I see people make this mistake too often.
They continue searching for the best supplement.
Time after time, purchase after purchase, they try supplement after supplement in the hopes it will bring them closer to their goals.
I get it. I was once that person too. I remember spending hundreds of dollars on a supplement that I heard a presentation about while on my honeymoon that was going to help my gut get rid of all of these waste materials and help me lose weight.
Here’s how it went: I lost no weight (maybe even gained), I continued with my same eating habits, and didn’t exercise. The only thing that changed? They were a few hundred dollars richer and I was a few hundred dollars poorer.
Do supplements have their time and place? Absolutely. I do take some myself. However, my mindset and application of them is in a different context.
Here is what I’d love to see people fixate on and chase more often: eating whole foods as much as possible.
Before you reach for a protein bar, I’d love to see you eat a small meal where actual protein is the focus of the meal. For example, a Greek yogurt with some fruit and maybe some nuts/seeds.
Before you reach for a greens powder, I’d love to see you eat some actual fruits and vegetables.
Before you reach for a supplement that’s going to “balance your hormones,” I’d love to see you focus on good quality sleep, getting some sun on your face daily, and walking regularly.
I say all of that because here is the thing…no supplement will make up for an unhealthy lifestyle. If you aren’t moving regularly, focusing on improving your sleep, eating whole foods more often than not, hydrating well, or focusing on managing your stress…no supplement is going to be effective.
Personally, I do supplement with a protein shake with some collagen and creatine each day…but if I’m filling the rest of my day with fast food or highly processed foods…that protein shake isn’t going to do much for me.
I do supplement with a zinc and magnesium supplement at bedtime…but if I’m only budgeting for 4-5 hours of sleep per night, that supplement isn’t going to do much to improve my sleep.
I do supplement with some electrolytes each day…but if I’m not focusing on meeting my overall hydration goal and staying active, they may or may not do much for me.
All this to say…please save your money and disappointment and focus on eating real food. You will feel tremendously better in more ways than one and actually be another step closer to feeling your best self.