My Favorite Supplements

I have heard good, bad, Safe, unsafe, junk and clean but there are so many supplements out there which one is the one for you? Honestly, I have no idea, but I have tried, tasted and trashed lots of supplements in the last few years.

Although, I prefer natural sources or to eat my calories. I have found some supplements that I would recommend for those who don’t have the time, availability or options to eat food they need. Supplements are available to increase what we lack to have in our diet or because of age degenerate or give us more convenient options. No matter the reason to have supplements in your diet. I put my recommendations together because I often get the question, “What supps do you take?”

Pre-Workout

I have found and tried my concoctions, nasty alternatives, but one of my favorite and what I highly recommend pre-workouts is Ujido Matcha Energy Drink Mix makes me feel amazing, and I believe in the ingredients.

Now the debate with supplements is if they have what the ingredient label says. It is unregulated meaning companies can put whatever they want in the container and label it otherwise. At the end of the day, I can’t say 100% yes what is on the label is what’s in the container.  I do know the ingredients that are labeled are great, clean and healthy sources of energy. The company Ujido is known for providing a higher standard of matcha ingredient source. I believe in the company and love the effect when I take “Matcha Energy” pre-workout. 

During Workouts

I also really love Collagen endurance for pre/during workouts. It gives me amazing natural energy with no crash. My stomach is sensitive to artificial sweeteners, so I have to be wary. That’s why I love Collagen Endurance not only is it easy on my digestion it’s great for healing my gut health because of the collagen. It’s a win-win!

During Workout my workout I usually drink water, BCAAs or . I typically try to time my eating around my workouts so that I don’t need to drink a supplement. Sometimes you are low on energy and need a kick, and that is when Can’t beet this or Collagen Endurance is the excellent solution.

BCAAs

I sometimes use BCAAs during workouts. BCAAs are Branched Chain Amino Acids they are essential acids meaning your body needs them. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They occur naturally in the body, but because of lifestyle and stressors. We usually don’t get what we need especially when following a weightlifting regimen.

BCAAs give your skeletal muscles what they need while you are training.  They contribute to preserving your glycogen stores offering you the energy you need especially in strenuous workouts which is what glycogen does-gives our energy.  Making sure that your glycogen stores are at full capacity also helps with muscle development.  If you have the essential acids, you need that you receive from BCAAs your body is less likely to break down the muscle protein that already exists to use for energy and uses the BCAAs that you have supplemented.  BCAAs are allowing you to have greater gains and maximize your workout potential.

I love MomSanity BCAAs they are usually recommended for post workout very similarly to help you recover.  Combined with a good source of carbohydrate can increase the potential and effect of the BCAAs. Yes, I said eat carbs, especially post workout. Carbs are right for you and if eaten correctly and proportionately can help your post-workout recovery.  How much do you need? On average about five grams of BCAAs is helpful to recover. I choose Momsanity BCAAs again because the ingredients are clean less than seven ingredients they taste good and they work.

POST WORKOUT

I try to eat food post workouts it is the best way to fuel your body, but that is not always available or convenient. I still have a Funnel filled with either Nuzest Protein Powder, Nuzest Fruit & Veg or Nuzest Vita Quick. When I was prepping, I would have all three because my coach was about 45 minutes from my house. It was nice to have a clean, lean source of protein ready to go for those long rides home, got my fruits, veggies and vitamins all in one shake.

I discovered Nuzest about two years ago when I thought that supplementation was necessary to be a fit person.  According to Instagram, that’s the thing to do. I needed to find a Protein that didn’t aggravate my stomach because of sucralose or other artificial ingredients.  I also don’t do whey or casein (same thing pretty much) because of lactose intolerance. Navigating plant-based proteins was not exactly fun, but once I tried Nuzest, I was hooked.  It has less than seven ingredients, so creamy and smooth and a high source of protein.

The Problem with Shakes

The problem with protein shakes is they begin with junk. There are no regulations, and after you add you bananas, strawberries, veggies and almond milk they can be the reason you do not see the results you desire.  Most people just add the nutrition labels to their My Fitness Pal not accounting for all the extra’s the loaded their shake. Like I said I prefer to eat my calories and a loaded shake can be a calorie killer. Another reason I love Nuzest it starts off low calories and carbs because there are less than seven ingredients.  If you did want to add your favorite fruit and veggie mix, it’s not as impactful as other shakes.

Then my friends at Nuzest did one better they came out with Fruit & Veg shakes which are so delicious! I give them to Milah on occasion. Also, great for the winter time when it’s hard to find a lot of seasonal fruits. Nuzest has you covered with their Berry, Mint and my favorite coconut Protein Smoothie.  

Collagen

I have written about the benefits of collagen before I can’t reiterate it enough. If you are over 25 years of age, you should be taking collagen daily.  As your natural collagen reserves are increasing as you age. This is probably one of the only supplements that I consistently take daily.  Usually, while I fast it helps me to get over cravings, headaches and hunger pains.

Meanwhile, providing me with the collagen that is depleting in my body daily as I age.  It’s great for heart, liver, digestive, skin, nails and hair and Great Lakes Gelatin is tasteless and hydrolysate meaning more concentrated and easily absorbed in your system.  If you don’t take any of my suggestions but this one it will help you tremendously in many areas of your health.

 

Vitamins

At one point I had to stop taking Vitamins because I was overdosing on Vitamin C and potassium due to my diet of mostly fruits, veggies and meats.  After analyzing my nutrition in my College Nutrition class. I found that I was at levels of 160-200% in some micronutrients primarily due to taking in addition to what I was eating a multi-vitamin.  I would only recommend a Multi-vitamin if you’re not getting a balanced diet to supplement what you’re lacking. If you eat all the colors, all the veggies and quality carbohydrates, and protein you may be overdoing it. It’s something that you should be aware.  

I find in the winter my diet can have ebbs and flows of quality due to availability. I also tend to not eat as many salads as I do in the Spring/Summer months, so I do supplement with a Multi-vitamin.  My favorite Multi-vitamin is Smarty Pants Organics Womens Complete. Mostly because of the ingredients and the formula I use is specific to women offering Omega 3s, Probiotics, B12, D3 and Zinc which is great to ward off winter germs.  They also come in Vegetarian Gummies in Raspberry, Lemon Lime, and Grape that are tasty. They are not certified gluten-free so that you may be cautious.

So like I have said before. Ideally, I prefer food over supplements but when in need or out of convenience I have these products in my pantry and recommend them to anyone who asks. I figured I would write a post for those who don’t question but wonder.  

Why I choose these brands?

I also am an affiliate or sponsored by these products. This post is not to increase my affiliate commission but to share with you what I use and the reason I have become an ambassador, affiliate or sponsored by these companies because I believe in their product.  I encourage you to do your research. See what works for you and hopefully give you the additional supplementation that you need. I also am confident if you don’t do your research and choose based on my recommendations that you will be completely satisfied.

Is there a specific criterion that you have when choosing supplements or is it an “anything that taste good” your deciding factor?

My blog is in partnership with all of these brands with the exception of Smarty Pants.  I make a commission off the affiliates links, but that does not affect my opinion. I chose these brands because I believe in the product and what they stand for. My Full Disclosure Policy