Energy Drinks are Terrible for You (It’s Not Just The Caffeine)!

Archives for February 2018

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I get it. The appeal is there! Energy drinks boost energy and fight fatigue. That's what the clever ads tell you.

It seems like they're the answer when you need that instant boost, the truth is far from it.

There's an increasing number of emergency room visits and deaths too!

What Happens After You Guzzle an Energy Drink?

Energy drinks give you high doses of caffeine and sugar. Some brands also have a mix of electrolytes and specific nutrients. But it doesn't mean it is right for you!

A study from the David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base found that energy drinks –

a. Increase blood pressure

b. cause harmful changes to heart function

c. can cause irregularities in the heartbeat

Manufacturers claim that the caffeine content in energy drinks is like that of a coffee. But that's not the full picture.

Most energy drinks come with a “proprietary blend.” It's a combination of stimulants, isolated nutrients, and plant derivatives.

Researchers say that the way caffeine interacts with this “blend” can be harmful to the body. So, it is not the caffeine alone that causes this effect.

Take, for instance, the ingredient taurine, a common one in energy drinks.

  • High levels of taurine can alter the mineral and water balance in your body.
  • High amounts of caffeine can alter the way blood flows in the body.

The result? It can affect the blood platelet levels causing the blood to thicken.

This can lead to a potential cardiac arrest.

young man jogging heart pain energy drinksBesides, energy drinks also have a terrible effect on the brain.

Research lists the following conditions:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleeplessness
  • Muscle twitches
  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Restlessness

Other possible concerns include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Excitement-seeking behavior or hyperactive state
  • Poor dental health
  • Weight issues & Type 2 diabetes (due to high sugar content)
  • Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or a headache

I don't know about you but they are not what I have in mind when I'm looking to increase my energy! But don't fret, there are safe and natural ways to boost your energy!

4 Safer Ways to Boost Your Energy

1. Stay Hydrated

Feeling tired is one of the first sign of dehydration. Dehydration can bring changes in blood pressure, which can affect your ability to focus.

Besides water, try coconut water, fresh vegetables like cucumber, and squash to stay hydrated.

2. Increase B Vitamin-Rich Foods

natural products rich vitamin bVitamins like thiamine, B6, and B12 have a role in energy release.

Include foods containing these vitamins like spinach, organic eggs, and organic meat.

Beans, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like cabbage and broccoli are high in B vitamins.

Seafood, poultry, and meat are rich in Vitamin B12.

3. Exercise

Incorporate an exercise plan into your routine. Exercise lifts your energy levels, by helping your heart and lungs work well.

You don't have to run a marathon, a brisk walk, taking the stairs, a quick game of badminton can all help boost it up.

4. Breathing Techniques

young man breathing deeply avoid energy drinksPractice proper breathing techniques.

Instead of quick, shallow breaths, make slow and mindful breathing a habit. Mindful breathing allows your lungs to fill with air.

It nourishes every cell in your body, the result, a clear head and a quick boost to your energy.

Remember, to watch your eating habits. Always choose fresh, and avoid processed and refined foods to keep your body energized.

Oh and speaking of drinks that are terrible for your body…look at what happens within minutes of drinking a soda.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends who toss back energy drink after energy drink and I invite you to leave me a comment below. Did you realize energy drinks can be dangerous?

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Think about it!

Our forefathers didn't have organic farming in mind when they raised their food. They survived on farming methods devoid of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

They didn't eat genetically modified foods or pesticide-laden produce. Needless to say, they lived longer and were healthier than most millennials.

Over the last century, modern farming methods have changed our food. Today we eat toxic burdened produce that harms the body in many ways.

The USDA's 2017 Pesticide Data Program states that there's:

“at least one pesticide on 70% of all produce”

This EWG (Environmental Working Group) checks this based on the annual samples collected. The tests confirm the pesticide contamination on popular produce.

Pesticide-laden produce spell health issues!

researcher microscope celery pesticideLet's be clear; you cannot nourish your body with toxin filled fruits and vegetables. Research confirms that pesticides pose health risks such as:

  • Hormone issues
  • Fertility problems
  • Nerve and brain-related illness
  • Certain Cancers
  • Skin, eye and lung irritation

This is why I always insist on buying organic produce. By choosing organically farmed foods, you avoid many health risks.

But Danette, organic is so expensive! I can't afford it all the time!!

I hear you; organic foods aren't affordable for everyone. I know it may seem a bit daunting to eat 100% organic within your budget. Luckily EWG comes to our rescue with a list.

EWG has a shopper's guide that lists the dirty dozen produce and the clean fifteen. It helps you eat clean produce without breaking the bank.

What is the Dirty Dozen list?

man mask basket dirty produceDirty Dozen gives you the list of produce that is heavy on pesticides.  Hence the name “dirty.”

Here's the 2019 dirty dozen list from EWG:

  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Nectarines
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Tomatos
  • Celery
  • Potatoes

(and hot peppers, too!)

Be sure to buy ONLY organic whenever you choosing produce from the list above. Never buy these if they are conventionally grown.

For people on a budget, it is okay to choose non-organic from this list below, which is the “Clean Fifteen.”

Clean Fifteen gives you the list of produce that is least likely to be “dirty.” In other words, they contain the least amount of pesticides.

It's not as important to choose organic for the Clean Fifteen produce listed below:

  • Avocados
  • Sweet corn*
  • Pineapples
  • Sweet peas (frozen)
  • Onions
  • Papayas*
  • Eggplants
  • Asparagus
  • Kiwis
  • Cabbages
  • Cauliflower
  • Cantaloups
  • Broccoli
  • Mushrooms
  • Honey dew melons

*Please remember sweet corn, and papaya is genetically modified. Stay away from conventional corn and papaya to avoid GMO's and choose organic instead.

How to identify organic produce?

asian woman checking label produce supermarketLook for “USDA Organic” label on fruits and vegetables.

Identify by the Price Look Up codes (PLU).

  • Organic produce -Five digits starting with a 9
  • Conventional produce – Four digits
  • GMO produce – Five digits starting with an 8

If eating clean is one of your goals, it's crucial to avoid pesticide-laden produce. If that's the case, start out by buying produce that needs to be ONLY organic.

Avoid the “dirty dozen” and stay within the budget. Don't forget the “clean fifteen” list! You can buy conventional produce and don't have to worry about heavy pesticide residue.

If you are always looking for ways to eat healthy on a budget check out these 7 superfoods you can buy for less than a dollar.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please share this article with your health-conscious yet, budget-minded friends and I love reading your comments below too! Do you stick to organic for the dirty dozen now?

 

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There’s a lot to be said about embracing your golden years, but the truth is that nobody loves being reminded of their age by wrinkles.

Our genes have a lot to say about our skin’s structure but it’s sun damage that causes most wrinkles. Smoking and pollution contribute too.

Still, there's plenty you can do to slow down the process.

There are a metric ton of wrinkle treatments on the market. Some work and some don’t. Some are expensive, and some are affordable.

The best wrinkle treatment is to stop them from appearing in the first place.

6 Best All-Natural Ways to Prevent Wrinkles

1. Stay out of the Sun

Whenever you’re outside you should be protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Wearing sunscreen is an absolute must, and so is wearing a hat or clothing that is UV protective.

Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and put sunscreen on your eyelids and under your eyes, as well as around your lips.

2. Eat Foods that Protect you from UV Rays

omega 3 rich food on table prevent wrinklesWe all know to slather on the sunscreen. But did you know that you can protect your skin from the inside out?

Foods that have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids keep free radical damage from happening in your skin’s cells.

And dark leafy greens, red and orange fruits, and other vegetables contain antioxidants that help too.

3. Don’t Smoke, and Stay Away from People Who do

Here’s another good reason why smoking is bad for you.

The nicotine in cigarettes stops blood flow to your skin.

This robs the outer layer of your skin of oxygen and nutrients, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

middle-aged woman drink water prevent wrinklesStaying hydrated helps you moisturize from the inside out. It also helps chase damaging toxins out of your body.

I recommend drinking about a gallon of water daily. You can even make drinking more water into a fun game!

If you want to give your liquid intake a wrinkle-fighting boost, drink green tea or coconut water. Both contain good-for-you antioxidants.

5. Moisturize with Natural Products

It’s easy to drop hundreds of dollars at the drug store on fancy lotions. Most contain mineral oil and it's actually terrible for your skin.

Did you know that there are natural oils that can do a better job for less?

Try coconut oil, vitamin E oil, argan oil or olive oil. Grapeseed and hemp oils can help too.

6. Add more Collagen to Your Diet

You can make up for this by drinking a nourishing bone broth. This will plump up your skin and fill in wrinkles and fine lines.

If you want to add an all-natural moisturizing face mask to your beauty regimen, it can help too.

This one is quick and easy. Mix it up and apply to your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Egg White and Honey Face Mask

½ Tbsp. egg white

½ tsp lemon juice

½ tsp raw honey

¼ tsp unflavored gelatin

Mix all ingredients well and apply.

My all-time favorite natural face mask is this indulgent anti-aging chocolate mousse face mask recipe.

Mixing up this rich face mask is just one of many ways I can transform my home into a spa when I want to pamper myself and celebrate some me-time!

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. I encourage you to share this article with your friends and I love hearing from you in the comments below. What's the one natural skin care tip that has worked for you?

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Cannabidiol or CBD oil comes from the herb cannabis, yep, you probably know it as marijuana.

Although cannabidiol has many health uses,  confusing information has led to controversies.

Mainly because CBD oil comes from marijuana. But hold the judgment, this goes beyond what those old after-school specials taught us.

What is CBD oil? Is it the same as marijuana?

marijuana leaf labels health benefits CBD oilCBD oils contain concentrated amounts of cannabidiol. It's one of the many compounds that come from the cannabis plant. Cannabis provides cannabinoids, a group of twenty-one carbon containing plant compounds.

Here are the two important ones:

  • THC or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (psychoactive)
  • CBD or cannabidiol (Non-Psychoactive)

There are five other active ingredients too. Among them, THC and CBD have different effects on your body.

THC is famous for its psychedelic effects, and it's the most processed form. THC, when smoked or cooked into food can cause a mind-altering “high” feeling.  But, CBD does not have such effects and has excellent medicinal value.

5 Health Benefits You get from CBD Oil

Research shows that CBD oil has therapeutic effects on specific health conditions.

Here are 5 research-based pieces of evidence on its benefits.

1. Lowers Stress

CBD oil is useful if you have trouble falling asleep due to stress and anxiety. A scientific review published in a medical journal revealed CBD's stress-lowering effect.

According to the report, Veterans showed lower stress and anxiety after taking CBD oil.

Stress literally impacts every cell in your body, anything healthy that you can do to get your stress under control is wise.

2. Pain Relief

middle-aged woman consulting doctor health benefits CBD oilPatients can get relief from chronic pain with CBD oil.

A Canadian study found that patients reported decreased pain and better sleep with cannabis. Patients who took cannabis after surgery/trauma showed better pain tolerance and lower pain intensity.

There are many all natural ways to fight pain.

3. Heart Health

Cannabinoids help blood vessels to relax and widen. A first human study found that cannabis is helpful in patients with heart conditions.

Because of its natural ability to lower blood pressure, CBD oil also improves blood circulation.

4. Protects Your Eyes

Cannabis helps lower eye pressure,  a factor that causes glaucoma.

The American Glaucoma society says cannabis may be a natural alternative to glaucoma treatment. 

For prevention, check out these 11 foods you can eat to protect your eye health.

5. Helps Epileptic Patients

Research suggests that CBD has nerve protecting effects. According to researchers, this may help patients with epilepsy and neurological disorders.

Although the results are positive, further research helps.

How to use?

CBD oil syringe capsule form table benefits healthCBD is a potent oil, and small quantities are enough to improve certain conditions.

You can take CBD oil via an oral syringe or with another liquid to improve the flavor.  CBD oil is also available in capsule form.

Just like using other herbs, it's important to check with your doctor before using cannabis. Always start with a small dose and later on increase it based on your doctor's advice.

Where to buy?

About twenty-five U.S. states allow CBD oil for medical purposes, and it's legal to use it in those states.  In most cases, it's not possible to buy it online or in a store. You will usually need a medical note or proof of illness to buy it. Some states do sell it without one so check your local regulations.

As with any herbal supplement, you should use caution when buying CBD oil. Be sure you're buying only from a reputable company that sells lab tested products.

There are many strains of cannabis, and all are not the same.  Take every effort to go through the legal and safe means of obtaining cannabis oil. Want more info? Here's an in-depth article I wrote last year.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please help me spread the word about this taboo oil that is helping many people by sharing this article. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Have you had success using CBD oil?

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You’ve probably heard of “Kegel Exercises.” If you've ever been pregnant you've likely been told to take care of your pelvic floor muscles to help with labor and delivery.

However, it’s pretty rare to come across a gym class that addresses this issue. In fact, most people don’t end up learning about them until it’s too late and they’re having bothersome symptoms. Don't make that mistake.

If you leak urine when you sneeze or workout, this is a good early warning sign that you need to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Let’s look at what the pelvic floor muscles are, why they’re important, and how you should take care of them.

The pelvic floor muscles play an important role. They hold up your bladder and rectum, as well as the uterus and vagina in women.

They're an important part of your core, working together with the stomach and back muscles to support the spine.

They've been described as a trampoline that runs from the front to the back and side to side in the pelvis.

When the muscles are contracted, it lifts the organs in the pelvis. When they are relaxed, we are able to release urine and feces. Because the muscles support the uterus and vagina, they're also important for good sexual function.

We control our pelvic floor muscles consciously as well as involuntarily.

Serious Motivation to Do Your Kegels

When the pelvic floor muscles grow weak, it can result in a condition called prolapse.

This is when the pelvic organs literally protrude outside of the vagina. Some people refer to this as a fallen bladder and rest assured, it's no fun.

It can also result in loss of bowel and bladder control in either men or women.

Sounds like something you'd rather avoid, right?

Weakness can be caused by many things, including age, obesity, and childbirth.

The good news is that there are simple exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They're easy to learn and master, and after a short time, they can have a big impact.

Kegels are probably the best known pelvic floor muscles exercise, but there are many others.

3 Solid Exercises to Protect Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

1. Kegel Exercise – The Kegel exercise is usually the first pelvic floor muscle exercise taught. It helps to teach where the muscle is and what it feels like when those muscles are tightened.

To do them, just tighten the muscles you use when you are stopping your flow of urine. Nothing else should move. Release and tighten the muscle ten times for one rep. Try to work up to three reps per day.

Remember that the exercise is not just the tightening. The releasing is just as important.

2. The Bridgeasian woman yoga bridge pose kegel exercises important – Do the bridge by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent.

Engage your pelvic floor the same way you do during a Kegel exercise, then lift your butt up off of the floor for a count of ten. Then lower back down and release your pelvic muscles. Repeat ten times.

3. Dead Bug Crunch – Lie on your back with your knees over your hips and your lower legs extended parallel to the ground.

Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, then extend your right arm straight over your head and your right leg straight out on the floor. Release the muscle and bring your arm and leg back to the starting position. Repeat on the left side. Repeat 10 times.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Pass this on to your loved ones and I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Did reading this article motivate you to do some Kegels?

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You need a break from time to time. We all do. We need the chance to get away from stress. But there’s a big difference between what we need and what we can have.

Of course, everyone has work and family demands. Add that to the costs, and fancy spa treatments are out of reach for many.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t show yourself a little self-love. This is not being selfish as society has conditioned you to think. This is how you recharge your batteries so that you can be the best version of yourself.

6 Ways to Transform your Home into a Spa (and why you should)

1. Invest in Some High-Quality Aromatherapy Candles

candles essential oils home spa   Aromatherapy candles contain essential oils that are released into the air when they're burned. Depending on what scent you choose, they can help with health problems, reduce stress, and bring a sense of peace and calm.

Here are some top choices:

Lavender – helps with fatigue and depression
Eucalyptus – fights colds and infections and boosts energy
Chamomile – helps to soothe and relax
Jasmine – helps fight depression

2. Treat Yourself to a Deep Cleansing Mask

Everybody loves the feeling of fresh clean skin. That’s why facials are one of the most popular spa treatments, but they can be pricey.

You can get many of the benefits by doing it yourself at home. Try making your own cleansing mask out of nourishing ingredients you already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

I love to make this anti-aging chocolate mousse mask every chance I get!

3. Wrap Yourself Up in a Cozy Robe

black woman wearing comfortable robe home spaIf you’ve ever been to a spa, you know that every visit starts with a tour of the locker room and being handed a plush robe to wear.

For less than the cost of a single treatment, you can get your own cozy robe to slip into whenever you feel the need for a little extra comfort.

4. Make A Pitcher of Infused Water

The wellness room at the spa always has a beautifully displayed pitcher of water that’s usually infused with fresh cucumber or lemon.

There's no reason why you can’t treat yourself to some deliciously refreshing hydration every single day. Switch it up with whatever fresh fruit is in season, or try adding fresh herbs for a zingy flavor.

5. A Simple Hack for a Truly Luxurious Sensation

Top of the line massage treatments use oils that have been heated to a deliciously warm temperature, and there’s no reason you can’t do the same for yourself.

Before you get into the shower, take your favorite moisturizer and place it on top of a heating vent or radiator. If the heat’s not on, heat up a bowl of water and let the tube warm up in there. By the time your shower is done, you’ll have wonderfully warm lotion to slather on.

6. Show Your Hair Some Deep Love with Coconut Oil

lathered coconut oil woman scalp home spaCoconut oil is a great conditioner for hair, and it smells great too. Massage a scoop in from the roots to the ends, then wrap it up in a towel and let it sit for an hour or so.

And speaking of coconut oil, here are 10 magical things you can do with your jar of coconut oil.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Help your friends know it's OK to indulge themselves by sharing this article and I welcome your comments below. What do you do when you want to pamper yourself at home?

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The name “Kefir” comes from the Turkish word “keif.” It means “good feeling.”

It's one of my favorite drinks because it is super healthy for the gut.  The definition fits well because of its life-changing health benefits.

Even if you're vegan, there's a kefir for you so read on to learn why this should always be in your fridge. I'll even show you how to make your own!

What is Kefir anyway?

Kefir is a probiotic drink made from dairy (cow, goat) and non-dairy alternatives.

Kefir starts out with a combination of cultures of yeasts and bacteria. They are otherwise known as starter “grains.” You can find them at any health food store.

When these grains come in contact with a base liquid like milk, it interacts to form a fermented mixture. The resulting drink is sour, fermented, and full of active probiotics.

Here's the best part for some of you:

You can drink kefir even if you have lactose intolerance!

Top 3 Reasons to Drink Kefir

1. Improves gut health

doctor healthy gut kefir recipe health benefitsKefir has as many as 30 strains of gut-friendly bacteria. It helps promote the growth of good flora in the gut.

Drinking kefir on a regular basis fight conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's. It helps lower the ill effects of gut disorders and restores the balance of good gut bacteria.

Kefir has 3 times more probiotics than yogurt because of the yeast and bacteria found in kefir grains.

2. Boosts immune system

Lactobacillus kefiri is a strain of bacteria specific to kefir. It helps fights E.coli and salmonella.

Research shows L.kefiri helps defend the body by strengthening the immune system.

Kefir also provides biotin and folate that promote healthy immune function.

3. Good for your bones

woman exercise strong bones kefir recipe health benefitsThe nutrients in Kefir help in better calcium absorption and stop bone loss. Also, it provides vitamin K2, a vital component of the bone-building process.

Vitamin K along with calcium improves bone density and bone health.

Kefir is also known for its anti-cancer effects and ability to lower allergic symptoms.

Where Can You Buy Kefir?

You can buy kefir from your local supermarket or a natural health food store. It's usually in the dairy case near the yogurt.

When shopping for milk kefir, select organic ones to avoid antibiotics and hormones.

Also, opt for plain because the flavored ones have more sugar than you want.

Look out for fillers, thickening agents or other additives. Some stores also sell vegan options from non-dairy sources but Vegan kefir is harder to find. You'll have to check for the coconut kefir in health or specialty food stores.

Making Kefir at Home is Super Easy!

Milk kefir recipe: Cow, goat or sheep milk make the base for making milk kefir.

Ingredients

glass pitcher blue tablecloth kefir recipe health benefits

One quart of Raw whole milk

One tablespoon of Kefir grains

Vegans, and those that want to avoid dairy, here's the perfect alternative:

Coconut-based kefir recipe: Coconut water and coconut milk are perfect for making kefir. Their natural sugar content is ideal for the yeast to begin the process of making good bacteria.

Ingredients

Quarter cup of Kefir grains

One quart of warm coconut milk or coconut water

Directions for Both Recipes

Combine these two ingredients in a glass jar. Give a stir with a wooden spoon. Cover the top of the jar with cheesecloth.

Keep the mixture at room temperature (70 to 85- degree Fahrenheit) for 24 hours and it's ready to enjoy.

Refrigerate your kefir after it has fermented.

Coconut water kefir is fizzy with a mild sweet taste. The interaction of grains with enzymes and probiotics in coconut water gives mild sweetness.

Milk kefir along with the starter grains gives a tart tasting drink after fermentation.

Give it a try and let me know how you liked it. I like to drink it straight but if you aren't a fan of the flavor you can add it to almost any smoothie recipe. You won't even taste it once it's blended into your yummy smoothie.

Another fermented drink that's ideal for promoting healthy gut flora is kombucha. I love to make a toast with this bubbly drink! You'll quickly see why it's all the rage when you take your first sip.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please help me spread the word about this powerful food by sharing this article. I welcome your comments below. Is kefir in your fridge right now?

 

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Does your to-do list seem to get longer every day? Meanwhile, your energy supply gets shorter?

It’s tempting to reach for one of the popular energy drinks to boost your energy, but that’s a terrible idea. Studies have shown that they carry a ton of risks.

Energy drinks having been named the cause of rising numbers in emergency room visits and even deaths.

They’re more than just a new way of drinking caffeine: they also contain up to 4 ounces of sugar, plus other ingredients that together can cause irregular heartbeats and raised blood pressure. This isn't the kind of energy you're looking for.

When you need a boost of get-up-and-go, try one of these natural fixes:

Top 10 All-Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy

1. Guzzle some Green Juice

green juice boost energy wood table Whether you use leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale or add spirulina to your juice, greens help boost your energy and your metabolism.

Low energy is just one of the top 5 signs that you need to eat more greens.

Keeping some high quality powdered green juice on hand make powering up with greens even easier. Plus, no more wasted greens because you didn't eat them before they spoiled.

2. Go full Tarzan and give yourself a Chest Bump

No, really. If you take your hand and tap yourself below the collarbone, it triggers your thymus to make more T-cells. This relieves stress and increases energy.

3. Say ‘Hello’ to the Sunshine

The longer you spend indoors under artificial light, the more tired you'll feel. Take a walk outside in the sunshine to give yourself an energy boost.

There's a good chance you're Vitamin D deficient anyhow so get out there and soak up some sunlight!

4. Have a Tea Party for One

Go ahead, break out your good china and brew up some green tea. Green tea contains caffeine in small amounts.

It will give you a boost without keeping you up at night. It also contains EGCG, which has been shown to help with weight loss!

Don't like the taste of green tea? Here are 5 more herbal teas that will put some pep in your step.

5. Walk it Out

family walking boost energy

The more you sit, the more tired you feel. Get your blood flowing by taking a walk. It will make you feel much better. Yes, especially when it's the very last thing you feel like doing!

6. Power Up with a Shake

Grab a high-quality protein shake and get to sippin'. When you combine healthy proteins with complex carbs in your shake, you fight fatigue. Try adding your protein powder or Greek yogurt to your fruit, and blend away!

7. Two Words: Blink Break

This one sounds funny, but it really works. When you’re feeling tired, it’s often a sign that your brain needs a break.

Instead of taking a nap, try blinking a lot for a full minute. Every time you blink you give your brain a little rest period.

8. Just Breathe

Think about how energized you feel after a yoga class. It’s mostly about the breaths that you’ve taken, and you can carry that with you outside of class.

When you inhale deeply and then exhale completely, you ease stress and improve your overall level of vigor.

9. An Apple a Day

doctor holds green apple boost energy

You know that whole apple-a-day thing? It’s true for so many reasons. One is that having an apple gives you a sweet snack without taking in too much sugar. You get a boost of energy from its complex carbs, plus the benefits of fiber and Vitamin C.

10. Turn Up with Your Water Bottle

Many times what you feel as fatigue is really dehydration. When you drink more water, you boost your blood volume.

That's good news for your heart too because it means that it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Here are 4 ways to make drinking your water more fun. Just make sure you're skipping the plastic water bottle (they're linked to weight gain, diabetes and, even cancer) and opting for a higher quality glass or metal vessel.

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. I invite you to share this with your tired friends. 🙂 Please feel free to leave a comment below too! What's the one thing that always energizes you when you feel sluggish?

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Pineapples are fantastic! They have an excellent sweet and tart flavor, juicy and healthy too!

What more can you ask for from a fruit? This tropical fruit offers a long list of health benefits to you and is among my favorites. Don't even try to find a substitute for pineapple, there isn't one.

Why is pineapple special and irreplaceable?

woman kitchen power pineapple irreplaceableIn the late 1800s, bromelain a mixture of enzymes from the stem and juice of the pineapple was isolated.

Bromelain is touted to be the golden beneficial compound in pineapple.

Researchers have uncovered many health benefits including healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bromelain is available in its natural form only in pineapple, this is why it's irreplaceable.

Top 5 Ways Your Body Benefits from Pineapple

1. Anti-inflammatory

Pineapple is one of the top foods that lower inflammation. The enzyme Bromelain in pineapple has strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Bromelain regulates the immune system in a specific way and encourages anti-inflammatory effects. Pineapple is an all natural (and powerful) painkiller too!

2. Rich in antioxidants

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation, tissue, and cell growth and wound healing.

The antioxidant property of vitamin C protects your body from oxidative damage. Lower the oxidative damage, lower the risk of diseases.

3. Promotes digestion

Bromelain, the key enzyme in pineapple promotes digestion.

Bromelain helps break down protein in food and helps absorb nutrients better. It helps heal the digestive tract of people with inflammatory conditions.

Those with Crohn's, colitis and inflammatory bowel disease can heal their gut with pineapple.

4. Supports your immune system

Its rich vitamin C content speaks for its immune-boosting effects.

Vitamin C boosts the immune function which in turn reduces the frequency of cold and flu. Here are 5 more foods you should eat (especially during cold & flu season.)

5. Improves energy levels

Pineapple is an excellent source of the mineral manganese. Manganese participates in the energy production as part of an enzyme.

Pineapples are also a good source of thiamine, the B vitamin. Thiamine is one of the chief B vitamins that handles energy release for the cells.

6 Useful Tips on Pineapples

  • The fruit is available year round. It's in its peak season from March to June in local markets.
  • For a softer and juicier flesh leave at room temperature for one or two days. Be mindful; they are quick to perish.
  • For an extended storage of 3- 4 days, wrap it in a plastic bag and refrigerate.
  • Always store cut pineapple in an airtight container in a refrigerator.
  • To preserve the juiciness and taste store it along with some of its juice or some liquid in the container.
  • Smell the pineapple before you buy it to see how ripe it is. It will have a stronger scent the riper it is.

Here's a fun fact: Cut pineapple keeps well in the fridge for up to a week with most of its nutrients intact.

couple drinking pineapple power pineapple irreplaceablePineapples are versatile and can go into many recipes. Salads, smoothies, cooked or baked pineapple are tasty.

Here is a quick & easy pineapple recipe for you:

Cut pineapple into equal sizes, drizzle maple syrup. Broil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt. Enjoy!

In the Summer, I love to use fresh pineapples to make this yummy 2 Ingredient Tropical Whip too!

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please help me spread the word about the irreplaceable power of pineapple and I welcome your comments below. What's your favorite way to enjoy pineapple?

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.