Westshore Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Supplements

Eat your fruits and veggies, drink your water, low carb, high protein—when it comes to nutrition, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. It seems everyone has a different opinion on what’s best, but we do know one thing for sure, it can be incredibly difficult to get all the vitamins, minerals, and protein you need just from food alone. Enter supplements. Adding vitamins and supplements to your diet are a great way to make sure you get what you need for your optimal health.

Ready to get started? Keep reading. And don’t forget—your needs are unique. There is no one size fits all routine.

 

Determine your goals

Before you rush to the store and load up on protein powder and vitamin capsules, it’s important to determine your goals. Are you trying to bulk up and build muscle mass? Improve your recovery after a workout? Give your skin, hair, and nails a boost? Knowing what you’re trying to achieve or focus on will help determine what supplements will be the most beneficial to your routine.

 

Do your research

There are a ton of supplements on the market to choose from and many of them come in different forms—capsules, gummies, oils, powder. Before you run to the pharmacy or the natural foods aisle, do some preliminary research on the benefits (and any side effects) to taking supplements and write down any questions you may have so you can create the best possible personalized plan and feel confident on your health and nutrition journey.

 

Talk to an expert

Building on our last point, after you’ve done some research it’s time to talk to an expert. Not only can a knowledgeable pro like the ones at GNC help point you in the right direction, they can make additional recommendations about products, supplements, and vitamins you may have never considered before!

 

Eat your vitamins

We’re all for giving your diet a boost with supplements but it’s equally important to ensure you “eat the rainbow” with a range of colourful fruits and veggies to get a good assortment of vitamins and minerals in each meal. Considering adding a supplement powder to your morning coffee, smoothies, or even a bottle of water for an easy added boost of benefits.

 

Stay consistent

Like any new routine, the key to results is consistency. Incorporate your supplements into your routine—take them in the morning as you get ready for work, or before you brush your teeth at bedtime—and set reminders for yourself. Invest in a pill caddy you can take with you (perfect for travel!) to keep yourself organized and on track.

 

It’s never too late to get started. Get up, get going, and get ready to feel fantastic.