Hey, They Call Me Connie…

If you don’t know this by now, I’m health-obsessed. Yes, I’m one of those people. The obsession is kind of new, though. It all started after a wake-up call a couple years back when I realized the direction my life was headed in wasn’t exactly the scenic route. I was hooked on sweets like a crack addict. I wish I was joking. Picture this: me, sneaking off to eat danishes in the car like some kind of sugar-deprived fugitive. Cookies, cakes, pies—you name it, I craved it. Every time life got stressful, I needed a sugary hit just to take the edge off.

Fast forward to now, and it’s been over 1.5 years since I’ve been sober from the sugary pastries that had me spiraling. Not even a breakfast muffin has crossed these lips. And yes, I definitely plan on sharing the diet substitutions that helped me kick the cakes out of my life, but that’s another story for another time. Today, we’re talking about the little magic pills—vitamins—that are helping me maintain the functionality of my newly sculpted (and still in progress) dream body. Because let’s be real, the diet was just the beginning.

Zinc: The Unsung Hero

Here’s one I didn’t see coming: zinc. When I cleaned up my diet, I expected a lot of changes, but I didn’t anticipate my skin turning into a big, shiny ball of grease. Seriously, I practically started making my own moisturizer. Enter zinc, the little vitamin I never knew I needed. It’s a natural skin corrector—who knew? Zinc helps balance the oils in your skin, which is great for keeping that T-zone in check. And it’s not just about looking less shiny; zinc also boosts your immune system, making it an all-around superhero in pill form. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

D3: My Sunshine in a Bottle

Let’s talk about D3, also known as the happy pill. If you’re like me and spend most of your time indoors (thanks, work), you need this in your life. Think of it as a little bit of bottled sunshine. It’s a depression fighter, mood lifter, and an all-around emotional health booster. The sun is life-giving, and while I’d love to be outside soaking up rays all day, that’s not always an option. I mean, who has the time? But when I do get out, you can bet I’m all about that SPF. More than 20 minutes of unfiltered sun can leave you with more than just a tan—hello, wrinkles! And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles if that’s your vibe, it’s just not mine. D3 is my way of getting all the benefits of the sun, without the side effects.

Protein: The Quiet Powerhouse

I know, I know—protein isn’t usually what comes to mind when you think of supplements. But let me tell you, it should be. Especially if, like me, you’re not a heavy meat eater. I dabble in veganism when I can, and supplementing my protein intake has been a game-changer. Lately, I’ve been using Ghost’s Cinnabon flavor, which is honestly so delicious, it makes sticking to my smoothie bowl routine easy. When I’m consistent with protein (I’ll admit, I’ve been slacking a bit, but I’m getting back on it), my nails are strong, my hair sheds less, and my skin stays intact. If you want to keep everything in place—literally—protein is your new best friend.

Creatine: The Underrated MVP

Now, let’s talk about creatine. It’s not as popular, especially among women, but it’s seriously underrated. Creatine is a game-changer if you want to hold onto muscle. It enhances your performance during those intense workouts, helps your muscles recover faster, and even boosts cognitive function. Yeah, you heard that right—it’s not just for bodybuilders. Creatine has a lot of benefits, and I’m here for every single one of them. Sometimes, the things you least expect turn out to be exactly what you need.

So, if you’re ready to take your health game to the next level, don’t shy away from a little pill-popping (the healthy kind, of course). Vitamins are more than just a supplement—they’re a key part of the transformation journey. And trust me, this journey is one you want to be on.

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before you attempt to incorporate any dietary changes that can impact your health.