New Sponsor – Garden of Life!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve recently signed on as a sponsored athlete with Garden of Life, the #1 Certified Organic Supplement Brand in the Natural Products Industry. As such, I thought it might be appropriate to give you a brief introduction to the company and a few of my favorite products.
I first became acquainted with Garden of Life at my former job, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, from which I resigned the week of the Houston Half Marathon. I quickly realized it was one of our top-selling brands, prompting me to want to know more about the company. I went to their website, http://www.gardenoflife.com, and found a wealth of information about the company and the products. Check it out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed.
The products are high quality, affordable, tasty (where applicable – for instance, the Raw Proteins/Meals), and many are allergen friendly (gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, raw, organic, etc.). Here are a few of my favorites so far:
Raw Protein
Available varieties:
- Vanilla Spiced Chai (my favorite)
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Unflavored
Why I like it:
- Organic, raw, vegan/plant-based
- Utilizes 13 organic and raw sprouts to provide high-quality protein, a complete amino acid profile, Vitamin Code vitamins, enzymes and probiotics, which enhance digestive health and function
- Great alternative to soy-, whey-, or other animal-based proteins
- Tasty! You can use these products in a number of recipes. Garden of Life provides delicious recipes on their website (http://www.gardenoflife.com/A-Way-of-Life/HEALTHY-RECIPES.aspx)
When I use it:
- After workouts or strength training sessions
- Anytime I need a quick snack on-the-go
Super Omega 3 Organic Chia Seeds
Available varieties:
- Super Omega 3 Organic Chia Seeds
- Organic Golden Flax Seeds
- Organic Golden Flax Seeds and Raw Organic Antioxidant Fruit (blend)
- Organic Golden Flax Seeds and Organic Chia Seeds (blend)
Why I like it:
- Born to Run is largely responsible for popularizing runners’ use of chia seeds as a superfood, helping to support the recovery process during intense training.
- Research on omega 3 supplementation is abundant – it plays a large role in modulating the inflammatory response in the body.
- Supports heart and brain health, maintains cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and promotes healthy digestion.
When I use it:
- All the time!
- In oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and even just in plain water.
Minami Nutrition MorEPA Platinum
Available varieties:
- Too many to list here – check out the options at http://www.minamius.com/
Why I like it:
- 1,100 mg of total omega-3s in each softgel – helps to fight inflammation
- Much more convenient than taking 3 or more softgels in split doses throughout the day
- 92% purity, which is the highest I’ve ever found – many others use filler oils
- Also provides 1,000 mg of Vitamin D
- No fishy aftertaste – a huge plus!
When I use it:
- At least once a day, usually after my main training session in the morning.
Raw Probiotics for Men
Available varieties:
- Too many to list here – check out the options at http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/RAW-Digestion.aspx
Why I like it:
- Raw, full-spectrum, whole food Probiotic with 31 different strains and over 27 billion cultures per capsule
- Also contains probiotic-created vitamins and minerals, as well as prebiotics and enzymes
- Supports immune response, digestive health, nutrient absorption, etc.
- Health on the outside starts with health on the inside
When I use it:
- Three times per day with meals (though they may be taken on an empty stomach as well)
