When it comes to designing and implementing a program to help someone improve their health and fitness, I rarely start with supplements.
Focusing on improving nutrition and lifestyle is going to yield way more and better results than focusing on what supplements to include.
The top strategies that will make a measurable improvement in your health:
- focusing on minimally processed foods
- consuming adequate protein
- regular activity, including walking and strength training
- sleeping well
- managing stress
- hydrating well
These strategies are boring, effective, and better yet, free. Done consistently, you will feel and look amazing.
Can some supplements help with these, sure. However, they are not the “cure” or the “fix” and again, are meant to be “supplemental,” and not “replacements for.”
Examples:
- you can supplement with a protein powder, but it shouldn’t be your sole source of protein. It is possible to get enough protein in your diet without it if you plan well enough.
- a supplement to help with sleep, such as ZMA or l-theanine is not going to be as helpful if you aren’t trying to improve your sleeping conditions (length of time available to sleep, dark, cool room etc.).
- a vitamin regimen can be helpful when you are learning to improve your nutritional intake, but it’s not going to make up for being sedentary and eating fast food for lunch all week.
I will insert a small rant and warning here: if someone is advertising or promoting a program that promises you success as long as you buy their supplement program from them…I’d likely avoid it. They should be able to help you achieve results without buying that particular product.
If someone wants to buy protein, collagen, or creatine from me. Wonderful. If they don’t, that is entirely fine.
I am more focused on helping you achieve results with “free” actions and choices you can take in your daily life to improve your health that will help you experience long-term results without you being reliant upon a particular supplement.
Tomorrow, we’ll highlight some supplements that are worth your time and money, as well as mention some that are definitely useless.
Until then, make it a great day!!
Sincerely,
Coach Candice