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Sold on Supplements Part 1: Workout Performance and Hacking Hydration

KN Insights

Supplements Aren’t Magic, But They’re Also Not the Enemy (Sometimes)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what supplements you actually need—or if you need them at all—you’re not alone.

There’s a lot of noise out there. From Instagram ads to “detox tea” influencers to shady marketing claims that promise “instant energy” or “gut reset in 3 days”… it’s no wonder so many people either spend too much money on the wrong stuff or avoid supplements altogether.

This blog post is a real-life, real-conversation recap from a live chat with Sam from Klasik Nutrition and Steff from Klasik Fit—a casual, judgment-free, evidence-based space where we broke down the truth about supplements, hydration, energy, performance, and more.

Let’s jump in.


Do You Actually Need Supplements?

Here’s the short answer: maybe.

We take a food-first approach here at Klasik Nutrition. That means our priority is always to get you what you need through whole foods, not through pills or powders.

But sometimes, we do need support. If you’re deficient in something… if your lifestyle or medical history makes it harder to absorb nutrients… or if you have a specific performance goal where food alone isn’t quite cutting it—that’s where supplements might be worth bringing in.

Not because they’re magical.

But because they can be helpful if they’re customized to fit into your unique diet, high quality, and actually necessary.


So Why Is Everyone Pushing Them?

Honestly? It’s all about marketing.

Supplement companies want you to feel like your body is broken—or like you’re behind. So they convince you that you need XYZ vitamin or gut powder or metabolism booster to “reset” or “detox” or “restore.” You feel worse about yourself, you buy more to try and “fix” you, and they profit the entire way without caring if you feel better or not.

But most of the time? You don’t need a reset. You just need balance with real food, realistic habits, and maybe some help closing a nutrient gap if we determine you have one.

It shouldn’t about fear. It should be about supporting your mind and body.


The Creatine Conversation

Creatine’s been having a moment on social media. Everyone from athletes to wellness girlies are talking about it.

Here’s what we want you to know:

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the fitness space.
It helps your muscles retain water, which supports recovery and performance.
It’s not just for bodybuilders either! It can help anyone who’s strength training consistently.
But… if you’re not training regularly or if your diet already supports your goals, you might not need it.

The key is: Creatine really helps when the foundation is already solid. It won’t make your progress without a solid foundation nor break your progress with one.


The Truth About Pre-Workout and Energy

If you’re exhausted all the time and thinking of adding a pre-workout… pause.

Ask yourself:

Are you sleeping enough?
Are you eating enough?
Are you hydrated?
Are you fueling consistently before your workout?

Most pre-workouts are just caffeine, beta-alanine (the tingly stuff), and sugar.

They’re not fixing anything if your actual energy needs (like carbs and sleep!) aren’t being met. Many times, a slice of toast with peanut butter 30 minutes before your lift will do more for your workout than that $60 powder.


Gut Health Gimmicks

This is a big one. Everywhere you turn, there’s a new supplement for bloating, gut resets, or “cleansing.”

But the truth is, if you feel like something is stuck in your body, it’s usually a fiber issue, not a toxin problem.
Most people don’t get enough soluble and insoluble fiber to support healthy digestion.
If you’re constipated, fatigued, or feel heavy, try adjusting your fiber intake first rather than dropping money on a cleanse.

Also: Your liver and kidneys already detox your body. That’s their job. No supplement or juice cleanse is going to do it better.


Your Weight Isn’t a Toxin, Either.

This is one we really want to hit home.

If you lose weight during a juice cleanse or detox, it’s not because you removed “10 pounds of waste.” It’s because you’re eating like… 500 calories a day.

That’s starvation.

And when your body finally gets fed again? That weight is coming back. Losing the low energy, irritability, and brain fog.

You need fuel. You need carbs. You need real, satisfying meals that support your brain and body. Not empty promises wrapped in pretty packaging.


What We Recommend (and What We Don’t)

✅ What we might recommend, depending on your needs:

Vitamin D3 (especially if you live in the north)
Iron (if you menstruate or are deficient)
Omega-3s
Creatine (if you’re strength training regularly)
Electrolytes (if you’re sweating heavily or have low sodium intake)

❌ What we never recommend:

Detox teas or cleanses
Fat burners
Appetite suppressants
“Reset” powders or metabolism gummies
And we always guide our clients through a personalized approach. No one-size-fits-all supplement stack here.


One Final Reminder
You don’t need to know exactly what you need right now.

That’s what we’re here for.

If you’ve been feeling confused, overwhelmed, or stuck in decision paralysis—we get it. We’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this exact stage.

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to troubleshoot something specific, our RDs are here to give you honest, personalized guidance.

Let’s get your foundation solid first. We’ll take it from there. ❤️

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