Updated January 2, 2017
The world of dietary supplements can be a bit intimidating. Between ancient folk wisdom and scientific advancements, it seems like there’s always more to learn about the vitamins, herbs, powders and potions that supplement a well-rounded diet and support the body’s natural processes.At Whole Foods Market, we pride ourselves on doing the homework for you. Just in time for our supplement sale, we sat down with Maren Giuliano, a woman who literally purchases millions of supplements per year in her role as our Executive Global Whole Body Coordinator.
Maren’s Must-Haves
Maren’s selections are geared toward a busy, active life that includes lots of travel. In 2016, work took her everywhere from Togo and Ghana to Dallas and Cincinnati. When she’s not crisscrossing the globe, Maren finds her bliss on a yoga mat. She and her husband own a yoga studio, and Maren recently completed an intensive yoga teacher training.
Maren prefers vitamins derived from food sources, which are often called “whole food” vitamins. “It’s more like you’re getting your nutrients through eating food. It’s a lot gentler on your stomach, and it means you can take it between meals — you don’t have to worry about taking it with food.”
Garden of Life Primal Defense Probiotic Formula
On a recent trip to Africa, Maren took this probiotic supplement every morning to support healthy digestion while she was eating lots of unfamiliar foods. “This is a great form that’s very pure. You’re getting your probiotic without sugar or other additives,” she says.
When she travels, Maren always stocks her purse with a few packets of this orange-flavored fizzy drink mix. “I usually add it to my water bottle on the plane. It has electrolytes along with the Vitamin C, so it helps with the dryness of flying, and it supports your immune system.”
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength
After a particularly challenging yoga class, Maren turns to turmeric to support a healthy inflammatory response. “You can take it on an as-needed basis, but some people just take it every day,” she notes.
“I use this powder as a smoothie base with frozen berries, banana and ricemilk. I might throw in a handful of greens or a scoop of Whole Foods Market Organic Wheatgrass Powder. I like to add cacao nibs too, because cacao adds texture.”
Garden of Life mykind Organics B-12 Spray
Maren discovered this raspberry-flavored vitamin spray when she spent several months following a strict vegan diet. “I knew I needed B12, because it’s really hard to get it when you’re not eating meat or dairy.” She favors this spray because it tastes good, it’s vegan, and it’s easy to use — you simply spray it under your tongue once a day.
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