...protein as a supplement
....all jokes aside.
calculate your macros. if you cant eat your macros which is best,
you must supplement. That is all. don't start thinking about supplements if you can't eat clean and bust your ass in the gym. they are a band-aid and crutch.
I can't eat all my protein so I supplement with a shake, also take BCAAs. Pre-workout is cool, as is a cup of coffee. but i dont do pre workout.. creatine and other stuff comes with side effects such as water retention so you better know what your doing before your arms look like italian meats hanging in a deli