Supplements have always been a hot topic when it comes to fitness. Whether it be the bodybuilding niche, or general wellness, it seems that everyone and their mama swears by some expensive collection of supplements.
Throughout my years of studying fitness and nutrition, and how it applies to my own life and clients' lives, I have always maintained that HABITS come first. Being able to consistently move your ass and eat mostly whole and unprocessed foods will do your body VERY WELL.
However, one thing I have learned is that supplements CAN help. They are not all marketing and bullshit. Before taking any type of supplement, I recommend a few things:
1. Evaluate the root of the issue. If you are thinking about purchasing some $50 fat burning magic pill, consider your diet and activity. Are you tracking your overall caloric intake? Can you possibly remedy the issue without this magic pill? Have you even tried?
2. Check out the supplement on www.examine.com --a reputable resource for supplement research and data.
3. Decide if this potential supplement is worth trying.
Now, to make things simple, I am going to list what I take, and will give a brief synopsis of each. I stick with VERY simple and affordable items, and don't recommend anything that has not been heavily researched and/or proven to work.
1. Vega protein powder: plant-based, great for people with dairy sensitivity, or have a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. I've tried just about every plant-based protein powder there is, and can confirm that every flavor is good on its own, and is AMAZING for making protein ice cream and smoothies. https://amzn.to/2UZHRHP
2. Liquid fish oil: Essential for omega-3 fatty acids, I take 1-2tsp of pure liquid fish oil per day. I prefer liquid instead of capsules because there is zero "fish burp" effect (yuck.) I use Carlson's because it is high quality and has a neutral citrus taste, so you don't feel like you're drinking the catch of the day.
3. Udo's oil: The vegan/vegetarian alternative to fish oil. This oil provides the proper balance of Omega 3/6/9 fatty acids. This is what I recommend to my clients who are vegan or strongly prefer non-fishy alternative.
4. Ashwaganda: This one I've been supplementing regularly for the past month along with #5 Himalaya stresscare in order to combat high adrenal output and overall stress reduction. I noticed crazy improvements in my energy levels throughout the day, as well as increased sleep quality and vivid dreaming within the first week of combining my Ashwaganda dose with the stresscare supplement. According to studies, Ashwaganda has even been linked to benefits to athletic performance.
5. Himalaya Stresscare: See #4. This supplement is a blend of herbs and adaptogens that have been researched to minimize chronic and acute stress. I had no idea that a supplement could possibly have so much impact on my mood and overall well-being, let alone within a week of taking it. As someone who is prone to anxiety and heightened stress due to physically demanding lifestyle, this supplement has been quite life-changing for me--especially in partnership with daily Ashwaganda supplementation.
I am all about bare essentials, and not taking a bunch of cutesy fitness pills just because some girl with 100k followers tells you to. And ALWAYS.....ALWAYS consult with a medical professional before you add in supplementation with an existing health condition or medication dosage. Better to be safe than sorry!!
Best,
Liz