Supplemental Satisfaction

My search for reasonably priced supplements for my whole family began and ended in Nutrition House at Devonshire Mall. The intention was to visit the store, ask for recommendations based on Don Colbert's list, and do some online research later. I even warned the friendly store clerk when I entered that I was "looking only".

I've been in the store before and each time the same guy is there. He is very knowledgable and lacks that arrogant aloofness that usually surfaces when I question product claims or otherwise display knowledge that may conflict with making a sale. Attentive, knowlegeable, pleasant but not pushy.

"I want a daily vitamin, Omega 3 Oil, and Phytonutrient powder for my husband & I and for my kids...and I don't want it to cost a monthly car payment."

He laughed and asked me some qualifying questions.

"How old are your kid's?"

"Would they like chewable or liquid?"

"For the oil do you want capsules or liquid?"

Then he said these convincing words with complete sincerity, "I'll show you the products I would use myself".

The line-up of supplements he selected according to my specifications were several different brands in economic, bulk sizes. He left me to examine the labels while serving other customers. The claims were in line with what I've educated on. Looked good. I peeked at the servings each contained and the prices. Looked very good!

By the time Shane (I looked at the receipt and found his name listed) was done with his customers I was ready to purchase the goods. At these prices I could afford to do my research by trial. It was just an added bonus to find out that my Nutrition House loyalty membership would send me a check for $10 and I was given a free fabric shopping bag to carry my supplements home in. Altogether a very satisfying purchase experience.

Shawn eyed my collection of bottles warily when he got home later that day. When I told him how long they would last and how much they cost compared to the online companies we priced, he relaxed visibly. The monthly cost was still a significant investment but it was a third of the projected car payment.

We were all a little scared of the liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil that I opted for instead of capsules. I was trying to save us all from having to digest the capsules and I was reassured that the oil would taste mildly like lemons. No fishy taste. We were surprised to find this true.

My kids were fairly co-operative with the exception of Trysten and the phytonutrient powder. He doesn't like OJ on it's own but less when it's green! Even he gave it his best we started chanting, "Chug it, chug it, chug it!"

The most exciting outcome was Shawn's enthusiasm. Like me, he'd wanted to get on a solid supplentary system as a family. I've already noticed him making extra efforts to eat better. Not perfect, but better.

I know supplements are not a magic bullet but I've made a lot of changes and this feels like a natural extension of what has been started. If it inspires my family to be more health-conscious too, well that's just a bonus!