Creatine

[momof3]

My husband is really pushing for me to take Creatine after my workouts. He uses it but is not of Atkins. He found one that has no sugar in it and really thinks it would be beneficial for me. Can someone tell me if this is something I can use while on Atkins and in the Induction phase?

[Jake]

Although there are no sugars, I wouldn't recommend taking it while on Induction, just for the fact that your body goes through alot of changes, and you can't be sure there aren't trace amounts of sugar in the creatine. You will notice weight gains, creatine causes you to retain water. I use it myself but have only started it while on lifetime maintinence.

If you are going to take it I would recommend the powered creatine that you would mix into water, the liquid gel pack creatine doesn't seem to be as effective. GNC carries CreaStack which seems to work well for me and is priced nicely. Some people will have a few side effects so if you take it, use a lower dose in the beginning it can cause stomach upset and bloating. Make sure you drink plenty of water while using it, but you should be drinking enough water anyway as it is.

[momof3]

Thanks!!! He had noticed that he seems to put weight on when he uses it and someone told him that the water retention is the reason.

[2big4mysize]

yep creatine is stored on the muscles with water as part of the phoshogen enegry system. Weight lifters like it cause it makes their muscles look biger holding all the extra water.

It will not help your weight loss one way or the other.

you can get a large amount od it in your meats on Atkins and not need to supplement with it.

Happy low carbing

[icetea4me]

If you want to look puffy and stand the chance of suffering from cramps, use creatine. It does work for short explosive lifts those that most powerlifters would employ in a routine.

If you have a tryout for the Cleveland Browns over the next few months, I might recommend a cycle or two of the stuff, but otherwise, your just flushing $$$ down the toilet.

MJ

[momof3]

Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it!!! ha

[manaburrn]

Here is a much more constructive thread on creatine:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=37072&highlight=creatine

If you are lifting weights or doing explosive exercise, you will see benefits. Period, end of story.

[mattkins]

"If you are lifting weights or doing explosive exercise, you will see benefits. Period, end of story."

Not if you're doing strict low-carb. Creatine works best after your workout in combination with a high G.I. carb. Since most people on this board won't entertain the idea of eating high G.I. carbs it doesn't make sense to take creatine. It's great for building muscle. It's not for fat-loss.