I have never really been a “medicine” person.
Fortunately for me, I was (and still am) pretty healthy so I didn’t have to be.
I have never been the kind of girl who popped Advil with cramps or growing pains as a teenager or hangovers as a college student. I didn’t even fill my prescription for pain meds after getting my wisdom teeth out. And, my day has never included a vitamin.
That is, until recently.
Nearly in the same moment that I found out I was expecting a baby, my mind went straight to prenatal vitamins.
(Okay, fine. Full disclosure. It was after the, “Oh my God. What have we done?” thought.)
As a late twenty-something, I knew a little about prenatals, their need and their benefit even when babies are the furthest thing from my mind. I even had friends who took them prior to their weddings for faster growing hair and better nails.
… All the while, I couldn’t help but think that they were really tempting fate because with my luck I know how that would have played out for me… just saying.
But, when the time became real for me, I didn’t even know where to begin to look.
After a trip to the library and some Google searches, I knew I wanted something with plenty of folic acid, calcium and iron. I also knew- because I am me- that I wanted something as close to Mother Nature as possible which led me down the road of plant based vitamins.
There I found MegaFood vitamins and I was intrigued.
MegaFood has made whole food supplements for forty years and uses produce from trusted farm partners to create their products. Through their production process, they do not use any damaging temperatures to diminish the natural nutritional value of the fresh food.
The more I learn about not just MegaFood products, but vitamins and supplements in general, the more I think about keeping up with a daily vitamin or two post baby. Even a lactation consultant that I met with recently said to keep it up. She also mentioned that the addition of a daily vitamin is a good thing for new (also sleep deprived) dads to think about too!
MegaFood’s product line includes a handful of Baby and Me options to support pregnancy and to help with breastfeeding. But, there are also many other options for growing kids and teens, adults over forty, men and women, and even vegans to help add balance to their diet.
Since we are at the height of cold and flu season, I have teamed up with MegaFood and we are offering a Winter Wellness Pack to one lucky Bloom reader full of germ fighting Vitamin-C, Vitamin-D and Zinc products! Be sure check out the Giveaway below and tell me how you stay healthy in the winter!
Here are a few of MegaFood and my tips!
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: This can seem hard without the booming garden and farmers market, but good cold weather options are antioxidant rich cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, garlic and carrots.
- Eat Protein: Protein helps to keep blood sugar levels stable (good for a pregnant gal too!) and reduce sugar cravings. People often get sick in the winter because they are eating too many sugars and carbohydrates which can compromise their immune system. Eggs, beans, lentils, quinoa, and cheese are an awesome vegetarian sources of protein especially in the winter. I add lentils, beans and quinoa to soup often.
- Stay Social: Even if it’s cold, get out and visit friends. Too many people stay at home during the winter leading to the Winter Blues. Make a coffee date with a friend or family member to keep spirit’s high.
- Stay Active: And, even better, get active outside. Use good judgement, obviously, but even if it’s just chilly it will feel great and be great to get bundled up, head outside and get your heart pumping even if it’s only for twenty minutes a day.
- Get Extra Sleep: We need to be better about taking cues from nature. When it’s colder and the days are shorter, our bodies naturally need more sleep. Try going to bed about thirty minutes earlier than normal because if you are sleep deprived you will be more susceptible to illness.
Bonus Tip!
Have faith and get excited, because according to dear old Punxsutawney Phil, spring will be coming early!
