Creatine on non-workout days

[mountn21]

I know this issue has been brought up before in other threads, but my thread searching skills have not led me to any answers yet.
I've recently started a bulk cycle and I've been trying to stick with Berardi's Massive Eating guidelines.

I've also recently started taking 5g plain Creatine Monohydrate in my PWO drink. Should I be taking some also on non-workout days and is there a best time for it? I read somewhere that the morning is best? Also, many people suggest taking it with grape juice. According to Fitday, 1 cup of Grape Juice has 38g of carbs. Should I be worried about an insulin spike from this on a diet where I'm trying to keep insulin levels low during the day? Or is an insulin spike needed for the best absorption of the Creatine?

[Johnka]

Definitely use creatine on nonworkout days also. If you're worried about the insulin spike, just mix it in with some iced green tea or some other beverage.

Creatine definitely still works without insulin, even if its effectiveness is slightly reduced. I'm of the opinion, however, that I'd rather get the benefits of creatine, with perhaps a reduced effectiveness, rather than down a bunch of sugar without a workout and risk the chance of unnecessary fat gain.

[Siscoe]

Coffee helps with dissolving the creatine. Some people worry about the effects of caffeine on the creatine, but I haven't noticed any decrease in effectiveness.

From what I've read, you need to drink in excess of 3 cups of coffee a day for a differnece to occur.

[mountn21]

Thanks guys for the comments. I normally just drink water with breakfast, but maybe I'll go back to the morning coffee! [img]smile.gif[/img]