Supplements

*Important note: the ground flax seeds pictured above are a natural seed not a supplement & Paleo approved.*

Let's talk about taking supplements... although it is not "Paleo" to take supplements, there are a lot of people who need to supplement their healthy eating with a little extra vitamins/minerals. For example, if you have arthritis & aren't getting enough Omega-3 fats, you can supplement your diet by taking fish oil. The same goes for anyone with vitamin deficiencies that need a little boost to their natural vitamin count other than sources from food. Vitamins & minerals derived from food will always be the best & easiest source for your body to use most efficiently. 

For those of you with a time restrictive schedule, like my fiancee James, that want to get their protein in after workouts & just don't have time to make a full meal I have included the above eggwhite protein as a supplement. This is a Paleo friendly powdered protein, although it is not Paleo approved because it is still a processed protein. The only ingredient in this protein is the actual egg whites, so if you do want to use a protein powder for convenience this would be the one I would recommend. (see disclaimer to the left of this blog post) With that being said, make sure you mix it with some fruit/vegetables for flavor & natural sugars or it will not taste appetizing at all! As for the flax seeds, I would throw in 2 tbsp with your protein blend/smoothie. Not to scare you off, but this particular seed will make you gassy if you overload on it. You'll have to find a happy medium for your own body, but I took my intake down to 2 tbsp every 3 days.

You do not have to take supplements to be healthy! I want to make sure y'all understand this without taking this post out of context. This post is for those who need to take supplements. For additional information on supplements visit the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements website. Talk with a nutritionist or a dietitian in regards to taking supplements as they are the highest trained personnel in this category.