A Day in the Life: Supplement Edition

There was a time when I was competing in bikini competitions that I would carry around a box the size of a tackle box full of supplements. Fat burners, CLA, pre workouts - you name it, I tried it. These days I try and stick to a few supplements that my body truly needs to stay healthy and strong, not lean and cracked out (funny story - I tried taking a pre workout a couple months ago just for the hell of it and was literally grinding my teeth for 12 hours. No thanks - I'll stick to a little coffee here and there). I’ve learned that less is more and I try and get the majority of my nutrients from colorful, nutrient dense, whole (mostly organic) foods. But sometimes our bodies need a little help. Here is an overview of the supplements I use every day:

5:15am

As soon as I wake up I drink two glasses of lemon water and take my HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct probiotic. This probiotic has 25 billion organisms + 10 strains of probiotic bacteria.

A little about probiotics:

Probiotics are a natural part of our bodies and are microflora that sit in the intestines helping with immune function, digestion and nutrient absorption. Research has shown that probiotics don’t just help with gut health, they also aid in the gut-brain relationship and help us to think clearer, process information faster and reduce anxiety, depression and stress (yes please).

Probiotics are especially important to take while taking or after taking an antibiotic, since antibiotics are designed to destroy bacteria in the gut. Taking a probiotic will help to restore the healthy bacteria in your gut. I learned the importance of this when I was in Greece. I got sick and the doctor prescribed me probiotics along with the antibiotic. It was the first time I could remember that I didn't get an upset stomach from taking medication.

5:45am

After I take my probiotic, I stretch for 10-15 minutes, make coffee and get ready to teach class. I usually walk Gus for about 30 minutes unless he’s feeling super lazy. After our walk, I head to the studio, set up and teach my class Hustle + Flow.

8:15am

When class is over I head home and cook breakfast. This is one of my favorite moments during the day because it's when I'm able to relax, have some time to myself and prepare for the rest of the day. I usually make a veggie scramble with a side of fruit, listen to music and read while I eat. This is when I pop my HUM Collagen Love, OMG Omega the Great, and Daily Cleanse.

A little about collagen:

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies found in muscles, bones and tendons, and helps with skin elasticity, strength and replaces dead cells. Our body naturally slows down its collagen production as we get older (hence the wrinkles and sagging skin). Take it for joint repair, gut health, skin, hair, teeth and nail strength.

A little about omega 3 fish oil:

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help decrease the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy, even skin tone.

A little about green algae and detox herbs:

Algae is known as a superfood and provides several benefits like weight maintenance, heart health and inflammation reduction.

10am

After breakfast I head to the gym to train clients.

5pm

Time for my own workout.

6:30pm

Twice a week after my workout I replace my dinner with a post workout smoothie. The other days I either cook dinner or eat from a meal delivery service . It usually consists of fish and veggies or a big salad. My favorite simple smoothie recipe is:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 cups spinach

1 cup frozen berries

2 tbs Tropeaka vanilla protein powder

1 tsp Tropeaka Alkaline Greens

1 tbs almond butter

A little about protein powder:

I prefer a plant based protein powder because it doesn’t cause me to bloat like other whey proteins. Tropeaka has a complete amino acid profile with essential and non essential amino acids, is organically grown, gluten free, non GMO, soy free and dairy free and somehow doesn’t taste like chalk. Win.

A little about alkaline greens:

Alkaline greens support healthy digestion, gut health and strengthen the immune system. They’re also a great source of phytonutrients and vitamins.

9pm

I have major sleep issues, and I’ve tried everything you can imagine. From smoking marijuana before bed, to Valarian root, to bubble baths and meditation - you name it, I’ve probably tried it. I discovered this product by HUM Nutrition called Beauty zzZzz and it has been working! 30 minutes before bed I pop one and I’ve been sleeping like a baby. I like that it’s all natural because I’m not interested in taking sleeping pills - they scare me.

A little about melatonin:

Melatonin is a hormone our bodies create to let us know when it’s time to wake up and go to sleep. Usually our bodies naturally release more melatonin at night to signal that it’s time to go to sleep. If you suffer from insomnia or can't seem to get to sleep, taking a melatonin supplement can help.

A little about B6:

B6 helps to calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and it acts as a coenzyme to help break down carbs, fats and proteins.