In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’ll check out Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein. This type of protein powder is an exciting newer category in protein supplements. This category takes the traditional concept of what a protein powder is and completely transforms it. With that in mind, let’s dive right in!
What Is Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein
Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein is a whey isolate protein powder that features a clear consistency, and light, refreshing fruit flavors. This is different from anything else in the Rule 1 protein powder lineup. Clear proteins are just like any other protein powder but are see-through and lack the milky flavors.
The Importance Of Protein
Protein powder is a cornerstone supplement. It’s one of those products that should be in the arsenal of every serious bodybuilder and lifter. Of the three macronutrients, protein serves countless functions in the body. This is because protein is a primary body component. We often hear that amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. They are not the only component that makes up protein, but it’s a true statement. There’s 20 amino acids, and not only are the individual amino acids important, they are configured into countless “chains” or sequences with each one serving different bodily functions. To put it simply, consuming enough protein every day is essential for life.
Protein Synthesis
This is one of my favorite topics. When I was coming up, you didn’t read about it in the magazines of the day. Back then, everything was all Weider, and that includes the mags. Oh sure, you had MuscleMag and Muscular Development, but the bulk of the supplements were Weider, and the majority of information was some sort of “Weider Principle”.
While that was obviously a stretch as the principles involved were never his own, I’ll give Joe Weider credit. He came out with nitrogen-test sticks that allowed bodybuilders to test themselves and see whether or not they were in a positive nitrogen balance (positive protein balance). By the way, even though Weider made it seem like he invented all of his principles, what he really did was observe them being used by the bodybuilders of the day and cataloged them.
The Rise Of Leucine
Once information moved on from the Weider principles, it was discovered that the amino acid l-leucine was directly responsible for stimulating protein synthesis, a trigger of muscle growth. As noted, there are 20 amino acids, 11 of which are made by the body. Leucine is one of the 9 essential amino acids the body can’t make. It must come from food and supplements, such as Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein. This product has more than 9 grams of essential amino acids.
Now, a downside of Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein is there’s no amino acid profile. Many protein powders feature a breakdown of all the aminos so you can see what you’re getting. I won’t say the fact that Rule 1 doesn’t provide this info is a dealbreaker, but it’s close. That’s because you have no way of knowing how much leucine you’re getting per serving (3 grams is the bare minimum, and I prefer seeing 5 grams).
Ingredient Breakdown
One serving provides the following:
Calories – 90
Total Fat – 0 Grams
Cholesterol – 0 mg
Sodium – 100 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 1 Grams
Dietary Fiber – 0 Grams
Total Sugars – 0 Grams
Protein – 20 Grams (100% Whey Isolate)
Calcium – 10 mg
Potassium – 30 mg
Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein features 20 grams of whey isolate, the highest quality protein you can use. At just 90 calories, there’s no fat, no sugar, just 1 gram of carbs, and low sodium. Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein is naturally flavored, but also uses artificial flavoring and sweeteners.
How To Use Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein
Since this is a light fruity drink, you’ll want to mix it up with ice cold water. If you use this post-workout, mix in fruit that is complementary to the flavor. Since this is a refreshing, delicious fruity beverage, it’s easy to drink 1-3 shakes a day to help you meet your protein requirements.
Stack It!
Of course, protein powder can be stacked with anything. In fact, protein powder is a foundational supplement. From there, I suggest the following:
Pre-Workout
There’s a lot of choices when it comes to pre-workouts. I suggest Alpha Supps Pre if budget is a concern. If that’s not a concern, I suggest Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode pre-workout. Not into stims? Then go with Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Stim-Free pre-workout. A major advantage to using Gorilla Mind is that their pre’s contains a very solid dose of glycerol, a supplement I’m very excited about.
Creatine Monohydrate
I highly recommend creatine, especially if mass is your goal. The Gorilla Mind pre’s contain creatine, but I still suggest supplementing. The reason is you need to take a serving of creatine monohydrate daily for optimal benefits.
EAAs
I talked about protein synthesis above. I suggest an EAA powder because they will contain all 9 essential amino acids, including leucine. Add it to your stack and use it as an intra-workout.
Prohormones (If Mass Is The Goal)
If you’re serious about building more muscle, the most extreme step you can take would be prohormones. If you go this route, make sure you understand what you’re using, and what you should do for post-cycle therapy. I suggest reading this article before purchasing. Once it’s time to buy, I suggest Hi-Tech Superdrol. For a good PCT, I suggest 5% Nutrition Post Gear.
Thermogenic (If Fat Loss Is The Goal)
If your goal is to drop excess body fat, I advise a good thermogenic, such as Hi-Tech Lipodrene. Of course, make sure you’re in a calorie deficit to drop fat. I advise cutting simple carbs and fat first, keeping protein high, and cutting complex carbs only if needed.
Summary
Rule 1 Clear Isolate Protein is a good choice for a protein powder from a quality brand that specializes in protein powders. Being a Clear protein, it’s light, refreshing, and fruity. The fact that Rule 1 is using 100% whey isolate makes it a very high quality product. However, it does contain artificial ingredients and does not have an amino acid profile. Still, it’s worth a try. Add it to your program, mix it up with cold water and some ice, and enjoy!