Fitness
needs to perform, which is why it’s important to learn about all the options available and how
they can help.”
As you’re considering nutritional supplements, keep these important points in mind:
* Power up with protein — Adding a protein-rich sports supplement to your diet provides
many benefits. Protein fuels workouts, aids in muscle recovery after exercise and extends
energy throughout the day. Supplements can provide needed nutrients that are difficult to get
through diet alone. Adding protein powder into a smoothie or snacking on a protein bar can
help incorporate necessary nutrients like antioxidants into your daily diet.
* Match your supplement to your objective — An exercise regimen can greatly benefit from
a system of supplementation. Various nutrient-rich supplements are designed to be taken be-
fore you exercise, and others following exercise. For example, pre-workout supplements such
as Garden of Life SPORT ENERGY + Focus incorporate ingredients intended to improve fo-
cus, such as organic coffeeberry, and optimize energy production, such as B12. Post-exercise
supplements such as SPORT Organic Plant-Based Recovery can help your body recover faster
from the rigors of vigorous exercise.
* Pick your best protein — Protein is a key component of sports nutrition, since it helps build
muscle mass and supports muscle recovery post-workout. When a supplement contains all
nine of the essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own, it contains “com-
plete proteins.” You can get these essential amino acids from different protein sources, such
as plant-based protein or whey protein. Plant-based proteins are great for people following a
vegetarian or vegan diet, and they are especially effective at enhancing post-workout recovery.
Whey protein is designed to refuel and repair muscles and can help maximize muscle growth
when supplementing with regular exercise.
* Keep it clean — It’s important to be aware of what’s in your supplement. Just as you choose
organic foods and beverages for their ingredient transparency, you wouldn’t want a nutri-
tional supplement that’s made up of chemicals. Look for a truly clean sports nutrition system
that’s designated with the Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals, as
well as by Informed-Choice for Sport and NSF(R) Certified For Sport.
“Working out is good for you — whether you choose to supplement or not. But the right
nutritional supplement can help maximize the benefits of your exercise regimen and improve
how you feel during everyday life activities,” Saladino says.
Nutritional supplements may be the fuel your body needs to reach the next level of perfor-
mance, whether it’s putting that extra weight into your workout or lifting an extra child at
home.
To learn more about clean sport supplements, visit www.gardenoflife.com/sport.
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