Reddit reviews Dymatize Nutrition Gourmet Elite, Chocolate Peanut Butter, 5-Pound

http://www.truenutrition.com/p-1098-recession-ultra-whey-blend-25lbs.aspx

http://www.truenutrition.com/p-1174-wheyaver-75-servings.aspx

edit: also Dymatize isn't that pricey and is a pretty good protein
http://www.amazon.com/Dymatize-Nutrition-Gourmet-Chocolate-5-Pound/dp/B002FOKWZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1343608658&sr=1-1&keywords=dymatize

With what ya go going you're covering your bases in a smart cheap way.

Creatine can be a little helpful but I ultimately stopped using it just because (1) It's annoying to have to remember to take it every day since its in powder form and (2) While I only retain a small amount of water while on it, it all goes to my face.

I had no real strength loss after I stopped, in fact I put 40lbs on my deadlift while cutting, all other lifts remained stalled (The stall is mostly because of cutting + substituting lifting for MMA training).

At the same time, regular old Creatine Monohydrate is dirt cheap, so try it if you want. Just be sure to get one that's made with Creapure creatine. Here's what I used

Whey protein can always be helpful for getting in extra protein quickly.

I really like these brands for protein because they taste nice, and give you a good bang for your buck:

• Elite Whey & Casein 5lbs
  
  
• Pure Protein Vanilla 2lbs