Do you need supplements to reach your health and fitness goals, whether performance, physique or lifestyle related?
The answer can be both depending on a number of factors. Things like your overall dietary intake, the source/quality of the food you are eating, whether your demands are higher based on your activity level, your individual body requirements, your lifestyle, and most importantly, preference.
For me personally I use supplements to 'fill the gaps' and also for convenience. I do lead a busy lifestyle so often even with best intentions I don't always get my food prepared, or don't get time to sit down for a full meal. I love incorporating shakes or bars as a convenience so I am not tempted to grab something high in calories and low in nutrition. They are basically my 'fallback'! Another big reason I prefer to use macro-balanced shakes is that they are balanced with the inclusion of carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals, probiotics and probiotics for digestion, and are not just a protein shake. I have a shake every morning post workout for breakfast as I have never felt like eating food after training and find that a liquid meal is so much easier on my digestion.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals these are just basically my 'insurance' policy to make sure I am getting everything I need. I noticed a huge difference when I followed a whole food only approach to nutrition to when I started incorporating supplements. My digestion was better, energy levels increased, a huge decrease in cravings, better skin, reduction in my stomach and visceral fat, and in general a better overall feeling of wellness.
The most important thing is that you always aim to meet your nutritional needs through a variety of whole foods and use supplements as an 'addition' to an otherwise healthy diet and active lifestyle. I personally incorporate supplements as I know how much of a difference they have made to my overall health and ability to manage a busy, active lifestyle, and how much of a benefit they have been to my clients.
Supplements are a personal preference so if you don't choose to use them you don't have to. I make suggestions based on my knowledge and experience, however I will never 'push' them on people and I am committed to only recommending what I believe will help them with their health and fitness goals. My approach has never been about a 'one fit' or specific method when it comes to nutrition, just working with my clients to guide them to find the most optional solution based on their lifestyle, preferences, personality type. There is no 'right' or 'wrong', but what you feel works best for you! Remember the 'best plan' in the world is of no use if you can't stick to it long term. Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
I have listed my favourite products for overall wellness and healthy ageing on my website. EVERY product in is registered and approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration is Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods) which is an ABSOLUTE necessity for me in recommending any product. If you choose to use ANY supplements or vitamins and minerals, please ensure they are met the approval requirements for use within your country.
You can read more about the supplements I use daily for health and wellness, and how I incorporate them by visiting the 'Vitality' page.