Anyone who's taken a nutrition class knows that consuming the recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you are trying to lose weight and reduce the number of calories in your diet.  If you eat mostly whole foods, this task is easier than it seems.  But if your idea of dieting includes 100 calorie packs, sugar free ice cream and egg whites, you most likely are not getting all of the essential vitamins and nutrients you need to drop the weight efficiently.  Here are a few nutrients dieters may find difficult reaching their RDA, and here’s how they can meet their needs.

For starters, in order to get the recommended amount of Vitamin E, you would have to eat 12 eggs or a handful of almonds.  However, some people are steadfast in how they think about nuts: that they are high in fat and calories, that they are not a diet-friendly food, and they refuse to eat them.  A good way to meet the needs for Vitamin E would be to take a supplement.

Although you can get your RDA of Vitamin D by just going outside on a sunny day, this is not always a viable option.  The most convenient way to get your RDA of Vitamin D is through fortified cereals and milk.  However, those trying to reduce their carb intake, limit processed foods or avoid drinking their calories, may find it difficult to meet their bodies’ needs.  If you can't get some sunlight, [as we recently experienced here in the northeast during the months of June and July, a supplement may help.

Studies have recently shown that Fish Oil is also an amazing supplement.  Numerous studies suggest the healthy fats found in fish oil help prevent heart disease, improve the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight, and alleviates anxiety and depression.  Who wouldn't want more fish oil in their lives? 

Eating fatty fish such as salmon is a great way to get healthy fats in the form of omega-3s in your diet. However, if you can't afford foods like salmon or you’re vegetarian, an omega-3 supplement can be a way to get these fats, in addition to eating foods such as flax, walnuts, and olive oil.

Labeling a food as a Superfood has skyrocketed in the past couple of years.  The original however, is Broccoli known for its high levels of antioxidants and minerals, especially chromium.  Chromium has been shown to help your insulin function better – an extremely ...    Continue