I've gone through phases in my life when I've attempted to incorporate them into my diet, but the truth is - I have a lot of difficulty taking pills on a regular basis. Which is why I've never done well with THE pill, but that's a whole different story.
Are supplements necessary for athletes?
I found this article on the US Tennis Association's website very interesting.
Nutrition is an ever-changing science including much we don’t know. That’s why taking supplements, if you choose to do so, should be in addition to eating well. The “I take a vitamin pill for breakfast because I eat cookies for lunch” philosophy is short-sighted. So is the story “I don’t like to drink milk, so I take calcium pills instead.” Granted, taking a vitamin or mineral in a pill is better than eating none, but, pills are not the answer to protecting health. Most nutrients work in combinations and in the optimal balance found in natural foods. For example, milk contains far more than just calcium - it offers a myriad of nutrients that are integral to bone health. Bones need all these nutrients, not just calcium in a pill. Whole foods protect whole health.The vitamin pill for breakfast comment made me laugh. I'd rather justify eating cookies for lunch by adding in some extra running. The article concludes with this paragraph, which seems very obvious, but, all-in-all, I find it to be great advice!
The safest bet for optimal nutrition is to chow down on nature’s powerhouses: broccoli, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, melon, strawberries, kiwi, bananas, oranges, and other citrus fits, lean meats, beans and legumes, lowfat dairy foods, and unrefined grain foods. If you don’t eat these foods every day, at least eat generous portions when you do eat them! They are proven health protectors.It's pretty clear that the USTA isn't much in favor of using supplements, but choosing to eat a healthier, whole-foods based diet would be more beneficial. The Mayo Clinic agrees for the most part, but also points out that supplements might be necessary for some - especially adults over 50 and women who are pregnant or trying to be. Read this article for more info about when and which supplements you might want to consider.
But this post is supposed to be about WHAT I DO see...
Like I've said, I'm not very good about taking a pill everyday. Well, I'm not much better about drinking water. It's not like I'm choosing other things over water, it's more that I simply don't think to drink. Period.
That's why I need to keep a water bottle handy - both as a reminder and to make it super convenient.
I like this water bottle because it holds 1L of water, so I don't have to refill it too often. Truth be told, I generally only get in one of these a day. I know I should drink more, but I'm going to count my wins wherever I can.
Do you take supplements/vitamins?
What are your tips/tricks for drinking more water?
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The topics for today's post came from Fitness Cheerleader's Sept Writing Challenge and Sept's NaBloPoMo. Feel free to join in the fun!
I take the Shaklee vitamins. I haven't been sick since I started taking them almost a year ago. I have a really hard time getting in all the veggies and fruits I would need. Plus I am always low in iron, D, and A. I need to drink more water too:)
ReplyDeleteI could've written the water part myself. Also one-liter-bottles and I'm already happy if I finish one a day (because there once was a day that I didn't). It helps being back at work. I drink more when I'm at school. Do you have periods of drinking more easily and on a more natural, not forced level?
ReplyDeleteI'm no help. I can't be without my water bottle because I crave water. And I take a handful of supplements each morning. BUT, I only take about 1/3 of what they recommend for a multi because I do believe whole, nutritious foods are a much better source. I take calcium because I can't do much dairy and magnesium because I use more as a runner. And a joint and tissue supplement because I'm old and it helps me hurt less - LOL. Oh and Vit D because I live in a gray climate and tested waaaay low on D. So I guess my supplements are more specific need based. See? I'm no help! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI JUST started incorporating supplements/vitamins into my daily routine. I'm really good about drinking a lot of water. And I take adult gummy vitamins regularly, but now I'm adding fish oil, calcium, and iron to the mix!
ReplyDeleteI take a pre-natal that has fish oil everyday and will for the remainder of my childbearing/brestfeeding days. Other than that I am REALLY big into taking essential oils orally. I could say a whole lot about that... but it would be too long for this little comment. I think they are amazing for building the immune system and helping to keep our internal systems healthy and functioning properly. I drink a TON of water... no tricks I just take a drink pretty much every time I walk into the kitchen which happens quite often in my house.
ReplyDeleteI keep a water bottle near me most of the time, but I still struggle to drink enough. Ultimately, I don't like the taste, so I don't end up drinking much when I do pick up the bottle.
DeleteAre the essential oil in pill form or liquid?
Hi - I'm catching up on all the blogger challenge posts :)
ReplyDeleteMy supplement list from my first bodybuilding competition was pretty long because I had to 1) lose 50 lbs., 2) gain lean muscle mass. But don't worry - my list is shorter this time around (just building muscle!)
http://sheslosingit.net/2012/09/07/my-supplements-list/
Lisa
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
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