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15 Years on the Creatine Train – Here’s What I’ve Learned

February 18, 2026 by Monica Nelson

Naked Nutrition has done it again. As you know this is one of my favorite “clean” brands of all time.

I’ve been on the creatine train for over 15 years – long before it was “trending.”

Back then, most people associated creatine with just bodybuilders. Definitely for “gym bros” only. Now? It’s finally getting the recognition it deserves for performance, recovery, brain health, and longevity. And for women too!

But here’s what I didn’t know 15+ years ago…

Not all creatine is created equal.

A large percentage of the world’s creatine supply (estimated around 70%- 80%) is manufactured in China – and not all of it is tested to the standards I personally look for. Purity matters. Heavy metal testing matters. Third-party verification matters.

That’s one of the reasons I trust and recommend Naked Lean Creatine. I also love that since creatine HCI is more soluble and bioavailable than creatine monohydrate, the serving size is much smaller and no bloating to GI discomfort. Just a premium creatine HCI supplement with nothing to hide. 

No shortcuts.
No fillers.
No artificial junk.
Just pure creatine HCI. Along with creatine monohydrate, it’s the most researched, proven form out there.

And because it’s unflavored and dissolves easily, it’s simple to take daily.

How I Take It

  • Stirred right into coffee or tea (you don’t taste it)
  • A greek yogurt parfait 
  • Blended into a protein smoothie
  • Mixed with electrolytes post-workout
  • Or just shaken with water to get to the point 

Consistency > perfection. That’s what matters most.

If I’m putting something in my body daily (and recommending it to clients), it has to meet a higher standard.

My Top 6 Reasons I’ve Recommended Creatine for Years:

1.Strength & Power OutputStrength & Power Output
Creatine increases ATP production, your body’s quick energy system, meaning better lifts, better sprints, better performance.

2️⃣ Muscle Preservation (Not Just Muscle Gain)
It helps preserve lean mass, especially during calorie deficits or as we age.

3️⃣ Faster Recovery
Less soreness. Better training frequency. More consistency over time.

4️⃣ Brain Health & Cognitive Support
Creatine isn’t just for muscles – your brain uses ATP too. Emerging research shows benefits for mental clarity and cognitive resilience.

5️⃣ Longevity & Healthy Aging
Muscle mass is one of the biggest predictors of long-term health. Creatine helps support it.

6️⃣ It’s One of the Most Studied Supplements in the World
Decades of research. Proven safety profile. Proven effectiveness.

Simple. Effective. Foundational.

If you’re not taking creatine yet, it’s one of the few supplements I truly consider “non-negotiable.”

And if you are taking it – make sure it’s clean, tested, and transparent. 

That’s why I stand behind Naked Nutrition. Because when it comes to your health, shortcuts aren’t an option.

Stop Guessing. Start Supplementing Smarter.

So what about you… are you taking creatine?


Filed Under: Blog

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been maki Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m ut Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

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