I Tried Creatine for 30 days: Here are my thoughts
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements on the market; proven to improve bone density, muscle mass and cognition function. After it was recommended to me by several others in the fitness industry who I respect and trust, I decided to give creatine monohydrate a try for 30 days. Today I want to share my personal experience with Naked Creatine and the results I had.
As a busy mom and entrepreneur, I have struggled with fatigue and recovering from my strength and conditioning workouts.
I prioritize electrolytes, a high protein diet, and sleep. But after incorporating five grams of creatine into my daily diet for 30+ days, I have more energy during my workouts and I’ve noticed improved muscle recovery time after workouts.
For those of you who are unsure of what creatine is and does, let me share some info with you.
Creatine is a natural compound produced in your body from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Creatine monohydrate is the safest and most well-studied supplement. Taking creatine provides your body with extra fuel to build muscle, and increase strength and power. Also, reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing your recovery.
Creatine’s Key Benefits:
Shorter recovery time after workouts
Improves mood and cognitive function
Builds lean muscle
Promotes healthy muscle aging
Better quality sleep
I’ve personally found that adding creatine into my routine has helped improve my recovery time, athletic performance and overall energy levels throughout the day.
My biggest hesitation, and the reason most people don’t take creatine, is the initial bloating or water retention it can have. Personally, I did not experience this, but everybody is different.
How to Take Creatine:
Creatine Loading: The International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that the fastest and most effective creatine loading phase is to take 5 grams of creatine monohydrate four times daily for 5-7 days.
This means taking 20 grams of creatine total per day. After the loading phase, you switch to a maintenance dose of 3-5 grams daily.
Standard Maintenance: Skip the loading phase and start with the maintenance dose of 3–5 grams daily right away. I took five grams daily rather than following a “loading phase” protocol to minimize bloating and I feel like that worked well for me. This is my preferred method.
When is the best time to take creatine:
In order for creatine to work it requires consistency of taking it daily, that said there is no right or wrong time to consume it. You can take it right when you wake up, before or during your workout, or at night. Personally I take 5g of creatine daily mixed in with my electrolytes.
Quality Matters. The effectiveness of creatine supplements can vary. It’s essential to choose high-quality, pure creatine monohydrate to avoid contaminants and ensure optimal results. This is why I chose NAKED 100% creatine monohydrate with NOTHING TO HIDE.
