For 15 days, we're exploring the topic of making our health and well-being a priority as part of the 15 Days to a Healthier You series. You can read Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here, Day 4 here, Day 5 here, Day 6 here, Day 7 here, Day 8 here, Day 9 here, Day 10 here, Day 11 here, Day 12 here, and Day 13 here.
I used to be one of those people who felt like you could get all the nutrition your body needs from food alone. But my husband encouraged me to start taking a high-quality multi-vitamin on a daily basis years ago and after I experienced the difference that it made in how I felt, I was sold and have been a faithful vitamin-taker ever since!
The truth is, when I take my vitamins, I operate so much better, get sick less often, and have so much more energy. Every once in awhile, I’ll be out of vitamins or forget to take them for a few days and I’ll begin to wonder why I’m feeling more lethargic and run down… and then I’ll realize I’ve not taken my vitamins in a few days!
If you’ve not been taking vitamins and you’re wanting to possibly start, here’s my encouragement to you:
1. Commit to Trying It
I encourage you to try taking a high-quality multi-vitamin for three months and see if you feel any difference. If you don't, at least you know you're not hurting anything to be getting some extra vitamins and minerals. 😉
2. Do Your Research
There are lots of other vitamins out there to consider taking, but do your research before you just start popping pills. Too much of a good thing can sometimes be just that — too much.
In addition, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor to have routine bloodwork done to see if there are other vitamins or nutrients you're deficient in. It's very possible that your lack of energy is due to anemia or some other vitamin deficiency you're experiencing and simply adding some additional vitamins or supplements might make a major difference.
3. Make It Part of Your Routine
I used to be really, really bad about consistently taking vitamins. Then, I learned a trick: I had to make it part of my routine. Instead of just trying to remember to take my pills sometime during the day, I made vitamin-taking part of my evening routine.
Now, it's become such a habit, that I pretty much can't go to bed unless I've taken my vitamins. And I feel so much better as a result!
Note: Many people will say it’s best to take vitamins in the morning. Because the multi-vitamin and 5htp sort of make my stomach queasy if I take them when I’m awake, so that’s why I’ve opted to take them at night.
Plus, I actually remember to take them then! I figure it’s better to actually get them taken — even if it’s not the ideal time — then not taken at all. 🙂
The Vitamins & Supplements I Currently Take
Over the years, I've come up with what the perfect vitamin combination is for me. I occasionally tweak it, but for the most part, I've kept it the same for quite some time. My favorite multi-vitamins are the NOW Foods Special Two Vitamins. I've been taking these for a long time and they really make a difference.
I also take a probiotic, Vitamin D-3, and 5htp.
I also LOVE essential oils! Some of my favorites are Balance and Calming, Immune Strength, Thieves, OnGuard, and Tummy Rub. I don’t use these daily, but more on an as needed basis.
Day 14 Project
1. Do you take vitamins and supplements? If not, I encourage you to consider adding at least one quality multi-vitamin as a daily habit.
2. Do your research and decide what multi-vitamin is best for you. Order or buy it.
3. Decide when you will take it as part of your daily routine. Let us know in the comments!
Looking for some more practical help?
