Minimum of Vitamins

[tljoseph]

Just starting out, what are the most essential vitamins I should pick up?

Thanks!

TJ

[mcsblues]

Welcome ;)

A great low carb diet is not short of vitamins - in fact the extra fat helps you absorb vitamins you might have been missing on the old low fat low cal WW nonsense (don't worry, we have all been there!:rolleyes::p)

However, especially as you are adapting to your new way of life it would pay to add some minerals (potassium and magnesium in "chelated" forms if possible). Vitamin D is also a good idea whatever eating plan you follow - especially coming out of your winter.

The only other thing I'd suggest is neither vitamin or mineral but some additional source of omega 3 fats (fish oil or krill oil offer the best kinds) is also a plan (when you finish PP, PPLP (see books at the top of the page) is a great read and will explain a lot of the 'why'.

HTH

[tljoseph]

Thanks for the information! Looking at Vitamin D it's not D3, right, just the plain one? I have always preferred taking a prenatal multivitamin, even when I'm not pregnant, that shouldn't matter much right? I find I'm going to the bathroom frequently, and occassionally a little dizzy when I move quickly, that's an indicator of low potassium I just read. But I'm not tired at all. In fact, this is the first time in years that I feel up to cleaning my house. It's only been a few days, so maybe it's psychosomatic. I messed up this evening, though. I just found out from another post in the forum that cashews are not a nut and relatively high in carbs. I didn't even bother to look. Oh well, live and learn right!

Mcsblues...let me ask one more question...well, it's not likely to be the last one ever, but...is resistance training preferred over aerobic? I love swimming and would choose over another activity and I am also a Wii addict lol. Will that slow me down in seeing results?

Thanks again for your help and welcome!

TJ

[mcsblues]

Let's see. Vit D? D3 is definitely what you need. Personally I take 5000IU (one capsule if you can find them - try iHerb if you can't find them locally). You can take a multi as well if you like but generally the amounts of each vitamin and mineral are pretty small and the types of minerals especially are not optimal either (oxides and/or carbonates rather than chelated magnesium would be a good example.

The living and learning - yes, don't worry too much about the occasional misstep - we all did the same sort of thing in the early days.

Resistance training is good but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate some cardio as well. Drop into the exercise area here and say hi to Shadow for me (I'm much too scared!:lol:)

[jilly27]

I second everything Malcolm mentioned and the one addition I would make is a good quality vitamin E, preferably in a capsule form packed in some sort of oil as it is another one of the fat soluble vitamins. A great antioxidant and I find it really helps with some ahh, female issues. (look away Malcolm :lol:) Most multis have some E in them but not generally the good stuff, and if its packaged in dry tablet form your body may not absorb it anyway. I take my vitamins with my cod liver oil to make sure they have some fat available to be absorbed.

On the resistance front... It won't necessarily slow your results not to resistance train, but there are many other benefits that make it a very worthwhile endeavour. Increased muscle mass can help raise your metabolism, it can increase bone density (very important for us girls) and strengthen your joints. So when and if you're able, add in some strength training with your swimming. Come see us over in "Movers and Shakers', we'll help you get started. :D

Jilly

[jilly27]

Oh, and the frequent visits to the bathroom is common at first while your body is letting go of a lot of retained water. This is what is responsible for the potassium deficiency (as well as some other minerals I think) and it will all subside soon.

Jilly

[mcsblues]

Probably should mention the Eades sell all the good stuff (products button above). I tend to ignore them because after 8 years of waiting - and the occasional subtle (yes, me!) hint - they still haven't mastered international sales!:rolleyes::lol:

I used to take a lot more vitamins including E ... and funnily enough haven't had a single "female issue" since!:tongue:

I don't take cod liver oil (too much Vit A interferes with Vit D) preferring krill oil these days.

[tljoseph]

Thanks Jilly and Malcolm - I think I've found suppliers for what I need to get started on a good supplement regimen. Vitamin E for keeping my girly gears going, excellent Jilly! Malcolm...should I be afraid of Shadow?

[mcsblues]

...should I be afraid of Shadow?

Well there is the theory her bark is worse than her bite ... it is only a theory mind ... afaik, no one has been brave enough to put it to the test!:p

[gitfiddle]

Malcolm...should I be afraid of Shadow?Shadow guides us with a firm hand, TJ. She can see through my weak excuses and somehow knows when I'm avoiding her. (I am today) But if it wasn't for her, I'd be in worse shape. She actually calls our names if she hasn't had a recent report. :paranoid:

You, of course, are a newbie and will be given a warm welcome, encouragement and advice.

(I have a feeling that Malcolm used up his brownie points years ago.)

[mcsblues]

(I have a feeling that Malcolm used up his brownie points years ago.)
Brownie points? There are brownie points??:peeved:

[Needlewoman]

...should I be afraid of Shadow?
Absolutely not. If you are serious about improving your fitness, but don't want to turn into a body builder, she will help you find the right sort of exercises to do and keep you accountable.

Just have a read through the Movers and Shakers thread and you will get a feeling for the atmosphere.

[tljoseph]

Thanks, I will be checking it out. There is so much information available here! So many resources. I am serious about exercise, but I must admit I'm a little intimidated. I think my biggest fear is losing momentum. I stay at home with my 2 year old and he can be such a distraction. Maybe Shadow can give me some tips on integrating both.
TJ