Earth Fare was hands-down one of my favorite jobs I have ever had! I was able to work with wonderful co-workers and clientele all day long. Basically getting paid to learn about every supplement and healthy living option under the sun while being able to help people feel better and make healthier choices for themselves. It was an awesome experience and I thought I would share a few things that I learned.
There are soooo many options out there nowadays for every type of supplement and healthy living choice. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up or decide what might be best for you and your family. Sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad (too many supplements and mixing the wrong ones can actually be harmful). Not only bad for the person taking it but also bad for the earth in which over-consumerism and wastefulness is a problem and topic of conversation I will get to into another post.
I’d like to share a few simple things I learned while being there as well as a few Rockstar Products I think everyone should know about:
- Everyone basically wants the same thing – to make the right choices for themselves and their loved ones. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what these choices and or products are. My advice is to be your own advocate. Ask a lot of questions to as many people that are willing to listen. I found that the more people I spoke to, the more I learned about all of the products.
- I truly believe that most of your nutrition and healthy living habits should come in the form of food. Yes food. There is no magic pill that is going to keep you healthy. Food and whole plants (fruits and veggies) that grow out of the ground are the best source to get what you need. So, first and foremost, if you are going to change or buy something differently that would be my top recommendation. That said, there are some amazing products containing nutrients that we normally would not get eating your average fruits and veggies. Below are a few that I highly recommend.
A great rule of thumb, when considering supplements and potency: First option is whole food, second is tincture, third is dried supplement or capsule/powder and the fourth option would be a gummy.
First up, Elderberry: A great everyday-product that you can supplement to help with immunity. Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation and even cancer. When used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract may even help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms as well. For this reason, the government actually employed the use of elderberry to fight the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic. Quick note: the best way to get this is to buy the dry elderberries and make your own tea or syrup. If that’s not an option there are some great already made tinctures and syrups.
Green Vibrance: If you are going to use one supplement, this is one I suggest. It has a huge list of nutrients that you would not get from eating your regular fruits and veggies, plus your pro and prebiotics! Packed with micro-nutrients and designed to support the four foundations of health: nutrition, circulation, digestion and immunity.
ACF: If you are feeling the flu or feeling like you are fighting something off this stuff is amazing!!! It tastes like complete garbage, but it will cure what ails you!! ( Side note: its tastes much better chilled in which you have to do after opening). Very high dosage of these ingredients gets the job done! Rapid immune support is made with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C with Citrus Bioflavonoids, Zinc, Rutin, Echinacea, Elderberry extract, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Thyme, Purified Silver and more.
Black seed oil: Used to aid a host of health conditions and a great overall supplement that is little talked about. Black seed oil is high in antioxidants and may have several benefits for health. These include the treatment of asthma and various skin conditions, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, aiding in weight loss, and protecting brain health.
Tumeric/Currcumin: Super high in antioxidants, this supplement can help with inflammation in the body, helping increase blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease. Side note: if you have stomach ulcers or problems please consult with a physician.
Omega 3: Essential for brain function, Omega 3 also helps with eye and heart health and as a bonus, it’s great for your skin!
CBD: There is a lot of debate over CBD and I believe that with more research this will be put at ease. In the meantime I think CBD oil is a great supplement, helping with everything from anxiety to seizures and pain. There are so many brands and companies out there, so as always, do your research. This is one of my favorites.
Vital Proteins Collagen: Skip the hair and nail vitamins, this is ALL you need. It’s amazing!!
Skin care: Oh how I loved all of Earth Fare’s skin care and brands! However, if I were to pick my top five, these would be them:
1. Mad Hippie: Super effective ingredients, super clean!! I use this instead of a retinol.
2. Heritage rosewater and glycerin spray: This is great to add a little more moisture to the skin, prep before makeup, and set after makeup, or as a great touch up spray!
3. Acure oils: Some of the purest ingredients, all your skin needs!
4. Andalou hemp line: This line in particular made a big difference in my skin!
5. Dr Bronners lip Conditioner: So basic, but effective. I use under my eyes as well. I notice that application once a day is all I need (unlike so many other lip conditioners).