Matt and I went a little veggie crazy during our last shopping adventure so for the past few days we have definitely been getting in our greens.
Butter lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, apple, cucumber, croutons with a baked potato with sour cream and cheddar. Sweet potatoes are great and all but sometimes a plain ol’ white potato just really hits the spot.
The night before we made a chicken veggie stir fry to accompany the salad.
I recently bought a jug (literally) of coconut oil since everywhere I turn I hear about how good it is for you. I have been slathering my legs and hands with it daily and am loving it. Very moisturizing and it smells like summer. The stir fry was the first time I cooked with coconut oil and it I am a fan. My skin is soft, my hair is shiny and my food tastes good? Love.
The other day I posted a pic of my breakfast and mentioned the vitamins that I take each morning. Ok, each morning that I remember, which works out to about 3-4 times a week. Better than nothing, right? Anyway, I got a few questions about what they are and why I take them so I will give you my very un-expert explanations.
B-12
- helps make DNA and keeps blood cells healthy
- helps prevent anemia
- found naturally in animal products
- synthetically added to foods like cereal
- excess B-12 is stored in the liver for use when supplies are scarce
Why I take it? I don’t eat a lot of animal products so I don’t get a lot of B-12 naturally. And am abnormally afraid of Alzheimer’s disease and there are a lot of studies linking B12 to the slowing of Alzheimer’s (there are also studies about coconut oil and Alzheimer’s hence my jug of coconut oil).
Vitamin D
- found in small amounts in foods naturally (like fatty fish)
- added to dairy products, juices, cereal, etc
- most of the vitamin D the body gets is from the sun
- people with naturally dark skin absorb less vitamin D
- maintains strong bones
- helps regulate immune system
Why I take it? When I am outside, I am wearing sunscreen thus blocking the vitamin D absorption and my doctor has told me it is really, really hard to get enough vitamin D naturally through diet.
Biotin (aka B7 or vitamin H)
- a vitamin B complex vitamin
- naturally in your body
- helps process energy
- sweat glands, nerve tissue and bone marrow function most efficiently with proper levels
- helps hair and nail growth
Why do I take it? For the very superficial last bullet point. My fine hair needs all the help it can get.
Obviously I am not a doctor so please don’t overdose on biotin hoping to get Rapunzel strands.
Do you take any supplements? Which ones?
Amanda
/ March 8, 2013I take a women’s multivitamin a few times a week, and I also have some calcium chewables that have vitamin D in them. They taste like Tootsie Rolls. Yum.
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013Yum, healthy tootsie rolls?! I need these.
Alex @ therunwithin
/ March 8, 2013I take magnesium and swear by it. i have always wanted to look into B12
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
/ March 8, 2013I actually take a vitamin D supplement because for at least the past 5 years, my vitamin D levels have been extremely low. Recently, lots of other people I know that live in my area have had the same issue. I think it’s because we get so little “nice” sunny weather here in New England.
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013Yep, all of my doctors recommend vitamin D forest patients
Her Happy Balance
/ March 8, 2013I take cinnamon (it’s good for blood sugar levels…I don’t have high levels or anything but I figure it’s preventative). I also take biotin, a multi vitamin, and cranberry capsules.
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013I like to add a dash if cinnamon to tea. oatmeal, toast etc for the same reason
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
/ March 8, 2013If I can remember, I take an iron supplement..but I haven’t remembered in months…. Oops.
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013The remembering is the hardest part. I keep the vitamins right next to my breakfast food now so it’s easier.
Whine Less
/ March 8, 2013I take a multi-vitamin, B-12 and DHA (I don’t eat fish). I don’t take DHA because of this but I’ve read that “below-normal levels of DHA have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013I’ve heard that too!
Nicole (@KidlessKronicle)
/ March 8, 2013I take the Active vita-pak from GNC. I showed it to my Dr once and he said nothing in there would hurt me. He might argue the benefits but no harm. All I know is that I feel better with more energy when I take it and I am NEVER sick (jinx). I also take calcium due to my BC and love/hate relationship with dairy. And biotin because my hair and nails need all the help they can get.
Nerri
/ March 9, 2013I take a women’s multivitamin and a calcium + vitamin d daily! I recently got a jar of coconut oil from TJs for the same reason and have been too nervous to try it but I’m totally going to slather some on my poor dry skin ASAP!
Runner Girl Eats
/ March 10, 2013I hear mine up in the microwave for about 10 secs to liquify it first. It’s pretty greasy at first so I do it before bed and throw on some pjs.