Supplements for Success

I can still remember the first vegan protein powder that I tried. My dad bought it for me. It tasted horrible and I masked the flavor with a bunch sugar additives, making the shake both far passed redundant and a one-night-only performance.

My dad’s way of supporting my going vegan was forcing nutrients down my throat, in the most loving way of course. But — I was 17 and stubborn, and I thought I knew everything. At one stage I was taking around 15–20 pills a day, this then sparked a protest. I saw it as his way of telling me that my lifestyle change was unhealthy or inadequate when compared to his super South African, meat-with-EVERY-meal diet. I also had a skewed perception of nutritional supplements. I mean, my diet was plant based — fruit of the earth! I assumed this made me healthy. I wanted to get what I needed from nature and not rely on what I then saw as medication. This misconception stuck; I am too stubborn for my own good — literally.

It only took me about six years to understand that a healthy diet was not determined by the food you choose to eat, but rather by fulfilling the nutrients that your body needs. And the journey to health is learning to decipher what your body is asking you and then making the necessary changes to answer its concerns.

It must be noted that I went vegan for ethical reasons; not health reasons. I am lucky to have a fast metabolism as well as a desire to be active; this keeps me more or less in shape. I always assumed that I was healthy rather effortlessly. But, as they say, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

What I now understand, is that I want to put in the effort to be able to give my body what it needs, so that it can function at its best. It’s a team effort; mind, body and soul — you cannot achieve one without the others.

It was a shift for me. Because, although I was very aware of the benefits that I felt when eating better, exercising more, stretching, dancing, reading, studying, listening to music, etc — I always saw them as an addition, a bonus, an escape even. Work, responsibilities and all round stress I saw as mandatory before my little extras. And this is an understandable way of thinking. Work pays the bills. Also, having the freedom to design your diet, maintain your fitness and access stimulating resources is a privilege.

But — I believe if you are able to shift this into a need; and place it beside your responsibilities, you reap the benefits in places you could never imagine.

I write better after I’ve had a dance. My concentration lasts longer when I eat better. I am more productive after I’ve exercised. My thoughts seem clearer when I drink enough water. I know myself better, which means I can manage myself better.

I’m learning to listen to my body, and give it what it is lacking. And then it gives me everything I need in return.

This was a simple shift from using these techniques to repair, to using them rather to enhance. Instead of having a stressful day and blowing off steam; I was meeting my bodies needs so that it is less impacted by stress and less likely to feel overwhelmed by it.

Because remember; work, stress, life — that shit is constant. Never-ending background music. Now, imagine you could create a playlist of all the songs that make you feel good, motivated and excited. Set yourself up for success.

I am still learning, every day. And nothing makes me happier that just that.

[Photo by Rachel Jessica King]