The Energy Drink Blog

More than $50 billion a year is spent on bottled water. With this surge in popularity in recent years, it has left many to question the benefits of the drink. We all know that no form of life can be sustained without water. It is recommended that those who are trying to lose weight cut out other beverages and drink more water, but when it comes to bottled water are consumers getting what they are paying for? (more…)

Everyone could use a little energy boost every now and then. Sometimes it is difficult to find the best energy drink out there and other times we just don’t have the time to search for the most effective energy boosters. It is in situations like these when we solely rely on the oomph we gain from various foods. Knowing which foods to consume for energy purposes is key. Once we have that figured out, we can start seeing improvements in our alertness, focus, and vigor.

When we can’t get our hands on energy drinks, carb rich foods are great at improving our liveliness. For instance, you can try half of a whole wheat English muffin with fruit spread to boost your serotonin levels. Another food which improves energy is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with caffeine and theobromine, both of which are great at improving our alertness and our focus. It has also been said that fluid filled foods are a great pick-me-up food. What this means is you should avoid consuming dry packaged snacks such as pretzels, chips, and crackers. Try consuming more fresh produce and foods which swell during the cooking process (such as pasta).

And the last but certainly not least way to increase energy is to drink more fluids. One specific fluid which aids in improving mental fatigue and alertness is tea. Tea contains caffeine and the amino acid known as L-theanine. These two ingredients combined can decrease mental fatigue, improve alertness, improve memory, and improve reaction time. So if you ever feel like your energy levels are not quite as high as they should be, look at your daily diet and see what foods may be bringing you down. There are numerous ways to improve your energy; food is just one of the ways.

We all know that it is important to exercise, but it is equally important to stay hydrated while doing so.  As we exercise we increase the internal temperature of our body. The process of sweating is our body’s natural cooling system. Sweating, which is the process of the loss of water equals the loss of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, all vital to keep our systems running properly.  Energy drinks are useful in the quest to replenish these lost nutrients.

Consumers need to be aware that all energy drinks are not created equal. Next time you are at the store looking for an energy drink take a look at the label. Amazing isn’t it, how much sugar is present in something that is supposed to be good for you? Additionally these drinks are rather high on the carbohydrate count which can be devastating to those trying to maintain a low carbohydrate diet.

It is often recommended that unless you are an athlete participating in extremely intense physical activity that you only drink water to replenish the fluids lost during exercise.  However it the taste and convenience of energy drinks is something that you crave, you should consider the following factors when choosing the best energy drink :

Calories: Beware some energy drinks contain more calories than were actually burned during exercise

Serving Size:  Look at the serving size and number of servings per container. Most energy drinks contain more than one serving per bottle, being unaware of this fact is one of the sneaky little ways extra calories sneak up on you.

Sugar: On average a can of soda contains 9 teaspoons of sugar! You might find it surprising that some energy drinks contain an equal amount if not more!

Your metabolism is the key to burning fat and calories efficiently. As we age weight-loss can become difficult for a number of reasons but one of the most common reasons is due to a sluggish metabolism. Here are some changes you can make to help kick your fat burning furnace into high gear and keep it there.

Begin your day first thing in the morning with an intense workout of cardio.  It’s best to do this upon waking because you burn calories from stored body fat rather than calories consumed over the course of the day.  It’s also a great way to get energized for the day and keep your metabolism revved for hours.

Eat a healthy breakfast shortly after you workout but don’t eat a heavy meal. Choose sources of food that are high in fiber and protein as they will keep you satisfied longer and take longer to digest.

Eat small portions or snacks instead of sitting down to large meals. Eating frequently in smaller amounts is easier on the digestive system and prevents the stomach from being stretched. It also prevents binge eating later in the day.

Try to consume only complex carbohydrates such as slow cooked oatmeal, brown rice, or whole grain bread instead of refined starchy carbs. Complex carbs offer a high source of fiber and satisfy hunger longer because they take longer to digest. The key with consuming carbohydrates is to eat them earlier in the day when your metabolism is at its highest so they are easily converted to energy and burned off. This means that a couple servings during the day would be ok while omitting them at dinner would be a better option.

Proper elimination is very important when it comes to having a healthy metabolism. If you are not going to the bathroom daily you may want to think about doing a colon cleanse. By cleansing the body you are eliminating toxins and chemicals that can slow your metabolism down. This is also a great way to increase your energy naturally, and clear up your skin. It allows the liver to process waste more efficiently which can help boost metabolism and weight-loss.

Make sure you are drinking enough water everyday because it is required for just about every bodily function. Water is also important for proper elimination and helps with regularity by drawing fluid to the colon for waste removal.

Get adequate sleep each night and you will continue to burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that lack of sleep not only attributes to weight gain, but it also slows the metabolism down and inhibits the lack of growth hormone which is necessary for  rejuvenating the body and burning fat more effectively.

As we get older it becomes harder to lose weight for various reasons. Keep these healthy tips in mind and you can burn calories effectively at any age.

Many of us probably don’t get the recommended daily requirements when it comes to vegetables. For those that are opposed to eating them there is an easier way to consume the once boring broccoli, kale, or spinach and that technique is juicing. Juicing is quite popular in many areas of the country and has been around for years. In today’s society people are putting more emphasis on health and personal appearance. Juicing provides the body both internal and external benefits as well as an overall sense of well being.

Some of the obvious advantages of juicing are rapid absorption of nutrients such as raw enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. In fact, fresh juiced vegetables are digested and absorbed in as little as 30 minutes. This immediate assimilation can add a great deal of protection to the body and help out an unhealthy immune system. This is not the same case however when you purchase store bought juices as these may contain chemicals, preservatives and ungodly amounts of sugar.

Most fasting or cleansing programs suggest juicing as a way to detoxify the body. Green leafy vegetables are rich in a nutrient called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a natural occurring substance found in plants and algae, this is what gives the plant its natural green color. It is also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Chlorophyll can safeguard the body from various cancers as well as provide protection to our cells from free radical damage. And, if that’s not enough when you drink one of these vitamin packed green drinks you will naturally boost your energy without experiencing crash like effects from caffeine. Juicing allows us to get more vegetables in our diet by condensing them into liquid and supplying the body with a substantial amount of nutrition.

So how easy is it to juice and how long should you do it for? Well if you purchase a high-quality juicer from a reputable retailer, juicing can be very easy for anyone. Not only will you get a lifetime of use out of it, you will also get a lifetime of proper nutrition. As for how long or how often, well you can do it periodically for cleansing purposes or for various health issues, or incorporate it as a daily part of your routine. Many health food stores are now offering juice bars for those that don’t have the time but still want the health benefits that it has to offer.  In fact, it’s just as easy to order fresh vegetable juice in some places as it is to order a cup of coffee.

The most common vegetables juiced are, spinach, kale, endive, cucumbers, parsley, bok choi, garlic, ginger, wheatgrass, watercress, broccoli, and various herbs. If these sounds a bit intense at first try adding in an apple or a pear to sweeten things up a little and you will be amazed at how delicious your once loathed vegetables taste. Another important thing to know is that you should always buy organically grown vegetables whenever possible. Organically grown vegetables and fruits are grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms and are much healthier for you and contain a higher nutrient content. If you can’t find organic produce in your grocery store make sure you sanitize your vegetables thoroughly to remove any residues before consuming.

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.

Super foods are foods that are packed with nutrition and offer a form of health protection to the body naturally.  By eating these foods daily, you can reduce your risk or even prevent certain health issues such as high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer or diabetes.  Not only will you be able to prevent various health issues, you will also find that managing a healthy weight is much easier by eating a diet free of additives and preservatives.  Here’s a list of some of the most common super foods and what they provide the body nutritionally speaking.

For starters blueberries rank very high on the list because of their high vitamin c content and antioxidant value.  Antioxidants help to protect your cells against free radical damage, ward off cancer, and slow the aging process.  By picking blueberries richer in color you are also picking berries that are higher in nutritional value.  Choosing fresh organic berries is the preferred choice, however if they are not in season frozen is fine too.

 Next on the list is one we are all familiar with, oatmeal.  Oats are a great way to help keep your cholesterol in check and keep it from climbing too high.  They are also a great source of soluble fiber which helps to manage weight easier and prevent against heart disease.  Because they also have a high B1 content this super food is great in assisting with carbohydrate metabolism as well.

Salmon and walnuts are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3 fatty acids are especially well known for reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.  Omega-3’s help to prevent heart disease, plaque build up and hardening of the arteries, they also keep joints lubricated and act as an anti-inflammatory which in turn can be helpful for anyone who suffers from chronic or severe arthritis.  From a beauty standpoint, consuming salmon or walnuts at least once a day is also beneficial for healthy shiny hair, a beautiful complexion, and strong nails.

Known for its power packed nutrient content, spinach ranks in at the top among all leafy greens.  Its nutritional content includes a high amount of vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants.  Spinach is a great way to give your self a natural boost of energy and enhance your mood by either juicing or eating raw in salads.

Another super food worth mentioning is yogurt.  Plain low-fat yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein which is excellent for bone health.  It also contains live active cultures or healthy bacteria such as acidophilus which helps to regulate the digestive system and keep you regular.  Plain yogurt is great for treating and preventing yeast infections as well as strengthening the immune system.  Another benefit noticed when consuming yogurt is that it may help reduce your appetite and keep you satisfied longer between meals.  When consuming yogurt you should stick to plain and choose organic if possible.  By adding a little granola and some blueberries it can be an amazing snack or dessert late at night when you feel like splurging on all the wrong things.

These are some of the important super foods to choose from.  By incorporating them into your daily diet you can keep your health in check, manage your weight, and experience an overall sense of well being.