I want to start this by saying, that whole food options are optimally the best way to get all your vitamins and nutrients. But it is hard to get everything you need through whole foods, which is exactly why I SUPPLEMENT with daily vitamins, protein, etc. Supplements are used to do exactly as the name suggests, supplement the whole foods in your diet.
It’s also important to note, that when I say diet, I do not mean “dieting” in the sense most of us think of the word. When I say diet, I mean the foods we eat. Not a restrictive way of eating.
Let’s start with my very favorite, Opti-Greens 50. If I were to only spend money on one supplement, vitamin, or anything for my health for the rest of my life - this would be it!
OptiGreens 50 support your gut. Did you know 90% of serotonin (the happiness hormone) is made in your gut? Therefore your happiness depends on a healthy digestive system.
In addition 90% of your happiness, 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. If you want to be happy and healthy, you MUST take care of your gut health!
Here are my top 5 benefits of this greens supplement:
Opti-Greens 50 has a diverse blend of natural fruits, veggies, and grasses to pack a punch in 2 little scoops a day. I mix mine with 8oz cold water and chug it down first thing in the morning or after a big meal to help digest the food. If you have a gluten sensitivity, this is a gluten-free product.
Even if you have a healthy diet, it can be difficult to get all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs from food alone. A daily vitamin supplement can help fill in the gaps and ensure that you're getting all of the nutrients you need to maintain good health. I love this this gummy daily vitamin, my main suggestion with a daily vitamin is to not choose a hard-pressed pill. The majority of that pill will not be digested, you will simply pass it. I suggest a soft gel tablet or if you are a kid a heart, a gummy.
It's important to choose high-quality vitamin supplements that are appropriate for your age, gender, and other individual factors.
The American diet, combined with the stress we put our bodies under cause a high Omega 6 count. We need to combat this with Omega 3's (or a fish oil).
Omega 3’s are found in wild, fresh-caught cold water fish (those are: Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring) The daily recommended servings are 3-5 servings of those fish. I know I am not getting anywhere near that amount (or any really, because I do not eat wild, fresh-caught cold water fish), so I take Full-Mega.
The main thing you want to look for in your Omega 3 supplement is 1,000 mg combined of EHA & DPA. Take a look at the serving size of those 2 Omega 3s. If your Fish oil doesn’t provide that, I recommend purchasing a higher-quality supplement like Full Mega.
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues in your body. It is also important for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and skin.
Additionally, protein helps to regulate your body's metabolism and hormones. Including protein in your diet can also help you feel fuller for longer periods, which can aid in weight management.
To fight off disease, and to have your body sustain a healthy state, the minimum amount of protein each person should consume daily is roughly 100 grams of protein.
For your body to run optimally, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 0.8 - 1.2 grams of protein per pound. To make that easy, calling it an easy 1 gram of protein per body weight is ideal.
My absolute favorite protein powder I have ever found is 1st Phorm Level 1! The things I LOVE about their protein over other brands:
My favorite flavors right now: are Red Velvet Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream
They also have THE BEST protein bars I’ve ever had! Which tastes more like eating a candy bar, without all the sugar.
You should also talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medication that could interact with certain vitamins or minerals.
If you want to see what I do as far as workout supplements, check out this post where I talk all about pre and post-workout routines.
