Why Is Everyone Talking About Creatine?
No longer just for gains—major brain benefits are promised too.
I’ve always dismissed creatine. Not because I couldn’t purchase it, but because I associated it with major bro gains, egg yolk shakes and major muscle growth — solely for les bros. But creatine is stepping into the mainstream, coming at us from all angles. And it’s latest target audience is women.
Creatine is a compound made by your body (liver, pancreas and kidneys) and is found primarily in your muscles and brain. It’s derived three amino acids and easy to get in red meat at seafood, but at such low levels you rarely see a benefit. Hence, the concentrated supplement. On nearly every FYP refresh, I’m seeing women speak about the benefits of creatine for their mental health, mood improvement and cognitive clarity. I’ll take all of those and more. As as frequency bias goes, I’m seeing it everywhere. But beyond the IG fluff, there is a considerate amount of solid research behind creatine, its safety, and its affordable cost. (Keep an eye on Big Wellness).
I did a little dive for you, so you can click through and read if you’re intrigued. There’s this Nutrients study from earlier this year that linked creatine to improved cognitive function (may also aid recovery from traumatic brain injury!) this one from Molecules discussed creatine’s efficacy as an antidepressant agent. It’s even being used topically, to treat aging skin (just waiting for a big beauty brand to take hold and run with this).
Generally considered safe and not wildly expensive (>$50 for a few months supply), so I figured it was worth a spin. It’s generally flavourless, but I’m seeing some spiked with a little tang and I can only see that trend continuing. I asked my community for their faves - and I’ve linked a few for you below.
I’m quite happy with the LeanFit one, a Canadian brand housed in a gigantic royal blue bag from Costco. I throw it into water (it’s not recommended in hot beverages as it degrades) post workout, or whenever I remember. I like to habit stack (James Clear 4evah) by adding it to the water I use to take my vitamins. It’s recommended that women get 3 mg/day, which isn’t too much to swirl into your drink. I’m starting to see it folded into protein powders, like this one from the refreshed brand Vega, Vega Protein + Creatine, which blends nicely into iced coffee with a little electric frother.
Am I noticing a huge benefit? Not really. I haven’t noticed anything tragic though. Like with many supplements, it might be beneficial over time with consistency, and for the relatively low cost, I’m down to try. And hell, I’m also here for a placebo effect if it improves my mood. Hopefully it’s one of those micro adjustments that leads to macro change over time. Remember to talk to your doctor before you fold a new supplement into your routine.
Currently Obsessed with white pointelle…..
When a trend circles back - one that you embraced during your formative years - it’s that apex of teenage spirit hitting adulthood confidence and it feels so good. This is the spot where nostalgia gets me good and holds me by the throat. Pointelle is that for me. Jelly sandals for others. I can’t get enough of its teeny little knit prints right now, especially in white (it’s nice in heather grey too). The above is one from Marshall’s, so best of luck there, but here a few others I’ve bought and tried and loved:
Aerie Pointelle Vintage T-Shirt
Here’s my girl Laura in the Aerie one; she wore it on repeat during a recent holiday in Mexico City.
Aerie is one of those brands I pass over when looking for something new, but lately they’re churning out pieces that look effortless and are so so so comfy. My friend Laura (wearing it above!) texted me POINTELLE in caps and I scooped this up pretty quick. It floats easily over skin and is so soft. I want the matching pants, too. Size down!
While this one’s been out of stock for a minute, I’ve seen it in store a few times, and they seem to be replenishing their stock pretty often. I’ve worn mine with these linen-blend pants (which are like a summer sweatpants, but better).
Part of pointelle’s appeal is being PJ adjacent, making it a little bit scandalous to wear during the day, which is probably why I love it so much. I’ll never forget how my high school French teacher would roll her R and blast us with “Risqué!!!” when we rolled our kilts extra short or wore sheer shirts on Civvies (non uniform) Days. A part of me always appreciates a little risqué touch in my fit. This tank has a matching short and the cutest lace trim.
Hyperfixations
Another week another coffee creamer, and this Natrel one is the latest newcomer - no sexy marketing, TikTok viral event or shrink-wrapped jug with artful sketches - but it’s pretty close to perfect. Low on all the filler, and foams up beautifully. Another food mome I’m loving is scoop of cottage placed over crispy hash browns, and topped with a gorgeous medium poached egg. Packed with protein, and giving the creaminess of a hollandaise sauce, sans the saturdated fat and extra chemicals. H/t to my sis for that one.
Will you try creatine? Are you wearing pointelle? Are you getting the Natrel creamer? Slide into my DMs, stat!