A: I call it the “bookend” approach to supplementation: Bookend your workouts front (pre-workout) and back (post-workout) with the appropriate supplements in order to realize the greatest gains in muscle size and strength.

Your first bookend is NO-Xplode. Take it pre-workout to enjoy an outstanding mind-muscle connection, lasting energy and focus, and amazing pumps while you exercise.

Post-workout (your second “bookend”) and before bed you will take CellMass. Your workouts stimulate muscle growth. CellMass supports this process by promptly replenishing glutamine and creatine/phosphocreatine lost during exercise, and enhancing muscle cell volumization, or swelling. To summarize, NO-Xplode is a pre-workout performance- and pump-enhancing formula. CellMass is taken right after exercising and before bed. It supports faster muscle repair and recovery, and, thereby, growth.

I’m stacking BSN Supplements Nitrix, NO-Xplode, and CellMass [The Mass Stack]. I know they should be taken on an empty stomach. But would it be okay if I take protein with these supplements?

A: As I explained above, as long as you don’t take in more than 10 grams of glutamine from your protein supplement(s), you won’t “cancel out” the effects of Nitrix.

There is scientific research which suggests that taking protein before lifting weights may be just as important, if not more so, than taking it right afterwards.

When you lift weights, the blood flow to your working muscles increases dramatically. This will help “push” any circulating amino acids into the muscle cells. But you need to have adequate amino acids circulating in your blood to optimize this effect. This is why you should eat some protein (protein is made of amino acids) before working out. This will support faster muscle growth, or hypertrophy.

As you point out, however, Nitrix, NO-Xplode, and CellMass are to be taken on an empty stomach. With this in mind, here’s what I suggest you do:

(1) 60 minutes before your workout have 1 scoop of BSN Lean Dessert Protein. Mix it with water and ice in a blender or shaker bottle. (My favorite flavor is Fresh Cinnamon Roll, in case you care.)

(2) 30 minutes before your workout t