The Energy Drink Blog

Recently I started this blog to give awareness on a variety of topics relating to energy, health, and wellness.  This is a true passion of mine so I’m thrilled to share some of the information I’m gathering and tips that may be helpful for maintaining a healthy standard of living.  I work for a company that recently launched an unbelievable energy drink called Skinny Gazelle.  Yes I’m a little biased about this product because I’ve tried it and it’s truly amazing.  It actually does exactly what it promises, and that’s to increase your energy and focus safely without the use of harsh stimulants.

I started the energy drink blog after trying Skinny Gazelle because I wanted to give you input as well as hear your feedback on the various health related topics while promoting what I think is the next sensation in increasing energy naturally.   I enjoy what I do so I want to spread the word on health and wellbeing and give you knowledge that you can apply in your everyday life.

 I want to take this opportunity to ask you to comment on the articles I’ve posted thus far or share ideas on things you want to know more about in relation to health and wellness.  I encourage everyone reading my articles to visit www.skinnygazelle.com and let me hear what you have to say.   Because I truly believe in this product, I want to show you how you can increase your energy naturally and effectively, so I’m inviting everyone out there to try Skinny Gazelle energy drink . 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and www.skinnygazelle.com.  You can meet me daily at the energy drink blog for more advice on healthy living. 

Take Care,

Alex Collins

Marketing Co-ordinator

Strictly Health Corp.

Staying focused at work can be difficult especially when your mind wants to go in every possible direction from taking care of the family, to running errands, or deciding what to make for dinner.  So how do you stay on track and accomplish what you need to in the office and put everything else on hold until the end of the day? This can be hard to do since we are programmed to juggle ten different things at once because we are crunched for time.  The end result is the quality of our work is sacrificed and we become mediocre at many things instead of mastering a skill.  When at work, try to maximize your productivity by keeping your focus on work related issues only.  If you put this into practice you become focused on your job and it becomes the center of attention while you are on the clock.  By following some simple guidelines you will accomplish more and possibly even impress the boss a little more.

First thing you should do every morning when arriving to your job is plot out your day and make a list of everything you would like to accomplish in order of importance.  This is a great way to stay organized and to finish things in a timely manner.  You will also find that it’s a lot easier to manage your day when it is well thought-out.

Next, try to keep home out of work and vice versa.  By separating the two as much as possible you are focusing on what you are there to do which is accomplish as much as you can during your 8 hour day.  For those of you in an office setting, keep all personal calls out of work until you have a lunch break or until you return home.  This means that if you carry a cell phone, you should turn off the volume and check any messages during appropriate times.  Another tip that will keep you from getting distracted is refraining from checking your personal email account while you work.  This can tie up a lot of time due to the fact that if you are reading and responding to personal emails you are taking the focus off what should be the center of your attention, your job.

 If you are confined to a specific area at work such as a counter or desk, keep your space as neat and organized as possible.  It’s always good to have a notepad and a pen next to the phone so you are always prepared to take messages when the phone rings.  Keep all your messages for the day in a pile and review them when you have down time or at the end of the day so you know which ones take precedence over others.  The same should apply for work emails, answer them according to importance and make sure you check your inbox frequently throughout the day. 

If you find that you are more focused during the beginning part of the day, use this time on things that require more of your attention.  For instance, I like to write most of my articles during the morning and afternoon because I’m more alert and focused on the topics I want to talk about.  The later part of the day I spend on smaller tasks such as emails or phone calls. 

Some people enjoy listening to music while they work because it helps to keep them more alert.  This can be ok as long as it is on a low setting and does not disrupt other co- workers.  Another thing to keep in mind with music in the office is that certain types can be too harsh while others can put you to sleep.  Find something that is easy on the ears for everyone.

If you are given a break at work, take it.  Use this as personal time for yourself, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you return for the second part of your day.   It also makes the day go by quicker when you leave and come back versus sitting at your desk and eating. 

Lastly, keep yourself hydrated properly with enough fluid.  Keep a bottle of water next to you and refill it whenever it’s empty.  Drinking water helps give you energy and keeps you focused.  I’ve noticed that many people like to drink energy drinks or coffee during the day because it helps with mental energy as well as concentration.  Be careful though because consuming large amounts of caffeine can dehydrate you and then make you tired after it wears off.  A new energy drink to the market called Skinny Gazelle would be an excellent choice over other energy drinks or coffee.  It gives the body a great boost without the use of harsh stimulants and helps maintain a steady energy and focus for an entire work day. 

Sometimes we overload ourselves to the point that we actually don’t accomplish what we set out to do.  Keep your focus on the things that pertain to your job while at work and keep your mind free of things that pertain to work while at home.  This helps to create better focus and a healthy balance between your job and your personal life.

What is your state of mind at this very moment?  Are you happy because you just got a promotion at work and everything seems to be going right in your life or do you stress out about everything under the sun and have “the glass is half empty”, kind of attitude?  It’s very apparent that if you surround yourself with negative thinking or behavior it begins to affect you life in an unhealthy way.  There are motivational speakers who dedicate their lives preaching positive thinking and positive living and how it can transform your life in ways you never thought possible.  Whoever thought stinkin thinkin could shorten your life? Well it can.   From a health standpoint of view if you are depressed, stressed, or down in the dumps your body secretes stress related hormones which are ok on an infrequent basis.  However, if the body releases these hormones regularly they can have long term health affects one of the most common being heart disease.  So how can you turn your sabotaging thought process into an optimistic one to achieve a sense of well being?  In a way you have to retrain your brain to have a positive point of view on things but with time and practice it will become second nature just as your pessimistic disposition once was.

First, start to pay attention to how you respond to others or what you are thinking internally.  If you actually listen to what you say you may be astonished at what comes out of your mouth.  What I often hear people ask for no apparent reason is “what’s wrong”? If you are one of those people that have to ask this every time you see some one, try rephrasing this to, “how are you” or “how was your day”?  By constantly asking what’s wrong you are assuming something is and that it’s impossible for someone to have a pleasant day.  Most of the time,  I find people say this because they have so much turmoil in their own life so they wonder how anyone else can have a positive attitude if they can’t.  The other mistake that constant downers make is pointing the finger at people who are genuinely happy or in a good mood.  Since when is it a crime to turn you thought process into a good one?  You will find that positive behavior is contagious and that you attract what you exude.  Over all you become healthier mentally.

Give yourself the opportunity to be carefree sometimes and have a good laugh or two it can help cheer others up as well.  Try to help others whenever you can, this takes the focus off yourself and your apathetic state of mind.  You will find that when you lend a helping hand it’s actually very rewarding inside.

Don’t always think the grass is greener on the other side and play the victim role.  Try looking at things from someone else’s perspective or someone less unfortunate as yourself.  I guarantee you will always find that things could be a lot worse.  Begin to count your blessings and be thankful for what you do have.  When you do, you begin to discover that you actually have a lot more than you think and doors almost miraculously begin to open.

Decide from the moment you wake up before your feet hit the floor that you are going to have a great day, commit to it and watch what happens.  This does not mean that you won’t come in contact with negative people or difficult situations it just means that you will do what you can to turn the situation or conversation around if things start heading south.  The more you do this each day you will see that for every pessimistic encounter you face there is always a positive way to counter.

Sleep is essential for many things such as energy, and reducing stress and anxiety.  Without it, our mental, emotional, and physical status suffers.  Take the course of action that’s right for you to ensure that you get a good nights rest by winding down an hour or two before you hit the pillow.   Listen to soft music, or use a natural sleep aide if you need to.

Life isn’t always a box of chocolates but it can certainly be a pleasant one if you truly desire it to be.  Increase your overall well being and your longevity by practicing a positive thought process every day.

Do you ever feel as though you are running on fumes?  You eat three times a day and even snack in between meals but you still feel lethargic.  Shouldn’t you be able to function without falling asleep at your desk?  Not true!  When it comes to the human body we were designed to run on high octane fuel kind of like a luxury vehicle.  The better the quality of food you put into your system the longer lasting energy you experience.  For some of us this can make a world of difference and in the process it can clean up an unhealthy diet.  Here are some foods you should avoid and some healthy replacement ideas as well.

The first culprit worth mentioning is sugar.  It’s considered to be one of the largest addictions in this country aside from drug addiction.  When we consume anything with sugar such as candy, sweets, or refined white flour products a brain chemical is released similar to the one our brain releases when we abuse drugs such as heroin or morphine.  Ok now you understand that it’s a serious addiction right?  Sugar may give you sudden energy but because it is metabolized so rapidly you are left with that crash like feeling shortly after.   You then continue to repeat this vicious cycle through out the day just to keep your lids open.  A better choice would be a source of protein such as natural peanut butter and whole grain flax bread or crackers.  By putting a protein with a complex carbohydrate you are slowing the rate at which you digest the carbohydrate while adding a high-quality source of fiber to your diet.

Another obvious mistake most of us make when it comes to boosting energy is consuming caffeine.  The most common being coffee, tea, or high energy sports drinks.  While this buzz feels great, it usually doesn’t last long and again we experience exhaustion following our attempt to maintain stamina.  Instead keep a bottle of water with you and fill it when ever it’s empty.  Water is a great way to boost your energy, give you clarity, and keep you appropriately hydrated.  Since your body is about 70% water it is vital to maintain accurate hydration in order to keep bodily functions working correctly.  It not only boosts physical energy but it improves brain power too.

I think we’ve all done this at some point or another, we run to a local fast food joint on our lunch break because we are crunched for time and we order a combo meal from either Burger King or McDonalds.  Of course everything should be supersized since the option is there.  So not only are you getting a magnificently lacking nutritious meal, you are also consuming a large amount of fat that might give you a lovely stay in the cardiac unit of your local hospital.  What I’m getting at is a large amount of fat at mealtime is not only terrible for your health but it leaves you feeling exhausted because it’s so hard to digest.  Consuming low-fat items like organic yogurt with fresh fruit or a handful of unsalted raw almonds are good choices that are also low in fat and will help to keep you satiated.

 It’s also important to mention that skipping meals or not eating enough will wipe you out quickly.  If you don’t fuel your body properly how can you expect to achieve the energy you require?  Another downside to this awful habit is that you set yourself up for possible binge eating seeing as you become ravenous by the time you get home you then proceed to splurge on all the wrong things and then you’re stuck trying to digest a massive amount of food which leaves you feeling extremely bloated, drained and full.  Try eating smaller amounts of food frequently during the day to keep you going and you will find that this is less challenging on your digestive system.

 Learning how to provide your body with the energy it needs, can be a little complicated if you don’t take the time to properly care for yourself.  Eating healthy should be a way of life and not a trend.  Remember that what you put in your body affects you from the inside out.

Are you tired and lacking energy?  Do you find yourself bloated and uncomfortable after eating?  Are you having trouble going to the bathroom everyday?  These are just a few things you may be asking your self each day and wondering what is going on inside that body of yours.  Usually if you’ve got to this point it’s safe to say that you may be overdue for a colon cleanse and for several reasons.  Proper elimination everyday is very crucial so the digestive process can fully take place.  We take food in, digest it and our body pulls out any nutrients that it needs and the rest gets sent to the lower intestines for removal via the colon.  In a normal healthy body elimination will take place anywhere from 1-3 times daily or shortly after each main meal.  If we were all eating healthy and leading a healthy lifestyle this process wouldn’t be interrupted but since the typical American diet consists of processed foods, refined sugars, and preservatives it is essential that we cleanse the colon about 3 times a year.

When you cleanse the colon you may be eliminating impacted fecal matter that has been sitting in the lower intestine for a long period of time. Along with the impacted fecal matter is the build up of toxins in the body that are not able to escape due to a sluggish digestive process.  By doing a good colon cleanse you are helping the colon to flush itself out naturally and to continue to do so after you have finished.  Most people find that once they have completed a quality cleanse they feel an increase in energy, have clearer skin, are able to focus better.  I think it’s important to mention that lack of fiber in the diet is also a huge contributor for constipation.  Fiber helps to bulk the stool and acts as a cleansing agent for the intestines as it goes through the digestive system.  Keeping the colon clean and getting adequate fiber intake also helps to reduce your risk of colon cancer as well.  There are just a few simple things to know before you cleanse and I should point out that anyone can safely do this from their own home.

With so many different brands and options now on the market, all you need is either internet access or a local health food store to find the one that works best for you.  The average cleanse can last anywhere from 7 days to 3 months depending on what you are trying to achieve and how bad of a condition you are in.  If you have spent years polluting your body, expect to do at least a month to fully clean out your system of waste, toxins, and possible parasites.  It is important to mention that beneficial bacteria reside in the colon that help with the digestive process so replenishing these friendly bacteria is important and can be done by supplementation or getting live active cultures from organic plain yogurt.  Usually the instructions for a colon cleanse are pretty self explanatory and consist of capsules and a fiber powder that can be mixed in either water or a low sugar juice.

It’s important to know that the healthier you eat while you cleanse the better results you get.  Generally what I think works best is to avoid any animal protein and dairy products during your cleanse and stick to leafy greens, fruits, and grains like brown rice, barley, or quinoa.  As always water is key in helping to pull toxins and waste out of the body so drink plenty of it and herb teas as well.  Stay away from all processed foods and fruit juices as these are loaded with excess sugar.  Once you are finished with your cleanse continue to eat as healthy as you can because this should be a way of life and not a quick fix or a green light to go back to unhealthy eating habits.  There is some truth to the saying “You are what you eat”.  If you eat poorly everyday you feel run down, tired, and depressed.

By cleansing a few times a year some of the positive things you will notice are an increased immune system, better concentration, more energy, clearer skin, proper digestion and elimination, weight loss, and a general sense of well being.  In today’s society we are pressured to keep the outward appearance of ourselves neatly groomed but what about the inside?  When you feel good from the inside you look good on the outside as well. 

Exercise can be a chore for some people who just can’t get motivated and stay motivated.  Some forms of exercise can be very jolting on the body and lead to sore muscles or joint pain while other forms of exercise are stress relieving and relaxing.  It’s important to stay physically fit for obvious health reasons but for many trying to lose weight, it can be very challenging.  Walking is a form of low impact exercise that can help burn fat effectively and boost serotonin levels in the brain.  Serotonin is a special neurotransmitter that helps regulate many things such as sleep, appetite, metabolism, and mood.  Walking is a great way to keep serotonin at a healthy level so losing and maintaining weight is easier.  By knowing how often, how far, and how fast you should walk, you can transform you body into a lean fat burning machine.

Some people may argue that 30 minutes a day at least 4 times a week will suffice when it comes to the frequency of exercise but what many don’t know is that, that will only maintain or prevent you from gaining weight.  You need to step it up a notch in order to melt away those unwanted pounds.  By walking at least an hour a day at a moderate to brisk pace you will put your body into a fat burning mode that will continue to burn calories long after your work out is over.  It’s always good to take at least one day off a week to rest and recover.  The body needs this down time to heal itself and get rejuvenated.  Studies show that by walking for about an hour each day you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes while losing unwanted body fat. 

It’s not so much how far you walk as it is the intensity at which you walk that helps to burn fat, boost metabolism, and build lean muscle mass.  By walking at a brisk pace you should still be able to carry on a conversation but notice that your breathing is becoming more intense.  You can also purchase a pedometer which helps to keep track of your speed and distance. It can be a great device to always keep you in your target heart rate and fat burning zone.  Eventually you will find that by walking on a daily basis you will become accustomed to your speed and you will begin to see pounds and inches lost in no time.

Proper footwear should be mentioned because without the right support you can potentially do serious damage to your back, hips, and joints.  Fast walking requires running shoes not walking shoes as one might think and for the reason being, you need flexible support like a runner does and plenty of cushioning in your sneaker.  The reason walking shoes or cross training shoes are not the best choice is that they don’t offer as much flexibility or comfort as a running shoe.  Eventually you may be walking at a pace like a race walker does which is about a 13 minute mile and something hard and clunky on your foot can be uncomfortable, possibly painful, and may slow you down.

Remember that before you begin your brisk stroll, to always warm up by stretching first.  Getting the muscles loosened up and the blood flowing before any form of physical activity is always very important.  By doing this you reduce your chances of injuring yourself.  Another thing to mention is that exercising is only half the battle. Without incorporating a healthy diet with your walking routine, your efforts may be null and void.  Eating organic whole foods and keeping track of what you are taking in calorie wise versus what you are expending through exercise will give you an indication if you need to increase your work outs or reduce your calorie intake or both.

Staying healthy is more than a fad it’s a way of life and it can only be done by making necessary lifestyle changes.  By changing to a healthier lifestyle we can help to slow the aging process, reduce the chances of various diseases, and increase our well being here on earth.

Even though we call it heartburn, the true definition of this disease is actually an irritation to the esophagus due to the stomach producing too much acid.  Where the stomach meets the esophagus, there is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or for short the LES.  The job of this muscular valve is to open to let food into the stomach then close. When stomach acid is released into the stomach, often times this valve can become relaxed and open up and cause stomach acid to climb upward into the esophagus causing extreme pain, burning sensation and heart attack like symptoms.  Occasional heartburn is common in about 30% of the American population, however chronic heartburn should be treated because it usually means there is a serious underlying health condition.

There are several known causes for heartburn the most common ones include
overeating which causes the esophageal sphincter to relax and open allowing acid to climb upward.  Pressure on the stomach from pregnancy or obesity can cause this valve to relax.  Certain foods such chocolate, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, and a diet high in fat as well as smoking, and a stressful lifestyle can all contribute to the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn.  So if any of this applies to you and you are wondering how you can treat and cure this issue naturally once and for all, here’s what you can do.

First I would recommend making obvious changes such as proper diet, which means eating organic whole foods whenever possible, cutting out smoking, and doing whatever you can to reduce the amount of stress in your life.  These are all simple solutions that can wipe out heartburn symptoms for good.  However others may not be so fortunate and they may need a more aggressive approach of treatment.  Here are a few things you can do naturally and safely before you decide to go to your doctor. 

Getting in the habit of eating small meals or portions more frequently versus sitting down to three large meals is a great way to provide proper digestion for anyone.  Your digestive system can easily become stressed when large quantities of food are consumed at a fast rate.  This allows the LES to become relaxed very easily because there is too much pressure put on the stomach and large amounts of acid are required to digest bigger meals.  By eating less food you are able to keep acid production down and relieve your symptoms quicker.  Another solution is, try not to eat at least two hours before bed or before exercise so you can fully give your digestive system a chance to do its job.  If your symptoms are usually at night when you sleep prop your pillow up behind you so the acid doesn’t travel up the esophagus and drink a glass of cold water to dilute the acid in your stomach.  Another great solution is to eat crystallized ginger which you can buy at your health food store or drink ginger tea.  Ginger is very well known for aiding in proper digestion, neutralizing stomach acids, relieving upset stomach.  Another remedy for treating heartburn or acid reflux is to squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup and add 2 tbsp. of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar with 2 tbsp. of raw unpasteurized honey and drink before bedtime for 5 consecutive nights in a row.

Lastly, the most important thing to suggest is that by maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight you can decrease your chances of many health related issues and increase your overall wellbeing.  If your symptoms persist or they become worse always check with your health care provider.

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Arthritis can be one of the most debilitating diseases one can face.  It is considered to be an auto immune disease where it causes the body to attack its own tissue.  There are over 100 different forms of it but the two most common are Osteoarthritis which is inflammation of one or more joints or Rheumatoid arthritis which is also an inflammation in the body in response to an overactive immune system.  General symptoms of arthritis can be joint pain, stiffness, swelling, limited joint movement, and warmth to the area of pain.  Although some forms are too far advanced for alternative treatments, others can be managed by natural remedies.  Here are some of the top alternative treatments out there that can provide safe relief from pain without experiencing long term side effects from common conventional drugs.

·         Exercise is actually a great way to keep the pain at bay.  The more you keep your joints active the less likely they will become stiff.  Low impact exercising such as yoga, pilates, swimming, and fast walking are all great ways to provide proper mobility to your joints and reduce the symptoms commonly associated with arthritis.  It’s important to understand that if you are even slightly overweight even a few extra pounds can be too much for the joints to handle.

·         Diet is another factor that comes in to play with anyone suffering from this disease.  Too much bad fat in the diet especially the kind found in red meat or poultry can actually cause an inflammation response in the body.  Better choices would be to eat cold water fish such as wild Alaskan salmon or cod which contains a high content of omega-3 fatty acids.  This kind of fat in particular is extremely good for keeping joints lubricated and reducing inflammation.  Consuming fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, lemons, cantaloupe, spinach, and broccoli are good sources of vitamin-C and beta-carotene.  These are powerful antioxidants that reduce the inflammation response in the body and strengthen the immune system.  Always try to get at least 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

·         Supplements can be very helpful if you already live a healthy lifestyle and are still stricken with the pain of arthritis.  The top supplements found to be beneficial for treating inflammation and repairing damaged cartilage are Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg daily, Bromelain 1500mg daily, Ester-C 3000mg daily,  MSM 1000mg daily, Flaxseed oil or Fish oil 1000mg up to 3 times daily.  Most quality supplements can be found at your local health food store or Whole Foods.  One thing to remember when buying supplements is never to sacrifice quality for price.  There is a lot of truth to the saying “you get what you pay for”, so always choose high grade supplements that are pure and have no fillers or additives whenever possible. 

·         Water is a solution that can easily be overlooked when it comes to treating arthritis.  If you lead an unhealthy lifestyle then chances are your body is full of toxins and many of those toxins are stored in your joints which can create pain on a daily basis.  By drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day you can help to eliminate toxins built up in the joints by flushing them out of your system.

Living with arthritis can be very uncomfortable if not treated properly.  By doing your part and changing to a healthier lifestyle, you can manage your symptoms with these simple solutions.

Everyday we expose ourselves to dangerous chemicals, toxins, and pollutants by simply going about our daily lives.  What if a majority of that exposure came from the foods you ate?  Would you do something about it to reduce your risk of various health related issues?  Here are five reasons to benefit by eating organic everyday.

Probably the most significant reason of them all is to reduce the levels of toxins, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones and antibiotics you ingest by eating produce and meat that is certified USDA organic.  Not only are these substances harmful for the body but studies have shown that they increase your risk of a variety of cancers and a host of other health problems.  If you consume produce that is not organically grown one way to reduce your risk of pesticide ingestion is to peel your fruit or vegetables because most of the pesticides and chemicals don’t penetrate the skin.  The down side to peeling your fruits and vegetables is that a majority of the nutrient content is lost when you discard the skin.  It is also very crucial to choose organic dairy, poultry, and meat whenever possible due to the high levels of hormones and antibiotics detected in the meat.  If the animal is injected with these substances then you are also ingesting them as well.  You will increase your risk of cancer, obesity, birth defects, and weaken your immune system by eating animal protein that has been injected with artificial growth hormones.

The next important thing to note is that by consuming organic foods you are increasing the nutrient content of the food by about 50%.  With increased nutritional content your body will respond with more energy and a reduced risk of illness.  Something else to keep in mind is that food that has been organically grown is also richer in taste.  With over 10,000 taste buds on your tongue, sacrificing taste would be such a shame.

Going green is a big concern for out planet so by choosing organically grown food you are also helping to lower the negative impact that mass produced fruits and vegetables have on our earth. By choosing food without the use of pesticides, chemicals or toxins you are reducing the amount of pollution to our environment.  Organic farmers also use less energy and water to grow their crops and do not have the need to clutter landfills up with toxic waste.  Helping to save our planet is a big concern these days.  Supporting local farmers and growers is one way we can help do our part.

Another great reason to make the switch is that organic foods are easier to find than they use to be.   Now even in your local grocery chain you can find an organic produce, meat, seafood, dairy, and dry good section.  In the state of Florida the major chain of grocery stores is Publix.  They carry a specific line of organic foods called “Greenwise”.  The next time you enter your local market ask a store manager where the organic food section is and you will be amazed at the selection they provide.

Lastly, you should choose to eat organic to protect the future generations to come.  If we all pitch in to do our part we can protect our children and our families from serious health issues by preserving the quality of the air, land, and water from dangerous pollutants.