Supplements

May 2010

10

Über-Inositol

2

by Lia Halsall

I’ve previously posted about the topic of sleep and have even written an article on it for LindyOlsen.com. Just recently I’ve found myself revisiting my own problems that I’m having with sleep. I’m not one of those people who naturally sleeps soundly at night so it takes a little bit of work and effort on my behalf. It’s certainly not from a lack of trying either as I’ve tried many methods and products, such as:

★ Valerian Forte

★ Sleep Remedy

★ Sleeping Tablets

★ Chamomile Tea

★ Lavender Oil

★ Guided Meditation

For me, the problem isn’t getting to sleep. It’s staying asleep. I fall asleep without a problem then sleep for at least 3-4 hours. Then it starts. I call it the “rotary chicken”. I wake up, I change position,  go back to sleep and repeat that process over and over again for the remaining 3-4 hours. Then when I wake up in the morning, I’m exhausted. So once again I continue the search to find what works for me so that I may be able to sleep solidly eight hours of sleep night after night.

Being an inquisitive creature, I was doing some sleep research and came across some information I thought I’d share with you all: 40 Facts About Sleep You Probably Didn’t Know. There’s some interesting facts that I never knew. It goes to show, you’re never to old to learn something new.

I started my new bedtime routine last night of switching off both the computer and television an hour before bed. That way I’m no longer stimulating my mind and allowing it to slow down in preparation for a good night’s sleep. I put on some background music, Enya was the perfect choice of course and I’ve always loved her music. Then I went to my bedroom and lit my ceramic oil burner which has lavender oil in it. Lavender oil’s commonly known for it’s relaxation properties. That and I love the scent. Following that I made myself a cup of organic chamomile tea and drank it out of my fine bone china cup and saucer just like my grandmother does. It’s a very old fashioned tradition I know but one that I truly enjoy. An hour later right before bed I take my Über-Inositol. Lawrey my Naturopath from Evelyn Faye suggested I try it. It’s a product I’d not heard of or even tried before and it comes in a powder form. But I trust Lawrey. She’s previously helped me with my Adrenal Fatigue as well as my Genetic Profile. My bedroom’s dark from blackout curtains which makes for perfect sleeping conditions. The only thing I had to change drastically was my use of my iPhone when I’m in bed. That no longer happens. The setting and checking of my alarm clock is the only permitted use now. It’ll take time for this routine to take effect so I just have to be patient until then.

So I’m going to give this supplement a month before reporting back my thoughts and experiences on it. Until then….

Sep 2009

30

Supplements

2

by Lia Halsall

Supplements

Supplements are a very large contributor in the health and fitness industry. As bodybuilders and health and fitness enthusiasts we all want to achieve the very best outcome that we can and and that’s where supplements can come into it. I’m definitely an advocate of them, but in saying that there’s also a line in the sand that needs to be drawn. Only recently I myself have had to re-evaluate my daily supplement requirements and cut back on anything unnecessary.

My husband and I both take a variety of supplements for our general health and well being as well as for our training. But depending on our goals as to what we do or don’t need to take can be quite tricky some times. We’ve both cut back and have stream lined our supplements and we’re finding it better this was. After all, is does add up. LOL!! I know personally that the market and the many so called experts out there can be some what overwhelming to say the least so I’m going to talk about what I did and why.

1. Figured out what I wanted to achieve for my general health and training goals
2. Sourced professional opinions that I trusted
3. Reviewed their recommendations and further researched for my own benefit
4. Put the supplement plan into action

That’s it! And last but certainly not least, question things if you need to. By asking more questions you’re further educating yourself about what you’re taking and why. How many times has someone asked you “why are you taking that” and you couldn’t remember why? Been there, done that. Ignorance is a bliss for the most part but sooner or later we have to accept responsibility and figure out what’s best for us and why.

As an athlete I know that for myself and my training needs I’ll never be able to get all the vitamins and minerals I need from food, not by a long shot. Also with injuries and ailments as I grow gracefully older that the more I can do and supplement to hopefully prevent the average deterioration the better. Supplementation doesn’t have to be difficult, it is after all a choice. We can take them or not you know.

Melita and I were only talking about this very topic on the weekend at the 2009 INBA Vic Titles. She was saying that competitors condition was deteriorating and that she puts it down to a saturated market in the supplement industry and some of the companies not producing quality products. So know your products, know the companies you buy them from and trust the people who are recommending them to you. We are what we eat and consume and at the end of the day we have to accept responsibility for that.

Apr 2007

22

Supplement Container

6

by Lia Halsall

Here’s a handy hint that I picked up whilst watching Jenny Lynn’s “The harder I work, the luckier I get”. She has a weekly pill container for all her supplements so here’s mine packed ready for the week. You can never be to organised!