Supplements Simplified: Back to Basics
Society is constantly bombarded with ads for new fitness trends, diets, supplements, and products. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the fitness and health industry’s marketing tactics. Everything from attention-grabbing colors, creative transitions, filters and even tone of voice and cadence are meant to draw you in to watch an ad. We hear about supplements all the time from our favorite fitness influencers - anything from protein shakes to GLP-1 injections. How can we know which supplements are truly worth it?
Today I’m going to discuss the top three supplements I have used and stand behind that could help you on your journey to a healthier, stronger you.
Before we get to the good stuff, I must tell to you this part:
No one needs supplements unless their doctor has prescribed it for them. All the nutrients you need can be obtained through diet alone. The results you’ve been dreaming of can most likely be obtained from a consistent exercise and nutrition program catered to your goals. Supplements may enhance your results, but they are optional!
Now…on to the gooey center you really came for. My top three supplements are probably more boring than you think:
Multivitamin
The most basic of all supplements and highly touted as a staple by most medical professionals, especially for women and the elderly. Many of us have busy lives with family, work, and school. We don’t always eat regular meals, even when we’re doing our best to be conscious of our health. If you’re in a caloric deficit, especially if participating in a strenuous exercise program, a multivitamin ensures that you’re receiving the recommended daily dose of vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep performing at its best.
Whey Protein
No matter what your fitness goals are, getting in enough protein daily is essential to building muscle. If you exercise and/or eat in a caloric deficit without eating enough protein, you’ll lose muscle mass, which is not ideal for long-term health. When people describe wanting to look “toned”, that often includes building muscle and losing fat. Staying active and building muscle is the most important gift you can give your body! Having muscle improves strength, balance, coordination, and helps protect neurological health, preventing falls and dementia in old age.
Protein also helps keep you feeling satiated throughout the day, making it easier to naturally stay in a caloric deficit and adhere to a nutrition program. Whey protein shakes can be tasty, satisfy that sweet tooth, and give an extra protein boost when adding an extra high-protein meal might not be feasible in your schedule.
Creatine
Creatine is another building block of muscle that your body already makes. Creatine is produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas and can be found in red meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. It helps supply our muscles and brain cells with energy. Creatine enhances muscle growth and strength, gives energy for intense workouts, and improves muscle recovery. Creatine’s ability to draw more water into the muscle can also give you a nice looking pump after your workouts!
There are a few different types of creatine out there, but the type that has been most studied with the best results is creatine monohydrate.
That’s it. This is not an exhaustive list of possibilities - I will continue writing about other supplements on the market. These particular supplements are budget-friendly, easy to find, and enhance muscle building by helping your body work with you. No supplement will replace the need for healthy nutrition and exercise, no matter what your goal is. But when you’ve been intentional with building healthy habits, dialed in your nutrition and exercise, and results have started to slow down, these supplements can be the cherry on top!
Disclaimer:This article is not intended as a recommendation for supplements or medications. This article is for informational purposes only. If you are considering using any kind of supplement or medication, please speak with your physician first to make sure it is safe for you to take.