by Brandon Guyer
[dropcap style=”dropcap2″ color=”black”]T[/dropcap] he hectic lifestyles that many of us live make it nearly impossible to eat the way we would like to. It would be great to be able to eat a balanced and nutritious “diet” ALL THE TIME, but that just isn’t reality. Life throws us curveballs and we have to be able to make adjustments and do the best we can no matter the situation. That’s where supplementing your “diet” comes into play. First and foremost it’s important to eat clean food throughout the day (and avoid processed foods). But it’s not always easy, some people work long days, others travel, some have dietary restrictions, and some are just plain lazy. Luckily, there are supplements out there that can help with this dilemma. When I’m in a bind for time or simply don’t have the resources around me, I ALWAYS carry these products with me.
Green Superfoods Powder
At times I find it hard to eat the recommended amount of greens, especially when on the road. Not being able to cook or having poor food options close by is not ideal. So what do I do to get the micronutrients I need? Easy, I bring to-go packets of Green Vibrance or EGN Powerfood from Onnit. These help me get vital nutrients from many different greens and fruits that have been freeze dried. It is definitely not the same as eating real food, but it’s the next best option when you can’t. With all of the jam packed nutrients and probiotics in these powders, your body will stay strong until you can get back to that balanced “diet”.
Protein Powder
No, not the chemically made products you find at your local store. I’m talking high quality protein from hemp, veggies, or grass-fed whey. Of course I try my best to get protein from natural food choices (chicken, eggs, fish) but a busy lifestyle and constant traveling can prove challenging. If I’m going to use a protein supplement I make sure it is of the best quality.
Hemp protein powder is great for many reasons. For starters it’s easy to travel with. More importantly, it has good fat, fiber, and protein, plus it contains all 8 essential amino acids. It’s easily digestible so you know your body is absorbing all of the nutrients. My hemp protein powder of choice is Hemp Force by Onnit. The Vanill-Acai flavor is out of this world!
You can find a good source of protein in a to-go packet as well. Hemp Hearts are great to sprinkle in salads, oatmeal, quinoa, etc.
The other protein powders I like are grass-fed whey and veggie protein. These are great for many reasons. They are non-GMO (genetically modified organisms), come from cows that HAVEN’T been treated with hormones or antibiotics, and have no artificial sweeteners or fillers. Just like hemp, it’s easier to digest these protein powders, so you know you’re getting more bang for your buck. You do not have to worry about all the harsh chemicals as you would in MANY commercial products on the market. Companies I would recommend are Vega Sport for veggie protein and All-Pro Science for grass-fed whey or veggie protein as well.
Krill Oil
Anyone taking fish oil supplements should seriously consider switching to krill oil. For many years I took any fish oil supplement I could find, not knowing about the possible toxic metal and mercury concerns in many of them. Honestly, until a year ago I had never even heard of krill oil, now I’m thankful I have. Krill oil comes from shrimp like marine crustaceans, and is said to be 48 times more potent than many fish oils. It also contains more antioxidants, so making the switch was a no brainer for me. The brand I use is Onnit Krill Oil and this is the one supplement I make sure to take every day. The proven benefits include the reduction of inflammation, improved heart health, and lowered cholesterol, just to name a few. If optimal overall health is your goal, do yourself a favor and start supplementing krill oil into your diet.
Not all supplements are made the same. Choose products that are of the highest quality and that are backed up by a trusted brand.
In closing, the best way to live a healthy lifestyle is to get all of your nutrients from earth grown foods that you eat. When/if you can’t, using supplements like the ones I listed above are a healthy alternative.
About the Author
Yeah, I can hit a baseball, and yeah I did hit a home run in my very first major league at bat. May 6th 2011 was the best night of my career. May 7th was a whole different story. The dream of being a big leaguer ended before my ball was even caught in the left field stands… I was sent back to the minor leagues! Six years ago I was drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of the University of Virginia. I’ve been up and down with the Tampa Bay Rays the last three years…I plan on sticking next season. I’ve been through it all injuries, promotions, demotions, playoffs, all star games, etc. The one constant in my life, other than my sportscaster wife, has been a healthy lifestyle. It’s not only helped my performance on the field, but also helped me cope with the emotional stress of a season. Although the life of a pro athlete may seem glamorous, at the end of the day I’m just a guy who can hit a small ball with a wooden stick. Hopefully the people who would read my blog can see that. Most importantly I have been an ONNIT Honor Roll member for the past year and I’m a huge supporter of the Dolce lifestyle!
