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I was recently asked:
"Can I get the same results without having to use supplements?"
I get it. Supplements get a bad rap sometimes. They can be expensive. And it's just a whole other level of investing. Right now is the first time that I have truly invested in using supplements in my own training. Because I WANT SPECIFIC RESULTS an I am following what is recommended for the program! And I FEEL AMAZING. I'm working hard, and am less sore. My body is functioning better. And I have more energy!
The short and simple truth to needing fitness supplements is going to be yes and no. Supplements are fabulous, but they are not required. They help to fill in the gaps or deficiencies that you may need help with. Think about it, are you really eating enough veggies and fruits? How about protein? A lot of the foods our there are nutrient lacking. But even when I am eating the right amount of foods and a very balanced diet I still want to make sure all my nutrients are covered.
Think of it as an accessory. You don't really NEED to wear makeup or that necklace to look awesome But they enhance our natural beauty. Supplements are just that, an enhancement to your workout.
Nutrition is such an important aspect of your workout routine because your body takes what you fuel it with to help you work harder during your workout, but also help your body rebuild and recovery. With the right fuel, great things can happen.
Sure, you can get by with taking zero supplements-it just might take a bit longer to reach your goals.
Let's get one thing straight right here and now:
THERE IS NO MAGIC PILL TO MAKE YOU
- skinny
- detoxed
- cleansed
- healthy
- lose weight
- toned
- trim
- bigger
- muscular
- faster
- prettier
- smarter
- whatever
I have been there and tried many of them. I am sure many of us have fallen victim to numerous ads on television or magazines daily saying, "Pop this pill and you will lose xxx amount of pounds like I did!"
There is no quick trick to getting the body that you want. It takes hard work, exercise daily, on point nutrition of fueling your body and TIME!
If you are serious about your health and fitness and reaching your goals. And you have really changed your eating habits or are following a nutrition plan. I have been a coach for almost 4 years, and this is the first time I have used a post workout recovery and nighttime recovery. And when you are ready to start taking supplements, you need to find the right brand. In this society and age, there are thousands of supplement companies to choose from.
Why?
It is not regulated as it should be by the FDA. So, you could be taking something that you truly and honestly think will be helping you move toward your goals while in actuality it is not making a difference. You must check the ingredient. No matter what you put in your body, read the ingredients! I finally found the supplements that I love and so will you. They are even the official supplements for the IronMan Races! But first, please do some research on what you are taking.
But, do I recommend them, personally?
Yes! I have been enjoying my daily shake for over 3 years now, even while pregnant. I also have been using the a pre-workout mix for over a year consistently. I feel like it is my excuse crusher. I just rock my workout and take it to a whole other level when I have it. I only recently started taking my post workout recovery and night time recovery but already love the results I am getting from them! I am feeling better, stronger and I have had faster results using them vs not having them.
"But, can't I just eat food? I don't really like shakes."
Yes... BUT. The average person does not ingest enough vitamins and minerals in his or her food on a daily basis, which makes supplementation a vital part of your routine.
For example, let's talk specifically about protein for a second. The average personally typically needs around 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. So if you are 120 lbs, you will need at least 120 grams of protein per day. While this may seem easy in theory to meet this through your daily dietary intake, sometimes it isn't always so easy to eat that much protein. And if you are very physically active, you will need more grams of protein daily to repair your muscles. This is where protein powders are your best friend.
So, what supplements do I personally recommend?
- Shakeology is my multivitamin. I personally cleared it with my primary care and my OB while I was pregnant (always check with them first!)
- A pre-workout powder to get you pumped and increase strength/endurance for your workout (I use Energize by Beachbody Performance. It is all natural and does not make me feel jittery like other pre-workout powders.)
- During workout Hydration supplement. I use Beachbody's Hydrate to replace lost electrolytes better than water alone and keeps me hydrated.
- A post-workout recovery powder (I love Beachbody's Recover. With key ingredients to help speed muscle recovery and combat exercise-induced muscle soreness
- And if you need additional support for recovery, I LOVE Beachbody's Recharge. It helps support overnight muscle recovery and promotes lean-muscle growth
You can get the exact same stack that I use HERE, gives you the Performance Line stack with all of my 4 favorite products. Or you can get the pre-workout and post-workout supplements included in your 80 Day Obsession Kit with Shakeology!
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