Workout supplements are not a ‘one size fits all’. If you’re a woman, you’ve got curves, a unique metabolism and nutritional needs that a man simply does not have. Whether you need to boost your energy to get through your workout, or you seem to fluctuate in weight, the following workout supplements will give your exercise plan the boost it needs, so you can have the body you want.
Multi-Vitamin
The chances are that if you exercise regularly, you take a daily multi-vitamin. Let’s face it: it’s hard enough with your busy schedule to get all the fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber and (good) fats that you need to support a healthy body. If you’re running from the gym to the board room and without much time to stop, take a breather and eat a balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner…take a multi-vitamin daily. If you’re pregnant or hoping to expect, give yourself an extra folic acid supplement in addition the multi-vitamin.
Omega-3’s
Does heart disease run in your family? Do you want to improve your cardiovascular health or your brain’s cognitive function—allowing you to work smarter, not harder? Then be sure to add an Omega-3 supplement to your daily mix. Otherwise known as fish oil (and advertised everywhere you go) omega-3’s are your go-to healthy fat that your body needs to help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of strokes and heart attack. If you can’t get your two servings of fish in per week, take an omega-3 supplement. It’s the perfect addition to long term heart health prevention.
Antioxidant (Acai is a Good One!)
If you’ve wandered down the pharmaceutical section of your local grocery or drug store lately, then you’ve probably noticed all the rage: acai antioxidant supplements. Acai is a superfood, a berry that offers some mystery as it grows in the rainforests of Brazil. But it’s not just all show. Acai is a ‘power berry’, offering omega 3, 6 and 9. Omega 9’s, which improve your immunity and work to reduce your resistance to insulin. The acai berry also includes vitamin A and C, which can improve your skin, nails and hair.
If you prefer a more organic approach to getting your superfood in, try this: make an acai bowl! Found in the frozen fruit section of your grocery store, frozen acai goes perfect with mixed fruit and oats. Blend up a block of frozen acai with your favorite type of milk (cow, almond, soy). Pour it into a bowl and top with oats or granola, sliced bananas and strawberries. Enjoy and have a great workout to boot!
