein is the building block of muscle and serves as a storage unit for amino acids in the human body. In her blog article by Wellness Wires on low carb protein powder, Robin pointed out that: “many people suffer from taking the wrong protein powder or “low-carb” shakes” 

Drinking protein before and after a workout is how I maintain and grow each muscle group. I also enjoy drinking protein in the evening because the high-fat content slows absorption and allows the protein to stay longer in me, building and repairing my muscles.

Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant single amino acid found in the bloodstream. Your body needs and craves it to fight off metabolic stress so that the immune system can use it as a fuel source. 

I use glutamine for strength training three times a day – before and after a workout in my protein shakes. By doing this, I am helping my immune system recover faster, especially when I’m putting my entire body through long stressful training sessions (as most strongmen and power athletes do).

Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that aids in the production of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to your entire muscular system.  

For strength training, arginine helps repair tissue damage, which for me, is essential during strength training. It is also a great way to boost energy when taken twenty to thirty minutes before heavy training due to the increase in blood flow.

PH Balancing Drink

A drink that improves PH levels and alkalinizes the body is important for strength training because it aids in:

• Improving and maintaining the immune system
• Reducing inflammation after a heavy day of lifting
• Preventing degenerative disease
• Promoting bone health
• Decreasing acid build-up
• Replenishing electrolytes
• Prolonging workouts

I personally enjoy the Prairie Naturals Rise and Shine. This all-natural lemon and aloe mineral drink is my go-to drink for ensuring I have a good PH level. In the mornings, I mix three scoops of the Morning Rise and Shine with 2.2 liters of water in a jug. 

I find that this helps me keep hydrated while training and during strongman contests.

Hemp Protein

Though I mentioned whey protein as my number one supplement for strength training, I feel that hemp protein is extremely important. Hemp is a vegan-friendly protein that I use on strongman contest days and the week leading up to a competition. 

The benefits of hemp protein include that it is:

• High in fiber
• Only protein with omega-3 and omega-6
• Minimal bloating
• Easy to digest

I enjoy drinking hemp protein because I can head to the gym with a full stomach but still have lots of energy to burn. Hemp protein is so easy to digest because it is made from a protein called Edestin, a protein that most resembles the proteins naturally found in our bodies. Most hemp protein is also hypo-allergenic, unlike whey, which is made from dairy.

Low Carb Fruits

The information below provides you with a low carb fruits list or in other words: the answer to which fruits are OK to have before a match or training.  Farther down we go into more detail on the different fruits, and there’s a list of high carb fruits. 

Low Carb Fruits, the List:

• Berries
• Apples
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Pears
• Cherries
• Peaches
• Coconut
• Papaya
• Avocado
• Apricot
• Plum
• Fig (fresh)*
• Dragon Fruit

 Low Carb Fruits are the way to go before training

All fruit is good.

But not all fruit is created equal. Some are great to have before training, or for instance a football match, and some are great for after training, yet should be avoided pre-game/-training (before).

What’s the difference?

Simple answer: basically it’s the sugar content. 

Some fruit is low sugar, that’s the ones to have before physical activity, and some are quite high in sugar: those are best enjoyed afterward.

The reason why it can be a problem to have fruit like bananas or raisins before strenuous activity is this: the high sugar content releases a lot of insulin, which in turn lowers your blood glucose levels (blood sugar), and when you’re running around a lot –like in a game– or lifting weights or some such thing, you can suddenly find yourself with hypoglycemia: low blood sugar, and then you’re in trouble!

High Carb Fruits:

• Bananas
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Guava
• Kiwi
• Dates
• Watermelon

*Dried fruit is a different ballgame: they’re way higher in sugars, simply because they’re more concentrated. So, easy does it.

Fruit juice: kinda similar, it’s a concentrate, and usually missing all the fiber, so the G.I. (glycemic index) is higher. Basic rule: juice is for after training only.

My athletes ask me all the time:

“Why shouldn’t I have a banana before a game?”, or: “Which fruit is good, then?”, etc.

Well, I hope this article on low carb fruits and supplements gives a good answer!

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