Garden of Life UK Review

Just over a month ago, I had finally rid myself of a series of winter illnesses and began a journey to reset my diet and health with the help of a selection of Garden of Life products.

My goals for the month were to keep my energy levels high as I increased my training levels, as well as to support my recovery. And I think I achieved that goal with flying colours!

I’ve just returned from a week of triathlon training in Lanzarote so I’m in full on recovery mode to reap the benefits of such a high amount of training. The only things that mattered last week were the training, my nutrition and sleep, which all got nailed.

Here are the Garden of Life products I’ve been using:

• RAW Organic Protein – Vanilla
• Raw Organic Fit Powder – Chocolate
• Mykind Organics Vegan D3 Vitamin Spray – Vanilla
• Vitamin Code Raw Zinc – 60 Capsules

Garden of Life Vitamins Review

Over the past 4 weeks, I’ve been using the the D3 vitamin spray and the zinc capsules. I did get the results of my NHS blood test during this time that confirmed my Vitamin D levels were lower than recommended.

The Mykind Organics Vegan D3 Vitamin Spray is just 58ml so was easily packed in my hand luggage and then stored in the fridge in my apartment while I was away on triathlon camp.

This is definitely a supplement that I would use on a daily basis for the foreseeable future. The Garden of Life Vitamin D spray delivers 1000 IU of vitamin D which is equivalent to 25 micrograms.

The NHS suggests that if you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people and you should not take more than 100 micrograms.

However, those who spend a lot of time indoors, or covered up while outdoors, will be less exposed and may struggle to meet the daily requirement.

Also, if you have dark skin (that’s me!) – for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight (NHS, 2020).

I also packed the Vitamin Code Raw Zinc capsules for camp, as although I was testing them as a supplement to help with acne, the anti-inflammatory properties of Zinc would also support my recovery during high volume training.

The zinc supplement contains a blend of 23 raw organic fruit and vegetables (as well as vitamin C plus 75 alkalising trace minerals) which hopefully did me the world of good as during camp week, I didn’t eat half as much fruit and veg as I would have liked to!

Long term, I’ll be using the zinc supplement in the 7 days leading up to each period (You have to read the book Roar) and depending on the condition of my skin, every 1-3 days in between.

Garden of Life Protein Review

I’ve been using two versions of Garden of Life Protein – one in vanilla and the Fit Powder in chocolate. Both being vegan, raw and organic. 

For the first couple of weeks I basically lived off the Fit Powder using it in my overnight oats. During my week at training camp though, I wasn’t that organised so I just stirred the serving into my porridge each morning.

I also used the protein powders as shakes mixed with oat milk and water, after my run and bike sessions to start my recovery. It was quite difficult to eat enough food at the rate we were exercising so supporting myself with a protein supplement was invaluable.

Where to buy Garden of Life Protein Powder

If you’re UK based, you can shop online directly at www.gardenoflife.co.uk.

What’s Next?

Now I’m back from training camp, it’s time to plan my goals for March. I need to take it easy for 1-2 weeks while I recover from the week of training (hello hunger and fatigue) but I’m hoping that once I am fully recovered I will be brimming with motivation to run and ride!

I’ve signed up for a very mini duathlon at the end of March to test how I am feeling. I will also be unofficially starting to train for a half marathon in May… but rocking up to the start line will very much depend on how the next few months of training, nutrition and health go!

I’ve definitely been feeling more like my usual self the last 4 weeks and the Garden of Life products have been a great support on the nutrition side of things.

Do you use any supplements to support your lifestyle? Have you tried Garden of Life products before?

Elle