Vitamins are one of the many topics that can incite a healthy debate. There are many and diverse offerings and opinions of what we need for our bodies to be as healthy as possible.  From those who periodically take a multi-vitamin , (when they remember–) (Jean), to those who custom make concoctions that require a graduate degree in chemistry, (Suzanne).   Most would agree that as we age, supplementing our diets is a concept with little down side.  Add to that the inability to swallow even medium size pills (both Jean and me), and you have a real conundrum. 

But I have been formulating and RE-formulating my morning breakfast drink for years, (maybe decades), and, like many of my friends, Jean has been a little snooty about my “magic potion”.  Granted, it is a production of sorts, but no more than eggs and bacon. One of the major differences between us is that Jean eats healthy meals: veggies, grains, protein, etc.  I drink my breakfast, (my potion), lunch (Atkins drink), eat 10 almonds in the afternoon and then TRY to eat a healthy, balanced dinner.  I don’t cook—Jean does.

In my research I discovered a quiz designed by Andrew Weil, MD who is Harvard educated and has devoted his entire professional life, (thirtyish years) to practicing natural and preventative medicine.  He is in “our” age demographic, (kind of a celebrity dude).  I took his vitamin quiz at www.drweilvitaminadvisor.com and it confirmed the appropriateness of my concoction.  I have also sought counsel from Barbro Brost, DC (who is brilliant and very knowledgeable) and my personal physician, (who is also brilliant and isn’t really into this).  If you are not slightly obsessive about health (and/or life), and can either chew or swallow his antioxidant and multivitamin formula, then  taking something “pre-made” is better than nada. 

Disguising my supplements in a vitamin enriched protein shake has enabled me to buy capsules that I could never swallow and empty them into a drink that I flavor heavily with instant coffee.  You can barely taste (if you can at all), the B complex, magnesium, selenium, D drops, minerals, calcium, flax seed oil that I lace into my morning treat .  And best of all I can’t wait to indulge myself in this tasty morning cocktail—it’s good.  Jean agrees.