Last year (and early this year), I got really sick because of low iron and low vitamin D (plus asthma and allergies). It was awful and I don't want to repeat it. Ever.

I know a lot of it had to do with stress and terrible eating habits, but I also know that even when my eating habits are at their best, because I eat a mostly vegetarian diet I sometimes come up short in getting all of the vitamins and minerals I need as an endurance athlete. And let's face, it's hard to keep my eating habits in top shape because well...life. Specifically mom life.

I've really struggled with my overall wellness since becoming a mom. My schedule is chaos, my needs often take a backseat, and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done (like weekly meal planning and meal prep - that's not really how I want to spend my Sundays). 

I do my best to eat well, but because I don't always and since I don't want to experience those deficiencies again, I decided it was time to add some vitamins and supplements to my routine even after coming off the doctor-prescribed iron supplements.

While I don't believe that everyone needs supplements and everyone is different, for me, they seem to be a good thing.

Two of them have topped my list: Ritual and NOW Women's Probiotic 20 Billion.

Ritual - I came across Ritual through a Facebook ad and after examining the ingredients I realized they were exactly what I needed after coming off the iron supplements. It includes iron and D3, which are the two things I had issues with. My doctor still has me on Vitamin D3 supplements, but now I just take one of those in the evening instead of two, since my Ritual vitamin has the same amount of D3.

So far, I'm still feeling really good and haven't needed to go back on the prescription iron supplements. In general, I feel better and I've been told I look like I feel better. My skin is no longer pale and ashy, and I have energy again. It's been so long since I had energy! There was a brief moment in time in late 2014/early 2015, but after that it was just a downward spiral until April of this year. 

Women's Probiotic 20 Billion - Moms Meet selected me to be a part of their sampling program for this supplement. Women's Probiotic 20 Billion uses three clinically tested probiotic strains to support women's health through every stage of life.*

I've never really given much thought to probiotics and I generally don't have a ton of digestive issues in general, but I figured I could give this one a go.

I've been taking it for about three weeks now, and while I haven't noticed dramatic health changes, last week I noticed that I feel much less bloated. My stomach is much flatter most of the time now. I haven't really changed much about my eating or anything over the past few weeks, so I think it could be the supplement since that's one of things it says it helps with.

And less bloat is a good thing all around - my clothes fit better, I feel better and working out doesn't feel gross. 

I guess I didn't really know how bloated I was until I wasn't anymore. Sort of like I didn't know how bad my asthma was until it wasn't. 

My energy is also increasing - I'm sure part of that is because I'm recovering from that awful illness and I'm able to get out and do more, but I also believe that putting the right fuel into my body (food and suppelements)  is helping a lot

For my personal health, I'm sold on both of these supplements and will continue taking them. Both Ritual and Women's Probiotic 20 Billion are formulated specifically for women and our unique needs. Another thing I like about both them? They're vegan. 

While I don't believe supplements can fix a bad diet, and not everyone needs them, for me personally they help. Along with proper eating and exercise, I plan to keep them as part of my overall wellness routine. 

Does anyone else use vitamins and supplements? What have you tried? Do you feel like they work for you?

Where to buy:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: This is my personal story and not meant to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you have health concerns and before starting any supplement routine.