The answer to the first of these questions should be the same for everyone–yes. The answer to the second will vary by person primarily due to your lifestyle. The only supplements that meet this test for me are probiotics and protein supplements.

Looking at the greens first website, the product is made by juicing the veggies and air drying the pulp. If you think this is a critical supplement for the veggie content, it would be reasonable to ask yourself if you would rather buy a juicer and juice your own fruits/veggies. The cost savings and the increase in product freshness would be worth it to me; but, again, this will differ by person.

If you think the value of the product is for alkalinity, I think it would be reasonable to ask yourself if you would rather eat highly alkaline food. For example, a handful of raisins (or figs, or spinach) eaten post-WOD. All of these are highly alkaline foods; and, taken post-WOD (when your body is most acidic), would likely adequately replace the supplement. Again, you’d have to ask yourself–is it easier for me to bring a box of raisins or a supplement bottle post-WOD? This answer will differ by person.

The last point I’d make regarding supplements is that the medical research is highly ambivalent and/or skeptical on them. Pro-supplement fans will argue this is due to three things: 1) recency–most supplements haven’t been on the market that long and haven’t been studied that intensively. 2) the way medical tests are done–they test “end states” (think heart morbidity or large mineral deficiency). Most athletes take supplements because “they make me feel good,” which is not something that the medical community is really capable of testing scientifically. 3) Differences in quality between products. I won’t go into this last point; but, lets just say it’s probably not accurate.

Thanks again for the article! I’d ask any athlete considering these supplements to consider these points as well.