Day 2: Nervous System Novelty Challenge: Starting Creatine

Day 2 of my Nervous System Novelty Challenge - Starting Creatine

I really don't like taking supplements. My body tends to react sensitively to outside substances—just last month I tried taking magnesium pills (my mineral test showed I was low) and experienced hot flashes every night for four days straight. I kept hoping my body would adjust, but it only stopped once I stopped taking the pill. Then, my body returned to normal.

I'm also keenly aware that the supplement industry is this massive, largely unregulated business. Every year brings new fads with poor control studies (if any at all), driven more by marketing and perception than genuine health concerns. So my skepticism feels well-earned—I'm not one to jump blindly into the latest trend. (Remember when avocados or eggs were supposedly terrible for you?)

But my husband has been taking creatine for the past year with impressive results—he's stronger than he's ever been. This got me wondering: could it benefit women too? I've noticed quite a few health professionals on Instagram suggesting it's particularly good for women over 40.

I consulted my registered dietitian who advised taking it before workouts, even on non-lifting days. Another professional recommended consistency—same time daily—and the magic number seems universally agreed upon: 5 grams.

When I decided to embark on this nervous system challenge—trying something new every day for 30 days—it felt like the perfect moment to give creatine a shot. My online research uncovered lots of positive reviews for Create, but since it doesn't come in 5g servings, I looked elsewhere. Several blogs recommended Legion, which I could get locally, so I drove to the store, sent Legion an email (they offer a $20 gift card when shopping at local retailers), and took the plunge.

The Sour Watermelon flavor? Not my favorite, but not horrible either. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Interestingly, many people reached out on social media saying they use it too and are excited I'm giving it a try.

Sometimes in our contemplation, we just need that gentle push into action. This self-imposed 30-day challenge gave me the tipping point I needed—stop thinking about it and simply try it. Action yields clarity in so many realms of life. You can't really know if something works until you actually experience how your body responds.

(Please remember—I'm not your doctor, so check things out before trying, just like I did.)