As a gym girl who aims to get shredded and stronger, while at the same time trying to eat as healthy as possible on a micro-level, I often find myself in between two teams: the macro-focused, highly processed, Team Muscle Mommy, and the green juice, salad eating, Pilates Princess Tribe. It took me a few years, but I’ve finally cultivated a selection of products that fulfill both parts of my wellness personality.
Garden of Life Raw Vanilla Protein ($36.00)
I’ve loved this protein since my vegan days! I’m no longer vegan, but it’s remained a staple in my cabinet for the past 3 years since. Not only is it delicious on its own due to its creamy texture, but it’s a shining star in pancakes, coffee frappes, or oats. It has a complete amino profile, making it optimum for your muscle-reparation needs. It was also made at low temperatures and contains live probiotics for easy digestion (we all know that’s needed when starting a new protein, let’s be real here). On top of that, it’s non-GMO, certified organic, vegan, and third party tested (so we know it actually includes what it advertises).
Not only is this water bottle trendy and cute, but it keeps your liquids cold, and- AND (drumroll, please)…
…it’s dishwasher safe.
That’s right. You can easily wash this water bottle and stop risking your health each day re-using the same grimey bottle because washing it is too much of a pain. You’re welcome.
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C ($32.00)
I don’t wear a lot of makeup to the gym, but I do like myself a good concealer for the random blemish and always under my eyes. I love the Ilia brand because it works and it’s free from toxic ingredients. On top of that, it has vitamin C and antioxidants, so not only does it not harm your skin, but it enhances it throughout the day. Me and my highly sensitive, acne-prone skin approve.
Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara ($28.00)
Can’t you tell I’m a fan of this brand? The other clean mascaras I’ve used have dripped into my eyes at the first sign of sweat (or even before) and have given me a not-quite-cute racoon eye look. Ilia has always stayed perfectly in place during lifting, yoga, and even high-intensity sessions. It also lasts a solid 3 months.
Garden of Life – Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women & Prebiotics, 50 Billion CFU for Women’s Daily Digestive Vaginal & Immune Health ($26.71)
Probiotics are often overlooked, but if you want to get the most out of your nutrition, and you don’t regularly eat things like (no sugar added) yogurts, (no sugar added) kombuchas, kimchi, miso, etc., they are something you should consider adding to your diet. This one also helps keep your nether regions healthy while being crowded into humid leggings for hours each day. There are a plethora of options for probiotics but I opt for this one because it includes the prebiotic “foods” for the probiotics so that they can work their best. It’s certified organic, third-party tested (huge!), and it was formulated by doctors.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, Moisturizing Lip Care, for All Day Hydration & Dry Lips, 100% Natural, with Shea Butter ($9.98 for a 2 pack)
I am loyal to Burt’s Bees ever since I tried (and smelled) their Milk and Honey Body Lotion. They are the OG when it comes to natural bath and body brands, and “natural” is important when it comes to things you put on your lips. This lip balm is not only clean enough to wear there, but it also gives you a nice, natural-looking tint that keeps you looking fresh and dewy throughout your workout. I also use it on my cheeks for a cute flush after showering.
Native Deodorant | Natural Deodorant for Women and Men, Aluminum Free with Baking Soda, Probiotics, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter | Coconut & Vanilla ($12.97)
I’ve tried probably every brand of natural deodorant and NOT ONE of them have withstood a hot yoga class. But Native is a different breed. It finds a way to harness the power of natural ingredients to stop the stink without a drop of aluminum. They have a ton of great scents, but my favorite is the Coconut & Vanilla. It has a warm, creamy scent, heavy on the vanilla, without being too sweet.
The Honey Pot Company – Sensitive Feminine Wash & Feminine Wipe Bundle – Herbal Infused Natural Hygiene for Sensitive Skin ($19.76)
After a hot sweaty gym session in synthetic fabrics, I always like to feel extra fresh down there. The Honey Pot Company is the first of its kind to use clean ingredients like lavender, apple cider vinegar, and aloe, that actually work and don’t bother your natural pH.
Nuun Active: Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tablets ($11.68 for a 2-pack)
If you train intensely- meaning weight lifting, moderate or high intensity cardio, sweaty yoga sessions- you very likely need electrolytes. But if you’re anything like me, you’re not about to put an electric-colored drink into your system. Nuun tablets give your body exactly what it needs, without the extra sugars and colors. It’s not organic, unfortunately, but it is vegan and colored with naturally-occurring plant dyes (like beets) so I will still choose it over any “ades”.
Hiball Energy Seltzer Water, Caffeinated Sparkling Water ($29.33 for a pack of 8, or about $3.00 each at grocery stores)
Picture your favorite natural flavored seltzer, but with 160mg of organic caffeine, guarana, and ginseng. It’s vegan, gluten-free, has no sugar, no taurine, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, and mostly organic ingredients. I used Hiballs to power me through my power lifting days, and to give me a good pick me up before afternoon pilates. It makes me feel good to know I’m not putting crap into my body while trying to get that extra boost in my workout.
Bulk Supplements Creatine Monohydrate Powder ($22.96)
Creatine is arguably the most studied performance-enhancing supplement on the market. It has no reported side effects and gives you benefits like increased strength, energy, and performance. HOWEVER, the performance enhancing market is notorious for putting unknown substances in their products under the guise of “proprietary blend”. I am very conscious of what I put in my body, which is why I buy the pure, simple, creatine monohydrate powder from Bulk Supplements. They say the only ingredient in their product is creatine and they are actually third-party tested to prove it.
I’ve been using this brand for years because of its price, quality, and the fact that it is unflavored and can be added to anything. I like to have mine with a Nuun, Hiball, or in a pre-workout shake, but you can feel free to get creative.
I hope this list was helpful for you in your journey to get fit and stay healthy! If there are any recommendations I’ve left off of here, please feel free to reach out and let me know.
