There is a balancing act to it. I personally have avoided supplements aside from protien shakes (ones without creatine, etc in it). As for the balance, one of the trainers at the gym I go to only recommends using them IF you are a hard gainer and that you are really serious about bodybuilding instead of just fitness. If not he just directs people to common dieting measures, such as what to eat pre and post workout, and always stresses hydration.