Faithful readers of my blog will know that I began this year with one goal in mind: Get Healthy.
Of course, this essentially translated to one thing: CUT OUT THE CRAP.
It’s actually very simple. A few months ago, while thinking deep thoughts, I realized that there are some things that come without effort. Size 2 naturally? Good for you. A born athlete? Amazing! Math and science whiz? I wish!
But when it comes to good health, it’s never a coincidence, is it? Good health is a direct result of the choices we make – nutrition, lifestyle, sleep habits and exercise – and they all play a role in being your best. In fact, it’s no surprise that most diseases do not happen spontaneously; they are a result of lifelong lifestyle choices. And in the case of hereditary diseases – sometimes, the result of our ancestors’ lifestyle choices.
I do not want to make poor choices. I do not want my children to be affected by my poor choices.
So, what’s the crap?
1. Crappy Diet. Which includes refined sugar, simple carbs, trans fats and those unpronounceable ingredients you find in practically every boxed food – I need to limit the amount of the bad stuff we’re exposed to, so when it’s time to enjoy that bowl of potato chips, it’s a treat, not a dietary staple.
2. Crappy Stress. Often, I place too much importance on things that don’t really matter, or dwell on the things (or people) I can’t change. How often do we find ourselves measuring our self worth based on the opinions of others! This year, my goal is to let it all go…
3. Crappy Sleep Habits. Staying up too late because I “need” to work. To get just one more thing done. To watch the last 10 minutes of that news special. Since having children and working from home, I have the worst sleep habits I’ve ever had. Is it any wonder I’m now up to 3 cups of coffee per day?
4. Crappy Laziness. I’ll admit it: I’m too lazy to exercise. Which probably means that I haven’t found the right workout – one that is fun, challenges me and is a routine I can stick to. Oh, I have a “dreadmill” in the basement, and for some reason I own 6 pairs of yoga pants… but don’t actually do yoga. Before winter ends, I’d like to make friends with physical activity and get moving.
This year, it’s my choice to cut out the crap. It’s my choice to make better food choices. And it’s definitely my choice to be an exemplary role model for my two sons.
Helping me on my road to better health is Adult Essentials Gummy Vitamins. The fact is, even when I have the best intentions regarding the food choices I make, there are days when I come up short. I mean, who doesn’t? To think about it, I skipped breakfast yesterday, had a slice of gourmet vegetarian pizza for lunch (it came with a gourmet price too, ugh) and existed on a bowl of homemade turkey soup for dinner. Now, I know I failed miserably getting my recommended daily intake (RDI) of:
…Vitamin C – Calcium – Iron and B12 -Vitamin D – Fibre – Omega 3’s…
…. and I don’t know what else. And for busy individuals – or those who generally have poor eating habits, even with the best intentions – it’s all too easy to lose out on proper nutrition. Again, it’s a lifestyle choice that can impact health in a detrimental way. Adult Essentials generously sent a supply of their gummy vitamins and supplements for me and my husband to enjoy. And I think “enjoy” is the key word here – great tasting, chewable vitamins in the most delicious fruit flavours? Twist my arm!
So here’s the deal. I don’t pop all of the products on a daily basis just because. There is a very real danger in over-supplementing yourself, especially if your diet is packed with vitamins and minerals. Your first step is to speak with a nutritionist to help identify some of the gaps in your diet, and how certain vitamins can help you meet your RDI. When you have, Adult Essentials are an easy, great tasting way to keep you at your optimal health and performance. Here are just some of the products I have in kitchen pantry:
Adult Essentials Fibre (NEW!)
Fibre Gummies are a source of dietary fibre for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Extracted from 100% all natural chicory root, they have been specifically formulated to help adults maintain a balanced diet. They are uniquely designed in a great tasting easy to chew pectin based gummy and are guaranteed dairy, gluten and nut free. They contain no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours. Adult Essentials Fibre Gummies are licensed and approved by Health Canada; quality you can trust and flavour you will love.
Adult Essentials Omega-3
Omega-3 gummies are the first 100% fish oil gummy designed specifically for adults. We use only pure source triple-distilled fish oil to ensure that you get the purest possible grade of fish oil. As with all Adult Essentials gummies, they are guaranteed dairy, gluten and nut free, with no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours.
Adult Essentials Vitamin D
Great tasting gummy ‘Adult Strength’ Vitamin D gummies contain 1000 IU’s of Vitamin D per serving. Daily intake of Vitamin D helps prevent deficiency and supports a healthy metabolism, strong bones and teeth.
Adult Essentials B-Complex
Advanced B-Complex gummies contain a unique blend of B vitamins specially designed for adults. They support a healthy metabolism and help ensure your body generates the energy you need to meet the demands of your fast paced life. They are uniquely designed in a great tasting easy to chew pectin based gummy and are guaranteed dairy, gluten and nut free. Medicinal ingredients include Niacin 20 mg, Pantothenic Acid 10 mg, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 2 mg, Biotin 75 mcg, Folic Acid 400 mcg, Cyanocobalamin 30 mcg, Ascorbic Acid 15 mg.
Adult Essentials Vitamin B-12
B-12 Gummies help support a healthy metabolism and enable your body to efficiently metabolize fats and protein. As always, Adult Essentials Vitamin B-12 Gummies are 100% approved and licensed by Health Canada.
I normally take my supplements late in the afternoon, after I’ve had a chance to assess my diet for the day – and when I’m craving something sweet (yes, since the gummies are so great tasting, they actually deter me from grabbing a cookie or piece of candy!). So the key takeaway is: supplementing only when you need it. And who wouldn’t want to have a delicious gummy vitamin? Let’s just say that if the vitamins were in a hard, chalky pill format, I’d be less likely to stick to my regime.
Since the year started, I’ve been feeling AMAZING. Not a single runny nose, a lot more energy, and you know what? I’ve been laughing more often, too. Wonder if great nutrition leads to fabulous moods? I’m willing to bet on it. Now, I just need to kick these migraines and tension headaches… suggestions welcome :)
Click here to visit Adult Essentials.
Do you take vitamins or nutritional supplements – or a daily multivitamin? Why or why not?
This post was sponsored by Adult Essentials. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Good for you!! I really need to buckle down and do the same
Thanks Debbie! I if can, you can!
Good goal for anyone to have! Hope you keep it up!
Fingers crossed, Freda! Thank you!
Good for you, Lena, for making the choice to improve your life so as to do the same for your boys!
I have to say – lazy is EASY, healthy is not always as much… I have been a regular gym goer for years, and I do actually MISS going if I skip a day. How crazy is that? HOWEVER, my diet is what takes a hit somedays.. I have been trying to eat healthier (sugar is my weakness) and that is not always fun, convienent or easy!
I think the fact that you miss the gym when you skip it is exemplary – it shows your commitment to physical fitness and great health! Proud of you Suzanne!
Glad to hear your feeling happy and healthy!
I am definitely battling with “crappy laziness” right now… I am so busy with school that I have NO motivation/energy to exercise. Have you ever tried Jazzercise? My friend was an instructor for a couple of years and it is actually quite fun. I’m thinking about starting to go again as it’s a good way to get both cardio and strength training in!
I take a multi-vitamin every day and have started taking folic acid. Perhaps I should see a nutritionalist, as I do have a lot of veggies in my diet and may need more tailored supplements rather than a multi-vitamin. I didn’t know there were adult gummy supplements! I hate swallowing pills, so I may have to check these out! :)
I actually haven’t tried Jazzercise, so thank you so much for the recommendation! And yes, the thing I love about Adult Gummies is the whole “no big chaulky pill” factor – they are SO delicious and easy to take!
I love the way you put it — it’s true that good health often comes down to the choices we make (and the excuses we make too!). I used to take MVs, but I stopped when I figured that it was cheaper for me to improve my dietary intake i.e. eat healthier. Multi-vitamins are great, though, when your circumstances don’t allow you the time/money/energy to prioritize healthy eating all the time.
I’ve had many excuses over my lifetime, so it’s time to buckle down! And while I don’t take a multi or supplements every day, I agree – they’re great to have on hand!
I have lost 33 pounds so far…in the last year or so simply by limiting my portion size. Michael is really good at sharing a meal when we go out. I make a protein shake in the morning using 1/2 orange juice and 1/2 water plus banana and mixed berries. It is high in protein and I find it gives me a little energy and motivates me to do more. I have at least 1 coffee a day and I can’t possibly give that up!!
Congratulations Teresa, that is simply marvelous! Love that you start your day with a low-fat protein shake – I’m going to try juicing next!
Hello, Lena. I take a multi-vitamin daily and supplements daily. Omega 3 and vitamin D and calcium. I did not know there were gummies available that are pectin based gummy and are guaranteed dairy, gluten and nut free. They contain no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours. Thank you for the information, Lena. I enjoyed this article.
You’re welcome Michelle! Happy to hear that you’re taking care of your health and are mindful of your Omega’s!
i take probiotics, vitamin d & a vitamin water daily which covers my C & B vitamins
So happy to hear that you take probiotics angie! They are so important to gastrointestinal health!
they sure are!! make a HUGE difference in my life.
I actually strongly believe in supplementing. I take a multivite, vitamin D and vitamin E.
Sounds like you’ve got all your bases covered! Good girl!
Lena, you should try a Zumba class! I could see you rockin’ a latin based workout!
Ah, great suggestion! I think I would actually like that!
Good luck!! We cut out sugar cold turkey last year (including white carbs, sweetners, etc – only using natural things like bananas, applesauce, dates, etc to sweeten stuff) and followed a primal diet (for health reasons only) & were surprised how easy it was. Now we mostly follow that diet at home & indulge occasionally when we’re not home since it got way too hard to follow the diet when visiting family/friends (although if they come over they get a sugarfree dessert & are actually surprised when they find out no sugar was used)
If you want some great recipes check me out on pinterest – patricia ilnicki mann, I;ve pinned a ton of great sugar free recipes that are to die for
I will do that Patricia, thanks so much for the feedback – and your Pinterest link! Sounds like you and your family are well on your way to making lasting lifestyle changes!
Oh exercise! Where oh where art thou, oh Exercise? A lifetime of a slim body – eating whatever I want – now is the time to pay the piper! Starting with protein shakes and mild yoga. But it is not easy. The older you get the hard and longer it takes, so start now!
I agree! Starting slowly and eliminating the bad stuff has been key for us.
I am so liking this gummy vitamin trend. I just cant swallow those traditional horse sized pills so Ive been slacking on supplements. Ive chewed way too many ‘non’ chewable vitamins. Maybe a variety of Gummie products each day can trick me into thinking Im eat candy? lol!
That’s EXACTLY why I take my gummies mid-afternoon – it feels like I’m having a handful of candy, ha! And they’re so easy (and delicious) to take, I never miss a day!
I’ve recently come to the same conclussions about my lifestyle. It’s empowering deciding to take charge of my life and make better choices.
Good for you Jordan! It is empowering to have a choice – there are millions of people who don’t.
I love this post! I identified with everyone of your cut the crap points. I take a B12 vitamin everyday because my doctor told me I had too. He said my B12 was extremely low and I’ve been taking it for about two years now and when I don’t take it for a few days because I forget or just get too lazy, I really feel a difference. I get dizzy and have no energy.
I had a B12 deficiency in my early 20’s and actually took shots from the doctor every three months. You’re right – you feel a marked difference when you’re low! Happy to hear you’re looking after yourself and know your body well!
I can totally identify with this post, but then, which woman can’t? You’ve basically put into words the promises we’ve all made. Great article!!!
Thank you Jolee! Best wishes for a healthy and happy year!
Lena, I have been looking to cut out crappy food from my diet for ages. This year is the year. I am weaning off whites and making the changes I need to be healthy!
Good for you! Good luck! I cannot wait to read about it!
Thank you Marion! Good luck to you too!
I need to cut out the sugar too. I love Dolly Mixture and Jelly Babies and anything else from Britain…I have to really control myself.
I too love anything from Britain… especially One Direction! LOL
even a little bit of exercise will help, try a short walk to start with!
Thanks Isabel! Even 10 minutes per day is better than nothing, right?
I take a multi and fish oil daily.
Good for you Carol! It’s great that you stay on top of your nutrition.
I take alot of vitamins through the week and give myself the weekend off. I also try to live by the 80/20 rule of healthy eatting. I do love my french fries! The real culprit seems to be salt…which I like a little too much. Appparently it’s in EVERYTHING! Can’t you just tell when you are eatting better that you feel better…If only that kept the “french fry” wolf away from the door…or not. Life needs to have little guilty pleasures!lol
LOVE the 80/20 rule. Sounds like you know how to stay healthy!
Nope, don’t take vitamins. I eat a lot of fruit each day though and try to get some veggies in there too. My downfall is calcium – I eat yogurt everyday, but that’s it for dairy products for me. If I could cut down on the crap, I know I’d feel so much better. Some day soon ….
It’s great to make great food choice in lieu of vitamins. Sadly, I don’t always do that….
We’ve tried to cut everything “white” out of our diet, like sugar, wheat flour, white rice etc., most dairy and most red meat. We don’t take vitamins at the moment because we do eat lots of veggies and fruits.
White can definitely be the enemy in diets!
Love the Adult Gummie Essential vitamins, take them everyday. Need to work on getting more exercise though