HERE IS THE LOW CARB STARTER PACK---
When you decide to embark on your Body Transformation journey into a Low-Carb lifestyle, you may be interested in some supplements that will help you optimize your insulin levels and kick-start your bodyfat burn. Here are the supplements I use, and a brief explanation of why you may want to add them too!
Whey Protein powder- This lifestyle is centered around proteins and fats, and sometimes you’ll need a quick protein source that doesn’t require cooking or preparation. Whey Protein mixed with unsweetened Almond Milk makes a great post-workout recovery meal, and it can also be mixed with Almond Flour and used to bake delicious Low-Carb treats! I love MRM All Natural Whey because it doesn’t contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Alpha Lipoic Acid- ALA serves as a coenzyme in the energy production process in the cells which can provide quick bursts of energy. It’s unique in that it is both water and fat soluble which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. This is why it’s often called “The Universal Antioxidant”. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to invigorating mental and physical energy and a reduction in muscle fatigue—very helpful if the first few days of switching into ketosis makes you feel sluggish!
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA), an active isomer of Lipoic Acid, is more easily synthesized and metabolized by the body. R-ALA is 2 times more effective than regular (RS) Alpha Lipoic Acid and is a key component of mitochondrial dehydrogenase, which may help to slow the natural aging process in animals.
Chromium Picolinate- Chromium picolinate is a nutritional supplement that works to increase the efficiency of insulin to optimal levels. There are claims that this supplement can melt fat, drastically reduce appetite, and increase metabolism. Recently, the supplement has been marketed as a “safe alternative to steroids,” claiming to increase strength and lean muscle mass (Trent & Thieding-Cancel, 1995.) Of course, because this is a supplement and not a prescription drug, the FDA cannot vouch for these claims, but I find that it definitely helps keep my blood sugar levels even, and definitely helps to kill my cravings for sweets!
Krill Oil- You can’t watch television or read a magazine without hearing about the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, and you know that the primary source of Omega-3 is fish oil. However, due to the extremely high mercury content of most fish, you need a source of Omega-3 that does not contain mercury! Enter Krill Oil—because krill are tiny and very low on the food chain, their high Omega-3 content is virtually unpolluted. As you get higher and higher up the food chain, and fish get bigger, mercury becomes much more concentrated. Plus, Krill are not in any danger of being over-fished, so Krill Oil is not only a safe choice, it’s also very sustainable.
Acetyl L-Carnitine- This supplement has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and get to the brain blood circulation, where it acts as a powerful antioxidant, which helps in prevention of the brain cells' deterioration. Acetyl L-Carnitine has also been shown to improve insulin response and is proved to have a positive effect on various muscle diseases as well as heart conditions.
Vitamin D3- Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and the body can synthesize it (as vitamin D3) when sun exposure is adequate. Because modern life and the increasing use of sunscreens prevent us from optimal Vitamin D synthesizing, supplementation is essential. Vitamin D3 deficiency is linked to a surprising number of other health conditions such as depression, cancer, impaired immunity, macular degeneration, and both insulin resistance and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
Astaxanthin- Astaxanthin has 100-500 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene. There have been numerous preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies and several human clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of astaxanthin. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that astaxanthin was found to significantly increase strength and endurance. Astaxanthin also works as an internal nutritional sunscreen and actually boosts your skin's tolerance to ultraviolet radiation. It's one of my secrets for avoiding sunburn and getting a nice tan.
Melatonin- Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain. It helps control your sleep and wake cycles, and its natural concentration decreases as you age. Melatonin production is affected by daylight cycles, and artificial light produced by televisions, computer screens, and even smart phone screens inhibits its production. Taking Melatonin about an hour before bed helps you get a deeper, more restorative sleep.
EGCg- EGCG is the most abundant catechin in tea and is a potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of many disorders and cancers. It is found in green - but not black - tea, as EGCG is converted into a separate substance in black teas. There is increasing evidence to show that EGCG – along with other flavonoids – can be beneficial in treating brain, prostate, cervical and bladder cancers. EGCG has been shown to bind and inhibit the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl, which has been implicated in both cancer cell and normal cell survival.
Vitamin B = memory issues, confusion, bad breath, dark tongue, dry hair, rough skin, tender muscles, irritability.
Take 1 capsule at breakfast and 1 at lunch.
Vitamin C = bruising, muscle loss, bloody gums, cavities, and nosebleeds
Take 1 at breakfast and 1 at lunch. Decreasing sugar is also important because sugar competes with Vitamin C to get into the cell and sugar always wins!
Vitamin D = sensitivity to pain, Seasonal Effective Disorder, digestive issues, nervousness, pale skin.
Increase with sun exposure and high dose of Vitamin D. Take 1 capsule with food containing healthy fats. For children who don't like pills, take THIS liquid.
Vitamin E = losing hair at rapid rates, cataracts, and muscle weakness.
Take 1 with food that contains a healthy fat.
Vitamin K = bruising and brittle bones.
Take 1 at breakfast (with calcium and D, NOT with Magnesium).
Folic Acid = fatigue, depression/anxiety, sore tongue.
Take 1 capsule at breakfast and one at lunch.
Magnesium = chocolate cravings, urinary urgency, broken nails, nervousness, restless legs/twitching, sensitivity to noise.
Take an absorb-able form of Magnesium (DON'T TAKE "Oxide!") and take 400-1000mg 30 minutes before bed. OR you can use THIS Magnesium Oil for best absorption.
Potassium = bad hair and skin, water retention, edema.
Take 1-2 capsules/day.
Sodium = confusion, dizziness, lethargy, and vomiting
Use this quality Celtic Sea Salt.
Zinc = brittle nails, poor circulation, bruising, splitting hair, salty cravings
Take and consume 1 capsule anytime during the day.
FYI: Birth control pills deplete our cells of zinc and getting pregnant too soon before having healthy zinc levels can cause birth defects, such as cleft palates. My suggestion is to take zinc for 6 months after going off birth control before trying to conceive.
