The Energy Drink Blog

Salt is a natural flavor enhancer and can be found on just about every kitchen table. Something salty is also something most people crave, so when it comes down to it, is sea salt better for you than regular table salt?

To begin to answer this question the differences between the two types of salt should first be identified. Sea salt obviously is from the sea. It is harvested from evaporated sea water and has a much coarser, larger texture than table salt. Sea salt is commonly used in cooking, and baking as well as cosmetic and beauty purposes. Advocates of sea salt claim that the flavor is much more delicate, where as table salt can be strong and overwhelming in flavor.

Table salt on the other hand is mined from rock salt and has a very fine texture to it. Iodine is also added to table salt. It is recommended that adults get in the neighborhood of 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of salt in their daily diet. This is rarely a deficiency as most Americans get more than the recommended daily intake of this mineral in their diet. For the reason that most Americans get more than the recommended dosage of sodium in their diets, it is advised that consumers scrutinize labels more closely, as everything from energy drinks to weight pills to potatoes chips have added sodium.

The main difference in sea salt and table salt is that table salt has iodine added to it. Even if personal preference is for sea salt, the recommended intake of iodine can be achieved by eating dairy products as well as seafood. It can even be found in the best diet pills.

Television shows like the biggest loser and others have shown that it is possible to achieve any weight loss goal. While some people may only have five or ten pounds to lose, other may have 100 or more pounds to whittle off their frame. Even though this may seem like an impossible task, it can be done. So what is the best way to lose weight effectively?

First, writing down what your weight loss goal is, is the first step to accomplishing the goal. It was once said that if you write down a goal, you own that goal. Writing this number down, honestly, is the first step to accomplishing it.

Second, break down the larger number into smaller more achievable goals. Staring a number of 50 pounds or more can be very deterring. Incremental goals of five pounds are much more realistic, and accomplishable. Plus, since it is possible to lose up to three pounds a week safely, these small achievements can be big motivators.

Third, remember to eat. Dieting is not about starvation and deprivation, in fact it is about the opposite. Fueling your body with smaller, nutritious meals throughout the day as opposed to eating fewer, larger meals is also critical. Achieving as little fluctuation in blood sugar levels is necessary to burn calories most efficiently. A variety of foods should be included in the diet.

Fourth, exercise! No matter what the activity is, just as long as it is activity, is important to weight loss. Burning more calories than is consumed is what drops the pounds. Metabolism can also be boosted with a diet pill.

Statins are the most effect cholesterol lowering drugs available on the market. They are able to effectively lower and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood as well as dramatically reduce the number of cardiovascular related diseases and deaths.

How do they work?

Statins work by reducing the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood by stimulating the LDL receptors in the liver. While these drugs are generally safe with few side-effects, side-effects that can occur are skeletal muscle damage and increased liver enzymes. Also, once one begins taking statins to lower cholesterol, chances are they will be on the medication the rest of their life. For this reason, statins are often prescribed as a last resort.

Other cholesterol lowering techniques that have proven successful are diet and exercise. Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate cholesterol levels. If you are currently overweight some weight loss tips are as follows: Cut out trans fats. Trans fats also are a contributing factor to high cholesterol. By simply cutting back on the foods with trans fats, the need for cholesterol lowering drugs is reduced.

Also people are able to lose weight with hoodia gordonii. This is a naturally growing plant in the African desert and has been used for thousands of years with no known side effects.

Quitting bad habits such as smoking and drinking can help quickly reduce the need for statins. By kicking these habits, less stress is put on the arteries and the liver is also better able to perform its function, and reduce the need for cholesterol lowering drugs.

Keywords: weight loss tips, statins, lose weight, hoodia gordonii

Curb Soda Cravings

Sugary, syrupy, sweet caffeinated beverages are an addiction that many people cannot kick. A surprise to most people is that, almost 20 percent of a person’s daily caloric intake comes from beverages. With that is mind, it is important to remember that not all beverage choices are equal. While water is calorie free and hydrating, other beverages such as coffee and alcohol can be dehydrating and full of calories. For individuals who are trying to lose weight, replacing one or two beverages a day with water can be a great way to lose weight fast.

As can be seen from a trip to the grocery store or sponsorship of any sporting event, and the like, we as a society are obsessed with our cola addiction. New flavors are constantly coming out and sales numbers continue to increase. Most cola companies have advertising budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars to develop loyal patrons. Also, because of the negative stigma surrounding cola, many leading cola manufacturers have added sports drinks to the product offering. Even though these are disguised as “healthy” drinks, some contain just as much sugar as soda.

The average 12 ounce serving of cola has anywhere from 100 to 200 calories and 16 grams of sugar. This has absolutely no nutritional value and is why obesity has become an epidemic.

Quitting the cola addiction can be difficult, however starting slowly and replacing just one soda a day with any of the following beverages is a great start to kicking the habit.

Milk: Milk, contains bone building calcium and vitamins A and D, all necessary for disease prevention and weight management. New studies even reveal that weight loss is stimulated with the induction of dairy in the diet. Whey protein can even be added to this drink to create a healthy meal or snack.

Tea: Green tea in particular tastes great and is loaded with antioxidants and other healthful properties that make it a great substitute for soda. Many manufacturers also have exotic flavors such as pomegranate and citrus flavors to offer. Tea made from herbs such as mint and chamomile as well as hoodia tea, are also favorites.

Water: Water doesn’t have to be bland. Adding citrus peel and other herbs to water give it a little bit of flavor. It is important to stay hydrated in order to stay feeling energetic and full.

Keywords: soda, lose weight fast, whey protein, hoodia tea

Made from milk whey, whey protein is an exceptional source of nutrition.  Since it is easily digested, and speeds up the muscle recovery process, whey protein has been a popular post-workout snack with bodybuilders and fitness buffs alike.  For the reason that whey protein has little effect on blood sugar spikes and drops, it has recently become a popular dietary staple for those who are trying to lose weight as well. 

Whey protein comes in a powder form and is mixed together with water, milk or juice. Available in many flavors such as strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, there are limitless possibilities that won’t ruin the diet.   Even though whey protein is quickly absorbed into the blood stream and is easily digested, the amount of protein that should be consumed per day varies on a number of factors such as age, gender and intended weight goal.

While the amount of protein intake for an individual varies, no more than 150 grams should be taken in a day to prevent strain on the liver and kidneys. Because of the possible strain that could be created, drinking plenty of water is important to help keep the kidneys functioning properly. Typically the intake amount ranges from 25-50 grams of protein to 150 gram per day.

Many dieters and bodybuilders cut the carbohydrates in order to promote weight loss, and supplement their diet with whey protein. As mentioned before, whey protein has little effect on the fluctuation of blood sugar. Whey protein also suppresses the appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness.  

Besides powdered mixes from a canister, whey protein can often be found in a variety of other sources. These sources include yogurt, energy bars, energy drinks, and dairy based beverages. These aforementioned sources not only are quick and convenient snacks because of they provide exceptional dietary nutrition, they are also terrific snacks to get you through the day because whey protein provides a feeling of fullness.

Creating a culture of its own, the Atkins Diet is based on the concepts of low carbohydrate intake. When the Atkins Diet’s popularity spiked at the beginning of the millennia, approximately one in eleven adults in America were participating in the latest weight loss craze. With the population so fascinated with Atkins, many companies scrambled to market to this new weight loss craze.  

Misconceptions about the diet have put a skewed picture of the diet in the eyes of the public. To begin with some background information, the Atkins diet was formulated based on an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Robert Atkins. This diet was a response by Atkins to control the weight he gained during medical school and medical training. The diet is broken down into a four step plan that participants flow through when certain weight loss goals are met.

The Atkins Diet is broken down into a four step plan: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance.  While the diet drastically restricts the carbohydrate intake in the induction phase, it is often overlooked that once weight loss is achieved, carbohydrate intake is gradually introduced back into the diet, thus opponents of the diet have labeled it as the “all-you-can-eat” steak” diet.

How Atkins Really Works

As previously mentioned, Atkins is a four step process. Step one, the induction phase limits carbohydrate intake to 20 net grams per day.  During this phase, unlimited amounts of shellfish, meat and eggs are allowed.  It is important to note that 15 grams of carbohydrates must come from green vegetables. With such a presence of protein and lack of carbohydrates, the appetite is also suppressed, much similar to how the appetite is suppressed with Hoodia Gordonii.

The second phase of Atkins begins once a desirable amount of weight has been lost. Ongoing weight loss, as it is know as, involves the reintroduction of foods into the diet at a slow pace. Food groups that one does not intend to eat can be eliminated altogether.

Moving along to the third stage is pre-maintenance. This is the stage where the maximum number of carbohydrates that can be consumed without gaining weight is determined. This is done by adding 5 net carbohydrates per week.

Finally the fourth stage of Atkins is maintenance. This is the stage where healthy eating has become a lifestyle. This can be done by having someenergy drinks for breakfast, and sensible dinners and snack.

While Atkins may not be the optimal solution for everyone, others have found it to be the best way to lose weight.

One of the classic scenes from the television show Friends is when Joey shows up to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner in a pair of maternity pants. Otherwise known as his “Thanksgiving pants” these pants surely allow for an expanding waistline and maximum food consumption. This may seem like an ingenious plan for Turkey Day, but what about the days following when surely the only pants that will fit him are maternity pants.  Unless you are a fictional character on television that can eat all you want and not gain an ounce, you are probably in the market for some type of preventative weight management tool.

Those who are like Joey with an insatiable appetite have found sanctuary in a natural plant called Hoodia Gordonii. This plant, which is native to Africa, has been used for thousands of years by natives to keep away hunger. Recently becoming more mainstream, Hoodia has become a popular appetite suppressant. Through the process of tricking the mind into thinking that it is full, Hoodia enables thousands of people to safely and effectively lose weight. While there are many appetite pills on the market today, 100 percent pure Hoodia pills are the best diet pills available.

Even though the holiday season is approaching on us, it may be easy to come up with excuses to veer from our diets. During these times it is important to remember that the best way to lose weight is to maintain a regular diet and exercise program that includes various physical activities as well as well balanced meals.

Green tea was first discovered in China centuries ago and recognized for its disease fighting and immune strengthening properties due to the high amount of antioxidants it holds. Recent studies have shown that by consuming green tea each day you can drastically reduce the risk of several health issues.

One of the benefits of drinking green tea is that it reduces the risk of various cancers such as stomach, skin, breast, or prostate cancer because of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols helps to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to cells and tissues which lead to cancer.

Green tea provides heart protection and prevents heart disease because it relaxes blood vessels and inhibits the formation of blood clots. It also improves cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL, which is bad cholesterol and increasing HDL which is the good cholesterol.

In various studies, phytoestrogens have been found in green tea leaves. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can improve bone mass in individuals who are at risk of developing osteoporosis, especially women going through menopause. Drinking green tea can increase bone density and build strong bones.

Another common reason why people drink green tea is because of the weight loss benefits it holds. Studies show drinking green tea regularly can boost metabolism, reduce overall body fat, and help control appetite. It’s also a great way to stay energized throughout the day because of the natural caffeine it contains. Green tea contains about 14-37mg of caffeine per serving which is still much less than coffee and other caffeinated beverages. It provides a natural boost of energy for the body without hard crash like effects from high amounts of caffeine. Those that suffer from diabetes can benefit as well because it contains hypoglycemic agents that boost blood sugar metabolism more effectively and stabilize glucose levels in the body.

There are over 450 organic compounds found in green tea containing minerals, proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. By drinking 3 or more cups a day you can improve your health, prevent various diseases and slow the aging process significantly.

Research has found that by consuming particular fats you can decrease body fat and increase weight-loss more efficiently. It may seem a bit odd that you would eat fat to lose fat but studies show that a group of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can do just that.

One of the richest sources of MCTs comes from coconut oil. Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years for its ability to help overweight people shed excess body fat by substituting it daily in replacement of other fats.

The benefits of this oil are truly amazing even compared to healthy fats such as olive oil or flaxseed oil. Coconut oil can inhibit and treat obesity more effectively because it contains fewer calories than other fats. It is also a source of fuel and energy for the body because it gets used immediately rather than circulating in the blood stream and getting stored in fat cells. This also means that you will actually experience a natural surge in energy that lasts much longer than a dose of caffeine would. Coconut oil increases metabolism so you burn a lot more calories by consuming it over any other fat. It is also more filling and keeps you satiated longer which means you consume fewer calories. Unlike typical bad fats that raise cholesterol, it can reduce bad cholesterol and raise the good.

Coconut oil is commonly found in drinks and healthy snack items because it gives athletes energy while helping them stay lean. It also helps those that are overweight and obese lose weight more rapidly. As an oil you can add it to salads and vegetables, as a spread you can replace butter or margarine, or for a more convenient way, you can take it in soft gel capsule form. Because weight-loss results are so astounding, it is encouraged to use it as frequently as you like as it will help achieve better results and better health.

Your blood type may determine your predisposition to various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, or diabetes. There are 4 major blood types; O, A, B, and AB. Most people have type O blood while A and B are fairly common and AB is considered atypical. Eating particular foods based on blood type may relieve certain digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, gas, heartburn, and upset stomach. Ultimately proper digestion is important in providing the body with nutrients to sustain good health. There is enough evidence now that shows us if we eat specific foods according to blood type and refrain from those that are not recommended, we may be able to eliminate a variety of health problems and lose weight more effectively.

Type O blood is the most common blood group and the oldest blood group known to mankind. The basic diet of people with type O blood requires protein, vegetables, and fruit. However, people with this blood type do not digest carbohydrates well especially from white flour or wheat products because of the gluten intolerance. Dairy is also another food group that can be difficult to digest for this blood group. People who have type O blood generally produce higher amounts of hydrochloric acid and should refrain from things that have a high acidity levels such as coffee and alcohol as they can greatly increase the chances of a peptic ulcer. Healthy foods that assist in weight-loss for this group of people are various sources of lean red meat, fish, and leafy green vegetables. The best forms of exercise to engage in for this blood type are walking, jogging, aerobics, and light weight training.

Type A blood evolved after type O blood was first discovered. Individuals with this blood group are classic vegetarians because they do not digest most animal proteins and dairy well. They do much better eating foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and tofu. Type A blood groups tend to lack sufficient hydrochloric acid which makes digesting protein and dairy very difficult. It is very important that people with type A blood supplement vitamin B-12 as most sources of B-12 come from protein. It is also more common to face anemia issues if you are type A blood from the lack of B-12 in the diet. Foods that assist in weight-loss are vegetables, pineapple, flaxseed and olive oils, and spirulina which is a green algae that promotes thyroid function. The best exercises to engage are calming things such as yoga, pilates, or golfing.

Type B blood group has a tolerance for most foods with the exception of peanuts, legumes, and corn as these increase weight and can cause allergies. It is common for people with type B blood to have problems digesting gluten just as type O blood types do. Foods that encourage weight-loss for these individuals are lean red meats, various sources of fish, green leafy vegetables, and oils like flaxseed and olive oil. Most forms of exercise are ok for this blood group as well.

The last blood type is the rarest and the most recent, AB. For the most part these individuals produce a limited amount of hydrochloric acid and must limit their consumption of animal protein. AB blood types can eat various green vegetables, pineapple, and small amounts of protein. Foods that encourage weight-loss include seafood, green vegetables, sea kelp, spirulina, and pineapple. Most exercise is generally accepted for this blood group but anything overly intense or grueling is not recommended as this increases stress in the body.