I just started strength training about 2 mnths back. Started hitting the gym to essentially lose the belly and get a more toned and defined body. NOT to get big or bulky.

Been reading the forums and stuff online and it appears that even if u dont wanna be big or put on muscle mass, to get a leaner and more toned body, protein supplements is a must. is this correct? would these supplements make you get fatter?

if so, where do i start? i did some research and think i should use whey protein and casein. am looking at ON Gold Whey (one serving split before and after workout) and ON Casein (one serving before bed) on training days and the same amount on non training days. is this too little? is this even the right thing to take for my goals- not get big and not get fat.

generally, the prices i see for these products online are RM180 and RM200? good deal? can someone tell me how much GNC stores sell them for? i prefer over the counter transactions as opposed to online buys.. or suggest other stores in klg valley that has good prices.

any other helpful info is appreciated.

P/S: i know there are lots of threads on this issue but none that i can find that helps me answer the above. if there are- pls let me know.

Joe

@Jamis - my bad. should hv clarified.

my understanding of a toned body is not skinny with the muscles.. sthing like what most long distance athelets hv.. but that u are neither fat or thin and u hv muscles. when i said big/bulky- i meant my long term goal is not to get so totally ripped and that i hv problems scratching my back or i cant see my neck in the mirror. no offense to those seeking to get their body that way- to each his own. just that i would look ridiculous- my height is only 165. i would like to have bigger muscles though.

thanks.

@diablokun & @jamis - thanks. yeah, hv been increasing my protein intake from solid foods. though it does not come close to what the supps would gv me.. think that should be alright for my goals. will see how it is in about 2plus months and reconsider if supplements may help.

@thetorch - mate, am not saying getting big is easy.. i am aware its not. but if getting big is the ultimate goal- u would wanna be starting off in the direction to head to that goal- and hence since i am beginning, the need to clarify that is not the point i wanna head to so the sifus here wont misunderstand me

thanks wildcat. that was helpful.

cheers!