The Energy Drink Blog

Keeping a workout fun, fresh, and new are sure ways to be sure that your New Year’s resolution is kept throughout 2009. If going to the gym and running on the treadmill or using the elliptical seem like an activity that you can not handle one more time, try these new and fun activities in the New Year.  

Group exercises: Sometimes the motivation to workout is lacking when it comes to flying solo. Participating in a group activity will surely be a fun change of pace when it comes to getting fit. Some creative activities for the New Year include dance based routines such as Zumba, and military regimented boot-camp styled courses.

1. Yoga: Yoga is a great way to relax and stretch. Even though this is a group based class, there is no competition between participants. Yoga is strictly about you. However, participating in group classes is a great way to share a positive experience with others.
2. Group Sports: It doesn’t matter if you were the starting quarterback in high school or the water boy, participating in a group activity such as tennis, basketball or racquetball is a great way to work up a sweat as well as make some new friends. Team sports are a great way to make use of the competitive spirit as well as get fit. Just remember bowling with the guys on Wednesday nights while drinking beer and smoking cigars does not count as working out and will not help you to lose weight.
3. Get Back to Nature: Getting fresh air outside is another great way to get in all the fitness and exercise that one needs. With so much time spent indoors these days, taking a long hike through the woods or along the beach will provide a great opportunity to get fit as well as get back to nature.  Be sure to pack some healthy snacks while out on a hike. Some great choices include whey protein bars as well as energy drinks.
4. Hi-Tech Fitness: From the way we listen to tunes to the specialty socks on our feet. Technology and fitness have merged together to bring getting fit into the 21^st century.  From MP3 players that we wear in our shoes to the moisture wicking properties of clothing, technology has given us the opportunity to take our workout to a whole new level.  This is proven with Wii Fit and other interactive video games.

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.

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.

Time and time again it is reported that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting your day with the proper nutrition is necessary to follow good eating habits as the day continues. Studies show that more than half of people who are trying to lose weight regularly skip this main source of energy. It is recommended that 400 calories be consumed to rev up metabolism for the rest of the day. Eating breakfast will turn your body into a fat burning machine and help keep weight off.

If you think you are too busy to eat anything but what comes in a bag out a window, think again. Quick, easy and nutritious meals can be made in a matter of minutes. Next time you are at the store pick up these versatile and nutritious ingredients.

Frozen fruit: Frozen fruit is a great way to add flavor and texture to protein shakes. To really feel like you are indulging in a treat add strawberries, blueberries or even mango to regular whey protein powder and water and mix in a blender for a few seconds. In no time you will be indulging in a delicious treat and one of the best tasting energy drinks.

Frozen fruit is also a convenient topping to yogurt and cereal.

Eggs: Eggs are a great and inexpensive source of hunger satisfying protein. Eating protein at every meal will help a dieter lose weight. It is especially important to eat protein at breakfast.

Multigrain bread: Whether you like toast or a plain bagel, eating a multigrain item for breakfast will give your body the energy it needs to start the day. Adding a fat such as cheese or peanut butter will also keep hunger away.

Which ever foods you choose to start your day doesn’t really matter just as long as you eat something. Eating, especially if you want to lose weight is important to burning fat and boosting metabolism. If the temptation of eating unhealthy snacks is too much, or if you are afraid of overeating, people have found hoodia weight loss pills a good option. 

A great workout may get your heart pumping and blood flowing, however it may also leave you feeling drained and depleted of energy. With so many options on the market, which is the best choice for a sports drink?

Sports energy drinks are specially formulated to replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates that are lost as a result of vigorous exercise. It is recommended that 4-6 ounces of water be consumed for every 15-20 minutes of exercise. While it is important to replenish fluid that is lost as a result of exercise, it is important to replenish vitamins and minerals as well. For this reason many people opt for a sports drink.

While sports drinks provide vitamins and nutrients that regular water may be lacking or only contain trace amounts, it is important to choose a sports drink that does not contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates.  They You can even make your own sports drink at home by combining water, sugar, salt and flavorings such as citrus fruit or unsweetened drink mixes such as Kool-Aid together and refrigerating.

There has been a lot of debate over the “healthiness” of sports drinks. The sports drink industry reported sales of more than $7 billion in 2007. While advertised as a healthy drink, many sports drinks contain 20 grams of sugar or more and incredibly high amounts of sodium. It is these ingredients that people are concerned about because of the health problems like obesity and high blood pressure that they are linked to. Studies showed that students who drank 1 sports drink a day for a year gained between 10 and 15 pounds.

Not limited to sports drinks, sugar and calorie laden beverages are a sneaky source of calories that can ruin the diet many people adhere to.  For people who are looking for a sweet, healthy drink, many people have found protein shakes a good alternative.

Can your mood be influenced by what you eat? As the saying goes, “you are what you eat,” so it is quite possible that your daily outlook can be a product of your diet.

A cheery outlook can be attributed in part to serotonin. Serotonin is a mood enhancing chemical that is synthesized by the amino acid tryptophan, and is responsible for controlling anger, appetite, aggression, body temperature, sexuality, and metabolism. Additionally, foods which are high in tryptophan such as turkey, increase serotonin levels to induce sleep. For this reason it is one of the best natural sleep aids. Foods that are rich in serotonin include walnuts, poultry, eggs, milk and whole grain carbohydrates.

While the above mentioned foods are the most effective serotonin boosting foods, recent studies have shown that mood is also affected by fat.  British researchers have found that people who eat an extremely low fat diet are often grumpier and more hostile than those who eat a diet that is higher in fat.

Not all fat is treated equal though. Sources of fat that are not good for the body and mind include the drive-up window at any fast food restaurant. Instead, healthy sources of fat include the following: chocolate, fish, as well as foods rich in vitamins D and B. It is not uncommon for some energy drinks to also contain these essential vitamins.

Eating “good mood” foods is only part of the equation. Moderation and exercise are also important factors to the overall mood of and individual. It is important to not over-consume these foods as they may lead to weight gain. Some people who have trouble controlling their appetite have found hoodia pills a great source of appetite suppression.

In today’s fast paced society a lot of people lack the necessary energy to keep up with their schedules. Everything from work to taking care of the kids can take its toll on the human body. Given that we can’t pause the day and relax, a lot of us rely upon energy drinks to help us through the day.

Just as with everything else, when it comes down to purchasing energy drinks there are many options. However, many energy boosting beverages which are available today are not good for your body or your waistline. Majority of these drinks are able to offer the consumer an instant buzz mostly due to the fact that they are made up of pure sugar. An eight ounce can have up to 16 teaspoons of sugar. Therefore, not only are we drinking hundreds of empty calories, but we are also setting ourselves up for a sugary crash. When we consume sugar infused products are blood glucose levels tend to spike up quickly and they tend to drop down in the same fashion. Which means that two hours after your energy drink you will be feeling just as bad, or maybe even worse, than prior to the consumption of the beverage. So what’s a consumer to do? Are there any energy boosting beverages out there which are not a threat to our health and our weight? And if so, what makes up the best energy drink?

Well, the best energy drink will contain zero to no sugar, and it will rely mostly on vitamins and minerals to provide the energy boost. Let’s face it, none of us want to put 300 milligrams of caffeine into our bodies with one eight ounce drink, so why not choose an energy drink which combines natural resources and vitamins to give us that very needed boost in the midst of a hectic day.

The chance of suffering from an ischemic stroke can be reduced by consuming vegetables, research shows. An ischemic stroke can occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Symptoms including temporary paralysis can last from a few seconds to a few hours. This is the most common type of stroke that affects the population. 

Recent research has shown that diets rich in folate, or folic acid as it is otherwise known as, is an essential component in reducing the chance of stroke. Part of the B vitamin complex, folic acid is required for cardiovascular health as well as prenatal health. Folic acid is abundant in vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, beans and beets.

Compared with those people in the study who did not eat as many vegetables, those who had diets rich in vegetables were able to lower their risk by as much as 26 percent!   This research shows that eating healthy is the first line of defense in disease prevention.

Since many people are always on the go, they may feel as though it is hard to get the required vegetables in their diet. To supplement active lifestyles, consider adding a diet pill that contains B vitamins in the ingredients. Other non-vegetable sources of B vitamins that are similar to those found in vegetables are energy drinks.  Energy drinks that do not disrupt sleep at night nor cause a major energy crash after a spurt of energy can also be a convenient source of stroke fighting vitamins.

Other than diets rich in vitamins, diets that are rounded out with low fat dairy and lean protein are an excellent way to prevent stroke. Rather than bacon and eggs for breakfast, blending together a whey protein shake.  This is also a delicious way to achieve better health.

Fruits and vegetables are recommended staples of any well balanced diet. As of late, it seems that the public is made available to more and more exotic fruits and vegetables. Up until lately, not many people have heard of fruit such as the acai berry. However, now it is hard to avoid this berry.  Advertised in just about everything lately from energy drinks to the best diet pills, this exotic fruit boasts powerful properties. Much similar to Hoodia Gordonii , the acai berry is known to help people lose weight, and its benefits have been proclaimed by such stars as Rachel Ray.   

Like the acai berry, the goji berry has been introduced into mainstream culture. Native to Asian, subtropical regions, the goji berry grows on evergreen bushes. Used by people native to the regions of Tibet and Mongolia, for thousands and thousands of years, the goji berry has been used to treat everything from sex drive to cancer.

Similar to chemical properties as domestic fruits and vegetables, they are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. These properties are good for eyesight and preventing the formation of “free-radical” cells. In one published study by a group of Chinese oncologists, the goji berry was shown to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Goji berries are often sold in a dried form. They have a sweet and tart taste and a texture similar to raisins. They can be consumed raw, or as a juice. Goji berries are often used in Chinese cooking as well.

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A lot of us feel the strain of everyday life on our energy. Taking care of kids, preparing meals, completing daily housework and working full time can surely take its toll on our bodies. We tend to feel tired long before we are through with the day. A lot of us resort to energy drinks and other caffeine infused beverages as a means of replenishment; however, sometimes the easiest lifestyle adjustments can help us get our focus and energy back.

One way to gain our energy back is to eat a healthy diet. Believe it or not certain foods can make us feel sleepy and heavy. That is why it is important to stay away from fried foods and anything else which appears heavy and hard to digest. Certain foods which are recommended for anyone wanting to increase their energy are lean meats (such as lean pork and skinless chicken), smart carbs, and nuts. Lean meats are beneficial because they contain an amino acid known as tyrosine. Tyrosine boosts our levels of dophamine and neropinephrine, both of which stimulate our brain activity and help us feel more alert and focused. Smart carbs (such as whole grains, whole wheat bread, brown rice, and cereal) are also beneficial at increasing our energy and focus. This particular food group gets absorbed by the body slowly thereby keeping blood sugar and energy levels stable. Smart carbs offer the exact opposite effect from sugary pick-me-ups. When you consume sweets as an energy booster, not only are you diminishing your chances of quick weight loss, but you are also in for a sugary crash!

Once you improve your diet, other parts of your lifestyle will slowly begin to improve, such as your sleeping pattern and your weight. The next step in improving your focus and your energy is exercise. Even though you may not have as much time to devote to physical activity as desired, even a 30 minute brisk walk can help you regain some of your oomph. Most people think that physical activity drains us of our energy; however, the exact opposite is true. People who undergo regular physical activity have a lot more energy than those who do not exercise. Furthermore, regular physical activity along with a healthy diet can improve your sleep (which can be yet another reason behind poor energy levels). A healthy diet is one of the most important natural sleep aids. These are just a few ways to improve your energy quickly and naturally.