It's that time of year where we start to dream about days spent in shorts and bathing suits enjoying the warm summer weather. That's why we've got some great supplements to help give you an edge while you get fit for summer! Plus, read on for tips on how to lose fat and build muscle for summer from our resident dietitian.
by Jeani Hunt, MS, RD, CD, VitaminLife's resident dietitian and owner of VeggieLush Nutrition
Gain that edge at the gym or on the trail with these supplements!
1. A good electrolyte mixture is essential for hardcore physical activity in hot weather! Trace Minerals ZeroLyte is made with natural coconut water and additional salts to perfectly replenish you during difficult workouts.
2. Speaking of working out, you can't be held down by stuffy sinuses due to seasonal allergies. Try Ridgecrest Herbals Sinus Clear for sinus comfort, made with traditional herbs like eucalyptus and stinging nettle and rosemary to help clear out your sinuses as well as vitamin C and zinc to support a healthy immune system.
3. Pain can also slow you down, but Topricin Fibro cream can help. It's made with natural ingredients like arnica and echinacea to help with nerve pain from fibromyalgia.
4. Omega-3s have so many benefits from supporting brain development and health to fighting inflammation. Make getting them fun and easy with Wiley's Finest Vegan Omega-3 gummies in tasty watermelon wonder flavor.
5. Skin can benefit from antioxidants too. That's why North American Herb & Spice made black seed oil cream. It helps moisturize and calm skin with blemishes and rashes.
6. Iron is one of the most common deficiencies, especially if you're plant-based, but that doesn't mean you can't get plenty from plant-based sources. If you're having trouble getting enough from diet, try PlantFusions Vegan Complete Iron made to be both well-absorbed and easy on your stomach.
7. Magnesium can help with muscle recovery and better sleep, perfect to help you prep for a healthy and energetic summer. If you prefer yours with a fruity twist try Megafood Relax + Calm Magnesium Soft Chews in strawberry.
8. Don't let a few too many stop your progress toward fitness. Instead try Partysmart gummies, made with anti-inflammatory nutrients that help your liver process alcohol, so you can bounce back and get back on track.
*It's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider when taking new supplements. This newsletter is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical conditions.
So, what do you need to get fit, burn fat and build muscle? It might not be what you think.
1. Ditch the scale and your ideas about BMI - Yup, you saw that right. The number on the scale is useless when it comes to getting fit and healthy and so is BMI for the most part. If you're looking for ways to measure your success, energy levels, waist circumference and muscle strength are way better signs of progress.
2. Get these 3 types of exercise - You can't just do cardio or strength training and expect to increase muscle mass and lose fat. Instead, you need to do both on a regular basis and move your body daily with walking, gardening, cleaning or other daily activities.
3. Limit added sugar to less than 25-35 grams per day - It seems pretty mundane but this is one of the most powerful steps in keeping your body from creating excess fat. It's especially true when you consume sugar in beverage form, because your body doesn't register those calories.
4. Limit ultra-processed foods - I'm not big on telling folks to limit foods, but if there's any big category of foods that doesn't help with fitness, it's ultra processed foods like fast food and convenience foods you buy in the store with many additives.
5. Eat plenty of protein and fiber - So what should you eat instead? Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains help the body get rid of excess fats. Eating enough protein to fuel muscle growth helps maintain lean body mass. This includes foods like tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, dairy and meat.
