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We admit it: We’re Goop fans here at Artful Living. So when our girl Gwyneth dropped her line of supplement regimens, we were intrigued. And even after reading all the posts questioning why anyone would trust an actress-turned-entrepreneur with their health, we still wanted to give them a try. So this summer, our executive editor, Kate Nelson, tested out Why Am I So Effing Tired?, an aptly named protocol that aims to boost energy levels and diminish stress. The proprietary blend is chock-full of vitamin B, ashwagandha, holy basil, essential fatty acids, and a slew of other vitamins and minerals.

Now before your skepticism takes hold, consider these facts: Goop Wellness offerings are the product of partnerships with doctors who are experts in their respective fields (Alejandro Junger, MD, for this specific regimen). The line was developed to help simplify and demystify supplements — because let’s face it, if you need something called Why Am I So Effing Tired?, you probably aren’t going to be sifting through a bunch of vitamin bottles. Is there profit involved for the Goop empire? Sure. But can our health and Gwyneth’s business exist in the same realm? Why not.


The Verdict


I was in need of a major boost when my 90-day supply arrived: We had just sent our summer issue to the printer and the season of endless happy hours, cabin trips and other escapades loomed large.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew whatever was going to happen probably wouldn’t happen overnight. What did happen overnight? My pee turned an alarming shade of yellow, which Dr. Google told me is a harmless side effect of excess vitamin B, specifically riboflavin. (Phew.)

After a couple weeks, I hadn’t noticed much. My cynical side was ready to call it. But then, after about a month, I started to notice when I was tired. It was counterintuitive at first, but I realized there was a distinct difference between when I was awake and alert during the day and when I was in need of rest come evening. And when my body told me to rest, I listened.

After six weeks, I felt like the little engine that could. I felt capable of handling everyday challenges and energized — not overwhelmed — by new opportunities. I resumed a regular yoga practice, I started reading for pleasure again and, perhaps most importantly, I began to feel what my true limit was.

Did it help that my trial took place during the summer, with its endless sunshine and leisurely pace? Most certainly, and increasingly integrative-medicine doctors are prescribing such things. But I have to think that those little daily vitamin packets are at least partly responsible for why this editor is no longer so effing tired.

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