How do supplements fit into a fat loss program? Put simply, without proper supplementation, you may not get results as quickly or dramatically. Whether you're trying supplements for the first time, you want to get all the bases covered, or you're ready to kick your results up a notch - we've designed a supplement stack that can help you achieve the ripped physique of your dreams. You just have to put forth the hard work, dedication, and consistency to get results.

Multivitamin:

Think of a multivitamin as a low-cost, high-quality, nutritional insurance plan on top of your diet. With a crazy schedule, it can be easy to miss certain nutrients from your diet alone. The daily use of a multivitamin will ensure that your diet doesn't have any gaps, and your body isn't missing any little building blocks. With your micronutrient needs covered, you can focus on shedding fat and getting slim. An off-the-shelf multivitamin just won't do the trick, so avoid the grocery store deals. That Value-Mart multi is formulated for the couch potato, not a guy on a fat loss mission. To get the best, you need the best. Look for a multi with a good Vitamin B complex, plus extra enzymes, amino acids, or antioxidants.

Recommended Multivitamin

Universal Presents:

Animal Pak

Since August 8, 1983, Animal Pak has been helping competitive bodybuilders get the most out of their freakish training routines by providing all the nutrition they need, plus some they didn't know they needed. For 27 straight years, people like you have made Animal Pak the #1 selling training "pack" in the world.

Whey Protein:

The second foundational supplement is whey protein. Protein is essential for muscle tissue growth and repair. It can help you meet your daily protein requirements, and is essential to supply fast-absorbing protein around your workouts. Whey will definitely come in handy when you're in a rush and need a quick meal replacement. When selecting your protein powder, look for a whey protein isolate or a blend without unnecessary sugars, fat, and cholesterol.

Recommended Whey Protein

Gaspari Nutrition Presents:

MyoFusion

When it comes to the REAL nutritional needs of bodybuilders and athletes alike, there is little doubt what "legitimate" science has to say about the different protein sources available in the supplement marketplace. Unfortunately, this has little to do with the marketing message spread by most sellers of protein supplements today.

Essential Fatty Acids:

Essential fatty acids are crucial because the body needs them, but can't produce them on its own. EFA's, the omega-3's in particular, assist in healthy hormonal production, support cardiovascular health and healthy skin tone, and promote increased cognitive function, all of which are important for a killer physique and good health. When you choose an omega-3 supplement, read the labels and make sure you choose one with at least 120mg of the fats EPA and DHA. When you choose an omega-3 supplement, read the labels and make sure you choose one with at least 120mg of the fats EPA and DHA.

Recommended EFA

Universal Presents:

Animal Omega

Essential. What is essential is core or critical. What is essential is needed day in and day out, it is useful at regular intervals, and it is integral to optimal performance. What is essential is foundational. The weights are essential, your desire is essential, the right food is essential.

Thermogenic Fat Burner:

The first supplement on tap is a fat burner. This can help maintain high energy levels, enhance your focus, and help you get through your workouts with plenty of energy. It's not uncommon to see energy take a sharp nosedive when you're on a fat loss diet, so this will help make your life much easier. When shopping for your fat burner, you should watch out for long lists and huge proprietary blends. Ideally, you want to see exactly how much of each ingredient you're getting. Look for quality ingredients like caffeine or other natural stimulants, tea extracts - green tea extract being one of the best, l-carnitine, and herbal extracts like raspberry ketones.

Recommended Thermogenic Fat Burner

MusclePharm Presents:

Shred Matrix

SHRED MATRIX™ is Muscle Pharm's most powerful weight loss system yet.* SHRED MATRIX™ is unique—utilizing a comprehensive, multi-system approach to fat loss.*

CLA:

To optimize your fat loss program, CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) will be your support weapon to get lean and maintain muscle mass. CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that supports fat loss and promotes lean muscle maintenance. When looking for an excellent CLA product, look for cis- or trans- in the ingredient label: these are pure forms of CLA and will yield great results.

Recommended CLA

PrimaForce Presents:

Max CLA

CLA is scientifically suggested to help support healthy lipid profiles and optimalhealth.* CLA is a naturally occurring free fatty acid found mainly in meat and dairy products. To the athlete looking to add more muscle and drop body fat, CLA is a unique discovery that will make accomplishing this feat easier and faster.

BCAA:

Let's check out branched chain amino acids. BCAA's contain the three amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These can't be produced naturally by the body, and must be taken in through food or supplements.

Supplementing with BCAA's can help prevent muscle breakdown while exercising, and help improve recovery rates. Both of these benefits are helpful for lean muscle and, in the end, will get you primed to reveal a cut and ripped physique. The best BCAA supplements will have a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, as well as added glutamine, to really push your results.

Recommended BCAA

SciVation Presents:

Xtend

Xtend is a precise, scientific blend of Energy Aminos consisting of the surmised 2:1:1 ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine), Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6.

Post-Workout Carbohydrate:

Finally, don't forget the right supplemental nutrition before and after your workouts. Even when you're dropping fat and getting cut, you still need carbs and protein for best results. 1-1.5 hours before you lift, remember to supplement with whey protein and a carbohydrate source. Once you're done with the weights, you'll need the same thing: a quality whey protein, plus a fast post-workout carb like maltodextrin or Vitargo to immediately start recovery.

Recommended Post-Workout Carbohydrate

GENR8 Presents:

Vitargo S2

Vitargo S2 is the super-soluble form of Vitargo, a patented, molecular carbohydrate with ZERO SUGAR. Only Vitargo's low osmolality, molecular carbohydrate form moves through the stomach more than twice as fast as the carbohydrates (e.g. maltodextrin and sugars) found in other sport drinks and powders.

Don't rely on supplements to do the work. With the right nutrition and training, they can allow you to train harder, ensure you get the nutrition you need, and make the most of your efforts in the gym. Be sure to visit Bodybuilding.com daily to see reviews and browse your one-stop shop for supplements to get shredded.

Next Step: Staying Motivated!