The Fire Hydrant (left) - 3-4 8oz glasses throughout the day
filtered water
1 slice lemon
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Other than getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night, staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do to help keep your body functioning at optimum levels. So this drink is just water with a squeezed lemon slice and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The lemon not only tastes good, but is also super alkaline* which helps your body maintain a healthy pH level. The cayenne pepper helps raise energy levels naturally and provides protection for your heart by helping to maintain proper cardiovascular movement throughout the body. Combining this with 4-5 glasses of regular water will bring you up to your recommended 8 glasses of water per day!
*For an explanation of lemons' miraculous transition from acidic outside of the body, to alkaline once ingested, visit this link: http://phbalance.wikispaces.com/Lemons+Alkaline%3F
The Quick Fix (center) - as needed, during the day
(I don't recommend drinking it at night as it might keep you up)
hot water
1 1/2 - 2 tsp honey (to taste)
1 inch of fresh ginger root
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp tumeric
Cut off two thin slices of ginger and place in your cup or mug.
Use a garlic press to juice the remaining ginger into your mug.
Add both spices and fill your mug with hot water and stir.
This is the closest thing I found to a non-caffeine/refined sugar pick me up! And I find it pretty delicious. Ginger speeds up metabolism and increases circulation. It also aids in the digestive process which can help stave off the post lunch coma that contributes to the afternoon slump. Turmeric, a cousin of ginger, also helps speed things up in the body, including energy levels! And Cardamom has long been valued medicinally for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy. Honey is mother nature's equivalent of an energy shot and is one of the best kinds of sugars for your body.
The Heavy Lifter (right) - 1 glass in the morning
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup raw almonds or 2 tbsp almond butter
1 scoop of Shakeology (your choice of flavor)
2 washed kale leaves or handful of baby kale/power greens
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk
*According to Dr. Oz, sixty percent of women don't get enough protein in their diets and that is often the number one reason for fatigue! (http://www.doctoroz.com/media/print/11196) A morning protein shake is a really easy and delicious way to make sure that you're starting the day off well fueled. Pair this with a piece of whole grain toast or my favorite fiber cakes (recipe here) and you have everything you need to give you a solid energy foundation for the day.
The next steps are energy booster tips that I find, when done along with the drinks, help me keep on keeping on all day long!
Protein & Meal Replacement Shakes: Two Major Ingredients to Avoid
Choosing the right shake is important, as all protein shakes are not created equally. Some shakes are specifically formulated to bulk you up, some are formulated with inferior protein blends, some shakes contain harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Splenda, and some simply don’t contain enough nutrients, let alone quality nutrients.
The fact that you’re reading this, means you’re concerned about making the right choice, and don’t want to make the mistake of buying a shake with potentially harmful or inferior ingredients. “What are these harmful ingredients and how bad can they really be?”
This is one that more people should be asking, considering the staggering amount of hard-earned money that Americans spend every year on protein shakes and diet shakes. Sadly, the majority of companies that you see in magazines, spend more money on packaging and promoting their products than formulating them with the best ingredients they can.
Now that doesn’t mean that all flashily packaged shakes are garbage, or vice-versa. It simply means we need to educate ourselves so that we can make the best possible decision when purchasing a protein shake product.
Several of the most popular products out there cut corners by using a potentially dangerous sweetener that allows them to lower manufacturing costs. What are those? Splenda, aka sucralose, aspartame. “What’s the big deal about using Splenda as a sweetener?”
Splenda (Sucralose, aspartame) – This popular artificial sweetener was discovered by accident in the mid 70′s by a pair of scientists attempting to formulate a synthetic fertilizer. They didn’t succeed in their original plan, but discovered that the compound they had synthesized tasted pretty darn good! (Why they would taste their fertilizer experiment is beyond me!) Splenda was introduced into our food system with minimal safety testing (the FDA conducted studies on a total of only 36 human subjects), and from there problems started to arise. Recent research into the health effects of Splenda has indicated that it may contribute to weight gain (probably not what you were looking for), diabetes, disruption of sleep patterns, sexual dysfunction, increases in cancer, MS, lupus, and a list of degenerative diseases. It’s a bit backward to spend money on something that may cause any of these. We’re trying to get healthier, not sick!
Recent studies have indicated that consuming Splenda may lead to neurological disorders like seizures, migraines, and dizziness.
Article about the dangers of sucralose/Splenda: CLICK HERE
Article from a female OB/GYN about the dangers specifically for women who use sucralose/Splenda: CLICK HERE
Protein shake products containing Splenda (sucralose, aspartame): Just to name a few
Soy - Another popular ingredient with a dark side is one of the most widely used ingredients in protein shakes. Consumption of soy based products has been attributed to digestive problems, thyroid issues, hormonal disruption (in men & women), developmental problems in children and even certain cancers. YEP! Another article with MULTIPLE links to support why soy is a health danger to you and your family: CLICK HERE
Here is a brief list of some of the additional symptoms and health problems related to soy consumption that are common: (All have links to read more about each health condition related to soy consumption)
Unless soy is traditionally fermented to remove the anti-nutrients (such as in miso, tempeh, and tamari) AND CERTIFIED ORGANIC, there are many different problems (some that are permanent) with it , no matter how “special” it is, says Dr. Mercola.
Now it’s a fact that soy does have some amazing health benefits (aids in keeping a healthy heart), but do the benefits outweigh the risks? I've given you the facts....you can decide.
Shakes with Soy:
Body by Vi aka ViSalus Sciences Vi-Shape shake
ItWorks ProFit
Amway’s NUTRILITE Meal Replacement shake
Melaleuca Attain with Craveblocker shake
Advocare Meal Replacement and Protein Powders
Herbalife
Juice Plus Complete
Genesis Pure
"That’s all well and good if I’m trying to bulk up, but I just want to lose weight and trim out!”
EXACTLY!!! Millions of people every year are looking for a shake to help them lose weight, and a good product can fill both roles. A good protein shake can be used as both a meal replacement to lose weight, and as a post-workout supplement to boost lean muscle mass gains. Additionally, shakes enhanced with potent superfood blends can deliver important nutrients beyond what the typical protein-only shake can provide, and you really can't compare plain protein powders to superfood blend protein powders. Foods like exotic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, which provide important antioxidants that combat free radicals produced as a result from the oxidative stress of daily life, let alone working out. Here are some other "Scary 7" ingredients aka toxic food/toxic ingredients you should avoid & will find in ALL processed foods. Knowledge is power to take control of your health.
