It worked for me maybe it will for you too. The last time I used creatine, I was strict, drinking atleast 1 gallon of water daily, lowered my caffine intake, and drank less beer. I got only minimal streangth gains, slowed way down on my runs I added about 1.5 minutes per mile. I also gained a soft 14 lbs in 1 month. This time I am drinking far less water 80 oz daily, still drink beer about 3 a day, and still drink about 6 cups of coffee a day. I started at 180lbs. After 2 weeks I am still 180, but I have lost body fat, and I am not soft or puffy. My run times are the same as they were before taking it. I have also broken my bench plateau, which could be a combination of a routine change over the past four weeks also. So atleast for me it seems like the wrong way is right!