Taking the appropriate supplements from reputable brands like douglas laboratories from Supplement First is beneficial to maintain optimal health. However, this isn’t enough! Admittedly, supplements are NOT a meal replacement, and you must pair them with a healthy diet to take full advantage of the benefits your vitamins offer.
But what should you be eating to help get as many vitamins as you can with your supplements? Here is what you should focus on eating!
- Whole grains
These are low in fat but high in fiber and complex carbs. All of these will have us feel fuller for even longer, thus preventing overeating. They are also high in several B vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and selenium.
Opt to have whole-grain foods with at least 3 grams of fiber every serving. Here are a few examples of what to have:
- Whole-wheat pasta and tortillas
- Whole-grain bread, rolls, and crackers
- Rolled and steel-cut oats
- Brown rice
- Wild rice
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Cracked wheat
- Whole corn
- Fruits and vegetable
Of course, we all need fruits and vegetables! These are low in fat and have many nutrients and minerals we need to stay healthy and prevent diseases. They are also generally low in calories and will have you feel satiated, with many fruits and veggies being high in fiber.
Make sure you have at least one serving of any of these fruits and vegetables to get your fix of a variety of vitamins and minerals:
- Leafy greens, such as cabbage, lettuce, chard, and bok choy
- Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, and turnips
- Asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, and snap peas
- Apples, mangoes, pineapple, bananas, plums
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
- Pears, melons, and peaches
- Avocadoes and tomatoes
- Healthy sources of protein
Protein is necessary for muscle growth, cell repair and development, and for your body to function excellently. Protein will also help you feel satiated for longer compared to a high-fat diet. This is why there are many protein supplements available in various forms, from whey protein powder to whey isolates from douglas labs.
You also need to pair that with adequate protein in your diet to build muscle, which is necessary for bodybuilders. Here are a few healthy sources of protein to look into:
- Low-fat and lean cuts of meat from pork, beef, lamb, and veal
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh fish and shellfish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Beans and non-meat protein sources such as peanut butter, seeds, and nuts
- Dairy
Milk is an excellent vitamin D and calcium source, necessary to maintain bone health and good skin. There are different types of dairy and non-dairy alternatives you can add to your diet, alongside supplements.
- Low-fat or skim milk
- Soy or rice milk
- Low-fat or fat-free cheeses like ricotta cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, or string cheese
- Plain nonfat yogurt over sour cream in your recipes
Wrapping It Up
Don’t solely depend on supplements to get your fix of vitamins and minerals for your physical and mental health now.
