“Tyler, what supplements should take?”

I like this question because it indicates to me that the individual is both willing and capable of making a change in their health. Most of the time, however, I’ve noticed that the individual is looking for a quick-fix.

For example, imagine that you were me and someone working out three times a week came up to you and said, “I want to get stronger. What movements should I do after my three workouts a week?”

You wouldn’t tell them to do more deadlifts or run sprint intervals on the track. Your answer would be simple: Try working out five times a week now.

You see, the same goes for food and supplements. If you aren’t first eating well consistently, supplements will do every little. You can’t replace a bad diet with supplements.

This isn’t to say that deadlifts, sprints, or supplements will do any harm. They’re just secondary to the basics. Consistency always comes before intensity.

This week I plan to dive into supplements: everything from fish oil and creatine to caffeine and protein powder.

But before you get caught up in the granular details of supplements, remember these basics:

Step 1: Eat real food. Once you can eliminate eating the american-made food coated in sugar and salt, move on to step 2.

Step 2: Not too much. Control your portion sizes. Eat until you’re full. This is a skill in of itself – it’s much easier said than done. Once mastered, move on to step 3.

Step 3: Mostly plants. Eat a serving of vegetables at every meal. Your body needs it.

Step 4: Then, and only then, supplement.

Tyler