Derek Lunsford's Current Supplement Stack
Champion bodybuilder Derek Lunsford maintains a meticulously planned supplement stack to support his rigorous training, recovery, and overall health. While his sponsorships have evolved over his career, his focus on core, effective products remains consistent. He categorizes his supplementation into two main areas: year-round health support and workout-specific performance boosters.
The Year-Round Health Essentials
Lunsford's foundation is a series of supplements designed to keep his body functioning optimally, which is critical for a high-performance athlete. These are staples in his diet whether he is bulking or cutting.
- Fish Oil (Omega-3s): Crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation, which is common with intense training.
- Liver Support Formulas: Given the demands placed on a bodybuilder's liver, supporting its health is a priority for Lunsford.
- Immune Support Formulas: A strong immune system is necessary to stay consistent with training, preventing sickness from sidelining his progress.
- Vitamins D and C: Vitamin D is vital for bone health and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that also supports the immune system.
- Probiotics: For gut health, which aids in nutrient absorption and overall wellness.
- Hydration Support: A homemade hydration drink with water, lemons, and Celtic salt, or Jocko Hydrate drink packs, are used to replenish electrolytes lost during intense exercise.
The Workout-Specific Performance Stack
Around his training, Lunsford strategically uses supplements to maximize performance, endurance, and recovery. He has been a long-time advocate for the intra-workout shake, a core part of his routine for years.
Pre-Workout Fuel
Before hitting the gym, Lunsford uses a pre-workout to boost energy and focus. While previously using Evogen products like EVP 3D and EVP Xtreme, his current stack may feature Jocko Fuel's alternatives. Depending on the intensity, he may include additional amino acids to prepare his muscles.
Intra-Workout Shake
This is a critical component for Lunsford, often consisting of amino acids, creatine, and carbohydrates to fuel his workout. The goal is to sustain energy and prevent catabolism during intense sessions.
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) & BCAAs: He uses a product like Jocko Fuel's Amino product or formerly Evogen's AminoKem to deliver essential building blocks for muscle repair during his workout.
- Creatine: A non-negotiable for strength and endurance, Lunsford adds 5-10g of creatine to his intra-workout shake.
- Carbohydrates: For sustained energy, he adds 25-50g of carbohydrates, sometimes using a product like Carbo Plus, adjusting the amount based on his carb-cycling phase.
Post-Workout Recovery
Immediately after training, Lunsford prioritizes fast-digesting protein to kickstart the recovery process. This is typically a high-quality whey isolate.
- Whey Isolate Protein: Lunsford consumes a significant amount of whey isolate post-workout, often two scoops, providing around 50 grams of protein to flood his muscles with amino acids.
Comparison of General Health vs. Performance Stacks
| Feature | Year-Round Health Stack | Workout Performance Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Optimize internal health, support vital organs, and boost immunity. | Maximize performance, endurance, and recovery during exercise. |
| Key Components | Fish Oil, Multivitamins, Probiotics, Vitamin D/C, Liver Support. | Pre-workout, Creatine, Amino Acids (EAAs/BCAAs), Carbohydrates, Whey Isolate. |
| Timing | Typically consumed with meals throughout the day for consistent support. | Taken specifically around the workout window (before, during, and after). |
| Adjustability | Largely consistent regardless of training phase (bulking or cutting). | Dosage and specific ingredients may be adjusted based on training intensity and diet. |
| Role in Training | Foundational support, preventing deficiencies that could hinder progress. | Direct fuel for the training session and immediate recovery afterward. |
| Example Products | Jocko Hydrate, Jocko Molk, Fish Oil, Multivitamin. | Jocko Go, Jocko Molk (for whey), Creatine. |
Evolution of Sponsorships and Product Choices
It's important to note that Lunsford's supplement choices have been influenced by his sponsorships over time. He was a long-time athlete for Evogen Nutrition, using their specific products like AminoKem, EVP 3D, and their whey protein. In recent years, he transitioned to Jocko Fuel, incorporating their product line into his regimen. This shift, common for professional athletes, means that while the core principles of his stack remain the same, the specific brand names may have changed. For instance, he now utilizes Jocko Molk protein and Jocko Go energy drinks as part of his strategy. Athletes and fans can see his current affiliations on his Instagram page.
Conclusion
Derek Lunsford's supplement stack is a testament to the fact that top-tier athletes require a comprehensive approach to nutrition, encompassing both general health and performance-specific needs. His regimen starts with a solid foundation of vitamins, minerals, and organ support, essential for the demanding life of a bodybuilder. This is then layered with strategic, timed supplementation around his workouts to maximize muscle repair, energy, and strength. While his specific brand loyalties may shift with sponsorships, the core components of his supplement strategy—protein, creatine, amino acids, and multivitamins—remain constant, reflecting established best practices in elite bodybuilding.
Check out the Jocko Fuel page featuring Derek Lunsford for a look at his current sponsor's products.