Supplements: To Take Them Or Not To Take Them?

Jul 28

My First Impression

For many years, I had a strong feeling against supplements.

I was skeptical, companies make huge profits off pills and powders, and I didn’t like seeing people use them as a shortcut instead of actually addressing their health. We are surrounded by examples! Don’t want to take the stairs? Just hop on the escalator! Don’t want to cook? DoorDash has you covered! Don’t want to exercise? There’s a pill for that. Don’t want to eat fruits and vegetables? Just take a supplement!

This “easy way out” mentality frustrated me, especially as a coach focused on movement, strength, and real health habits.

Why Supplements Aren’t the Foundation

Here’s the hard truth: supplements are the 1% of health.

They’re not bad, but if your daily routine is mostly processed food, little movement, and poor sleep, supplements won’t move the needle. They can give the feeling of progress without actually changing much. If your diet is full of highly processed foods and you’re walking less than 3,000 steps a day, no supplement will be the game-changer you’re hoping for.

The true foundation of health is built on:

Whole, nutrient-dense foods
Consistent movement and strength training
Quality sleep
Stress management

That’s where the real transformation happens.

Using Supplements As A Tool

Over time, as I studied more research and worked with more clients, my anti-supplement stance softened. I realized that, when used well, supplements aren’t a shortcut, they’re a tool.

They can help:

Improve performance in the gym
Speed up recovery between workouts
Support bone and muscle growth
Fill nutrient gaps when life gets messy (because it will!)

When you have the basics in place, supplements can be that extra 1–5% that nudges your progress forward.

Where to Start (No Supplements Required)

If you’re just beginning your health journey, don’t stress about buying powders or pills. Focus on the fundamentals:

Swap processed foods for real ones. Add one extra veggie to your plate. Choose less packaged snacks.
Move more. Start with daily walks. Aim for strength training when you’re ready.
Prioritize sleep. Even small improvements in your bedtime routine matter.

When these foundations are in motion and you’re feeling stronger and more consistent, that’s the time to think about adding supplements.

Some Takeaways

Supplements aren’t magic. They won’t fix a lifestyle that’s out of balance. But with the right foundation, they can be a helpful boost.

Think of it this way: don’t put sprinkles on a cake that hasn’t been baked yet.

Start with food, movement, and rest. Then, if you want, we can talk about which supplements might actually support your goals.

Ready For Your Reset?

If you’ve been looking for a plan that actually works with your life (not against it), my Reset & Revive 16-Week Coaching Program is designed to help you gain strength that lasts, energy you can count on, and confidence that carries into every part of your life.