My thought on Supplements.

When I first started prepping for my first NPC Bikini competition 

I fell right into the supplement life.  I cannot blame my coach, the industry or anyone else for this.  I did not do any research about them and was just a puppet for the program.  You can probably already tell that I am not going to promote supplements in this post.

Don't waste your money.

  

The average person does not need to be loading up with dietary supplements.  I believe that you can get everything you need from your diet.  The money spent on supplements could be better spent on buying higher quality food.  People who need supplements do so because they are not eating a proper diet.  By a proper diet I of course  mean getting all of the macro and micro-nutrients that your body needs to function and thrive.  For anyone who is not familiar with these terms...  Macronutients are required in large amount and include your proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  Micronutrients are required in smaller amounts and include vitamins and minerals.

I currently only use B vitamin supplements and a vegan protein powder.  I take B vitamins but not daily and rarely use the protein powder.  I really only use it when I remember that I have it while making smoothies and i'll just throw some in.  It's the first vegan protein I've bought and it really doesn't taste great at all.

If I am feeling unusually sluggish I will take some vitamins.  But that is not the only thing I do.  They are not a cure to my problem.  I also look at my diet and figure out if I have been missing out on something the past few days that could be causing me to feel that way.  If that is the case then I'll need to make a trip to the grocery store and get what I am missing.  

My exercise routine could also be causing me to feel sluggish.  I could be doing too much.  I could also be doing too little.  When your central nervous system is overworked, your energy levels will be low.  That is a sign to take a step back.  Take a rest day or two and give your body time to recover from the days or weeks prior where you have overworked yourself.  You could focus on stretching rather than activities that will be taxing on the CNS.  If you are doing too little activity than you normally do, your body can also become sluggish.  Exercise gets the blood pumping and releases endorphins that help keep you happy and energized.  So when you take away that routine you are throwing your body off.  

A rule I follow: When you are feeling lazy, force yourself to get that workout done and if you are feeling exhausted and lacking energy, take the day off.

Side Note: I have not been posting regularly!  I know I have been slacking and I am making a blog schedule for myself so I can keep up with this :)  If there is something you want to see in my blogs let me know!!  Comment below or email me nicolesfitlife@gmail.com