Supplements – my scoop!

With so many supplements out there, how do we know which ones are the right ones for us?  Some days I look at all my vitamins and supplements and two thoughts spring out at me:

1. I’m in the wrong business and
2. I need a sponsor!

To answer the “how do I know which is for me” question I’d say after years of trial and error (and money lol) I know what works for me but also what I simply cannot do without.  In today’s world we need additional supplements to enhance our overall health and well-being and for athletes it’s imperative to replenish what we lose during the vigorous training sessions we put our bodies through.  Athletes know that sore muscles, fatigue and injuries are inevitable but with the proper tools and habits we can minimize and even avoid them.  As much as I love getting nutrients from real food, the reality is that I do need the extra dose of proteins and amino acids and so much more.

Here are some of MY go-to’s and my disclaimer(s)

1. I am not a nutritionist
2. these are what work for me personally
3. This is not a paid ad or partnership

Probiotics – the first thing I down in the AM with a big glass of water:

I remember sitting at work a few years ago telling some colleagues about my stomach issues for the 100^th time!  When they discovered that I did not take a daily probiotic they all exclaimed in unison “you don’t take probiotics”!!  They were beyond shocked, and I still laugh at that reaction to this day.

I immediately went into a research frenzy for probiotics.  I had been complaining about my belly problems for months at that point so I needed something ASAP.  Bloat, cramps, no appetite which led to fatigue and eventually to struggling during training.  My water intake was still great so I was still regular-ish but something was just WRONG.  That same day I took my first hit of probiotics.  Real talk:  within about 48 hours I noticed a difference and within another 48 hours I was back to almost 100%!  Since then, I am a believer that it all starts in the gut.  Make sure that’s healthy and the rest will take care of itself!

I have tried and tested many brands and for a few years I had my “it” pill which can be found here.  I found it while visiting my mom up in Sudbury, Ontario but they ship fairly quickly.  That said, for the last few months, due to hormonal craziness (peri-menopause) that hit me in May this year and caused a whole gamut of other issues, I have switched to a probiotic formulated for this stage in a woman’s life accompanied by a prebiotic which have been a gut-saver.  I started with the Provitalize on it’s own then took it with the Previtalize to try out and definitely a winning combo.

Collagen

This is the protein responsible for skin elasticity and plays a role in joint and bone health BUT they had me at “helps maintain a healthy gut”.  Our bodies create collagen naturally but, as with everything else, over time the process slows down, hence taking a supplement.  There are variations of pills, liquids and powders and everyone has a different direction for use from adding to coffee to drinking with warm water first thing in the morning to taking before bed at night so that the collagen can “get to work”.  I’m currently using a powder form and just add a scoop to a smoothie or my morning coffee.  Many great brands out there but my go to these days is this marine collagen from the brand Naka.

BCAAs

A.k.a. Branched Chained Amino Acids.  The body cannot produce some of the essential ones we need so we need to get them from our diet or daily supplements.  “Branched-chain” refers to the chemical structure of BCAAs which are found in protein rich foods and a popular dietary supplement sold primarily in powder form.

I was training for my first fight back in 2013.  I’ve never been an athlete until then and so, as training days and intensity increased, I had to learn on the go.  Learn about nutrition, supplements and my body in general.  I remember having a few days of foggy brain and fatigue and had no idea what was happening.  My boss at the time suggested to get a sports drink and I wasn’t a fan them, so I opted for a coconut water or something like that.  It helped and I also walked over to the nearest health store and one of the guys reco’d I try BCAAs.  After he explained what it did and why I needed it, I purchased and what a difference it made and still makes!

There are many brands on the market and I have tried quite a few different ones.  Some I go back for taste but essentially, I think they all do their job just fine.

Protein!  Protein! Protein!  

I am a firm believer in eating well balanced and nutritious meals and, my meals include carbs, the good kind and the occasional cheat meal kind as well as lean proteins, healthy fats and vegetables. I’ve gotten to know my body very well over the last few years and with that, just like it craves extra carbs every few weeks, it needs more protein almost on a daily basis.  My favourite brands include Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder by A+ Smoodees, Organic Rice Protein Powder from Paris Natural Health Foods and most recently tried and tested Detox Organics Daily Protein.  These are the dairy free options that I find a bit softer/lighter on my gut and I am a fan of Kaizen Vanilla Whey Protein and the

Detox Organics (Chocolate Superfoods)

The most recent addition to my supplement closet.  I had been seeing ads for this pop up in my social feeds last year and then around December a friend, who’s opinion I trust, posted a review and I ordered my first bag.  I was skeptical for many reasons including that it was expensive (they have since lowered their pricing) but after maybe 3 or 4 days of taking, they won me over.  Everything from a good feeling gut to taste to better sleep to curbing cravings and not to mention the 25 superfoods in each serving has me a loyal customer.  I even have my own MACHINE15 discount code I can extend to everyone right here and can be used with anything on the site.  I’ve been adding to smoothies or just mix with a scoop of protein and almond milk for a meal replacement or just a scoop blended with a cup of almond milk or water for an afternoon snack when I need a little energy boost.  Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Daily Vitamins

Nothing too fancy but these are my daily hits!  I’m not married to any particular brand I’ll be honest.  Maybe I should be?  Thoughts on that if you are reading.

• Multivitamin
• B12 Complex
• D3
• Magnesium

All that to say, there is no cookie cutter solution to anything when it comes to our bodies.  We’re all made up differently so, we need to find what gels with us.

Hope you all enjoyed.  Drop a question or comment!