When I use ALA + just 12.5 mcg T-3 when on cycle I can take in massive amounts of simple "crap" carbs and not get fat...especially if I am using something like winstrol. The T-3 will work alot better at nutrient partitioning if you take a beta agonist (ephedrine, nor-ephedrine, or clen) throughout the day. These actually help convert the T-3 into what the body uses, so a combo allows you to use a very low dose of T-3 and get a good effect from it.
BTW chinaman 40mg T-3 tabs are good (just take 1/4 firs thing in the morning) but clomidman's (s^#) pink blister pack cytomel is very questionable, even though his other products are legit. I don't think it is his fault, it is just a crappy product on the manufacturer's part.
metformin looks great on paper, but it really gums up your digestive tract. part of the mechanism of action is slowing the absorbtion of carbs in the gut, so it really is the last thing you want in your system when you are trying to refuel fast post-workout or when you wake up in the morning.