(Part 2 will be focused on the supplements Maggie takes, so stay tuned!)
Okay, disclaimer: I’m obviously not a medical professional, so please feel free to consult with your provider before starting a new supplement routine.
That said, I have spent time researching different supplements and brands to find what I feel are the best options for Maggie and me, and so I thought I’d share those here in hopes it’s helpful for you.
But first, remember the word “supplement” should remind us that most of our nutrients should come from actual FOOD. Supplements are great to help round things out and fill certain gaps, but prioritizing a whole foods-based diet along with lots of water to keep us hydrated is so incredibly important.
Another note: Personally, I don’t love taking tons of pills. I don’t like when they leave an aftertaste or that fun post-vitamin burp situation happens and you can taste them (SO GROSS), so I’ve learned it works best for me to take some of my supplements in the morning (the ones least likely to have that aftertaste) and the rest in the evening before bed. (I DEFINITELY wait to take my prenatal before bed!)
With that as a foundation, here’s a peek into the supplements I take daily:
ANNA’S SUPPLEMENTS:
–Prenatal Vitamin: After doing LOTS of research this time around when it came to which prenatal vitamin to choose, I landed on Ritual’s Essential Prenatal. The ingredients are ones I feel great about, and I feel good taking them. I also blogged about what to consider when choosing a prenatal vitamin in this post for Zulily if you’d like to check that out!
–Probiotic: I’ve tried a few different probiotic brands, but have taken Seed probiotics for several months now and have been so happy with them. The research behind the probiotics is interesting and impressive, I love the way they make me feel, and the sustainability factor is a huge plus, too. With your first order, you get a glass jar full of capsules (as well as a handy travel-sized glass tube), and subsequent orders come in recyclable paper sleeves and you just pour the new capsules into the same glass jar and use it again and again!
–When I need added detox: I’ve included Solluna’s Detoxy in my supplement line-up for a couple of years now, and love the way it makes me feel. I don’t take it nearly every night (even less during pregnancy), but instead add it to the mix every now and then to help add some extra cleansing when I need it.
–Omegas: I’ve recently added a few Juice+ products into the mix, and am loving their Omega Blend. I appreciate that it’s made with plant-based omega fatty acids, meaning the omega-3 comes from algae rather than fish oil. Not only is this great news since I’m plant based, it also means the aftertaste (and post-pill burp factor) is SO MUCH LESS UNPLEASANT! In addition to omega-3, this blend includes omegas 5, 6, 7, and 9.
–Fruits & Veggies: I already eat a ton of fruits and veggies, but have liked introducing Juice+’s fruit, vegetable, and berry blend capsules into the supplement mix to make sure things stay nice and rounded out produce wise.
(If you’re curious to learn more about Juice+, I can get you in touch with my friend Morgan who can give you all the details! She’s amazingly knowledgeable — she’s actually a med student and really knows her stuff — and is also plant based.)
–Vegan Protein Powder: There are two Ora Organic products I absolutely love (I’m sure I’d enjoy others, too — I just haven’t tried anything else yet!) and the first is this Organic Vegan Protein Powder. The ingredients are great, the taste is amazing, and I love that it has so much protein (22 grams per serving). I’ve only tried the chocolate flavor, and it’s SO good! At some point I’ll mix it up and also give the vanilla and vanilla chai a try.
–Collagen: Because I’m plant based, a traditional collagen (which traditionally contains bovine connective tissue) is off the table. I’ve loved using Ora Organic’s Vegan Collagen-Boosting Powder for the past year or so. (I use the vanilla version.) It uses aloe vera, protein, silica, and vitamins C and E to boost your body’s natural collagen making ability. (I typically mix it in with my smoothies, but it can also be added to coffee and other things.)
–Magnesium + Sleep Support: Every now and then, I add Natural Vitality Calm to the mix to help with sleep (and added magnesium). I love the way this tastes, and I do feel like it makes a difference in helping me feel, well, calmer overall as I prepare for bed. Another option I’ve used and enjoyed to help with these things is MaryRuth’s Extra Strength Nighttime Multimineral.
NOTE: Because I prefer drinking supplements rather than swallowing capsules, I might move to this MaryRuth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Multivitamin after the baby is born. I’ve used her liquid multivitamin in the past (and it’s a brand we love for Maggie, too, as you’ll see in Part 2 of this post) and have been very impressed with all things MaryRuth that I’ve tried (including the nighttime multimineral I included above!).
2022 Update:
I’ve moved to the MaryRuth’s Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Multivitamin I mentioned above for my daily multivitamin and I’ve been loving it! I plan on continuing to take that until I finish breastfeeding Vance.
I’ve also introduced Vitamin C to the mix (after all, we can all use as much immune-boosting support as possible, right?), and I’m loving both the Naked Vitamin C packets (which are SO easy to add to a smoothie!) and the MaryRuth’s Vitamin C drops (which Maggie can easily take as well).
What about you? What does your daily supplement line-up include?
