The Invigorator: Homemade Natural Energy Booster Drink

Insert a burpee-double-back-flip right here. You’re about to be invigorated.

Both 5 Hour Energy and Monster Energy Drinks have been getting some really bad publicity. I’ve never taken either and don’t intend to, yet I’ve always been curious about what natural, non-caffeinated food sources offer an excellent energy boost.

After a bit of research, I took my daily ritual of “fresh lemon juice in warm water” up 15 notches by adding one extra ingredient:

“The Invigorator” Drink

1/2 cup lukewarm waterfresh squeezed juice from 1/4 lemon3 dashes of cayenne (red) pepper

Oooo-weeee! This is a seriously invigorating drink. Yes, it is hot. You may feel like a mini thermonuclear explosion went off inside your body, but the heat wanes pretty fast while the invigorating body slam of energizification remains. You can increase the powerfulness of The Invigorator by taking a daily dose of B12, or by simply eating healthy foods that contain B Vitamins.

B12: It’s found in meat, fish and dairy products. Just please don’t get your fish from the Pacific (the Japan Fukushima situation affecting the Pacific ocean is not improving — it’s getting worse). A deficiency in B12 can result in weakness and fatigue, so keep your food choices in check! Sidenote: My hubs (after working himself almost to the point of death and running on 1-2 hours of sleep for about a month) used B12 as a tool to recover from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

“Vitamin B12 is also used to enhance mood, increase energy, improve memory, stimulate the immune system, promote healthy sleep, and slow the aging process.” (via About.com) Say whaaat? It slows the aging process? You know you want some of that.

Cayenne Pepper: Not only does it slap you with a natural rush of energy & alertness, and aid in weight loss through its metabolic effects, cayenne pepper’s other health benefits are pretty dang impressive.

Warm Lemon Water: Yup, lemon water also aids in weight loss and pimp slaps you with energy, but would you also care to detox? Wanna boost your immune system? Or how about reduced blemishes on your skin? Yes, you need to be drinking the warm lemon water (on an empty stomach). Here’s more lemon water benefits to knock your socks off.

Now drink up, my friends! Because ain’t nobody got time to be feelin’ all sluggish ‘n stuff.

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What Do You Like to Drink {Poll}

(Photo Credit: krossbow)

We featured this poll almost 2 years ago (What's Your Beverage of Choice {Poll}) - 158 people voted, and diet drinks was the most popular answer. It's time to do it again to see if we'll get the same results!

So tell us what you think What Do You Like to Drink? {link}

View the original article here

What Do You Like to Drink {Poll}

(Photo Credit: krossbow)

We featured this poll almost 2 years ago (What's Your Beverage of Choice {Poll}) - 158 people voted, and diet drinks was the most popular answer. It's time to do it again to see if we'll get the same results!

So tell us what you think What Do You Like to Drink? {link}

View the original article here

Jamba All Natural Energy Drink (Blueberry Pomegranate) Review

Jamba All Natural Energy Drinks says it has, "all of the lift and boost of traditional energy drinks, but none of the weird hard-to-pronounce ingredients."And, "with 70% real fruit juice and 90 calories per serving, it's the all-natural and super tasty way to get the energy you need." Well, I certainly felt like I could use a boost during my hectic days recently, so I decided to shell out the $2.95 for an 8.4 ounce can of Jamba All Natural Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Drink to see what it was all about.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 can (248 mL)
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 21 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 20 grams
Protein: 0 grams

For such a pricey drink, I expected it to at least be tasty, but alas, this was not the case. The Jamba Energy Drink is carbonated, and has a syrupy sweet but also sharp, acidic taste that together make for a disastrous combination. I tried to sip it, just a little at a time while working, but I only managed to get through abut half the can before I gave up. Buying this felt like a waste of money - and needless to say, my spirits were probably depressed by this, instead of being uplifted.

The ingredients include, Apple juice, pomegranate juice and lemon juice (water, juice concentrates), water, blueberry puree, apple puree, natural flavor, caffeine, green tea extract, extract of stevia, and (carbonation added). The "energy boost" is apparently from the added caffeine - 80 mg - but I would MUCH prefer to have a cup of coffee, or 2 cups of black tea, or a few cups of green tea.

Each 8.4 ounce can of Jamba All Natural Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Drink provides 90 calories from 20 grams of sugars. Clearly, I was not a fan of this (and wish I could get my money back), but now that I have realized there is a whole "natural energy drinks" category that I haven't been exploring, I'm on the lookout for more drinks like this - to find one that actually tastes good.

{Website: Jamba Energy Drinks}

View the original article here

Jamba All Natural Energy Drink (Blueberry Pomegranate) Review

Jamba All Natural Energy Drinks says it has, "all of the lift and boost of traditional energy drinks, but none of the weird hard-to-pronounce ingredients."And, "with 70% real fruit juice and 90 calories per serving, it's the all-natural and super tasty way to get the energy you need." Well, I certainly felt like I could use a boost during my hectic days recently, so I decided to shell out the $2.95 for an 8.4 ounce can of Jamba All Natural Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Drink to see what it was all about.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 can (248 mL)
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 21 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 20 grams
Protein: 0 grams

For such a pricey drink, I expected it to at least be tasty, but alas, this was not the case. The Jamba Energy Drink is carbonated, and has a syrupy sweet but also sharp, acidic taste that together make for a disastrous combination. I tried to sip it, just a little at a time while working, but I only managed to get through abut half the can before I gave up. Buying this felt like a waste of money - and needless to say, my spirits were probably depressed by this, instead of being uplifted.

The ingredients include, Apple juice, pomegranate juice and lemon juice (water, juice concentrates), water, blueberry puree, apple puree, natural flavor, caffeine, green tea extract, extract of stevia, and (carbonation added). The "energy boost" is apparently from the added caffeine - 80 mg - but I would MUCH prefer to have a cup of coffee, or 2 cups of black tea, or a few cups of green tea.

Each 8.4 ounce can of Jamba All Natural Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Drink provides 90 calories from 20 grams of sugars. Clearly, I was not a fan of this (and wish I could get my money back), but now that I have realized there is a whole "natural energy drinks" category that I haven't been exploring, I'm on the lookout for more drinks like this - to find one that actually tastes good.

{Website: Jamba Energy Drinks}

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Is It Safe To Drink My Own Pee? (The Experiment)

‘Twas around this same time last year that I posed the question, Is It Safe To Drink My Own Pee?

Welp, how can I confess to you that I did in fact see for myself if it was safe. Would you call me crazy? Would you call me Filthy McNasty? Would you change your opinion of me if I did a little pee-pee drinking experiment of my own?

I blame it on the handful of athletes who do it for athletic performance (mostly boxers and MMA fighters) and others who encourage urine therapy in alternative medicine for homeopathic purposes. Urine therapy dates back thousands of years. It’s believed to prevent and cure certain ailments, and even treat external woes, like wound sterilization and calluses. Madonna has been known to piss on her feet to cure her athlete’s foot. This all made me very curious.

As for urea, that’s the chemical compound found in urine that is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Although I still have a lot of research to do (I’m currently reading through the webpage on Urine Therapy Testimonials with an open mind), I did learn that urine is sterile right out the body. It’s when it comes into contact with bacteria and other outside exposures that it gets all foul and pissy-smelling like a baby’s overdue diaper.

So yes, I did in fact try it. Uh huh. And you know what? It didn’t really taste like anything. It wasn’t even salty. It was just liquid with no real taste. It didn’t gross me out. It was literally only a few fresh drops (maybe two or three at a time) on several different occasions.

These experiments were non-scary enough that I decided if I ever do get some type of major sickness (God forbid) I would, in fact, try urine therapy. I’m VERY big on homeopathic treatments for medicinal purposes because it’s worked for me and my family (I’ve got lots to share on that subject), so I would not rule out pee-drinking in the future, no matter how extreme or taboo it is.

Now lemme get back to my research. I hope you don’t change my name to Miss Pissy now.

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4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix Review

Because it's summer, I've been trying out a lot of different beverages and drink mixes, some naturally delicious (like, Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company 100% Florida Grapefruit Juice (Gourmet Pasteurized)), but with quite a bit of sugar; and some low calorie i.e. sugar free or close to it, like Crystal Light Margarita "Mocktail". 4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix belongs in the that latter category.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 0
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 10 mg, < 1%
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

A serving size of 1/8th tub (which makes 1 cup of drink) provides less than 5 calories, i.e. has 0 calories on the nutrition label. The first time I tried this, I really didn't like the intense, metallic tart flavor. A look at the ingredients list shows that citric and ascorbic acid are the 1st 2 ingredients, so I should have expected such an intense acidic taste. The next time, I added even more water, and although it was still tart, it seemed more manageable and I didn't hate it quite as much.

The other ingredients include, artificial cranberry flavor, potassium and sodium citrate, acesulfame K, purified polyphenols (antioxidants), natural and artificial pomegranate flavor, sucralose, gum arabic, magnesium oxide (prevents caking), FD&C Red 40, tricalcium phosphate (prevents caking), FD&C Blue #1.

A container of 4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix, which has 7 tubs, costs $6.99 - each tub makes 2 quarts. I would buy this again if it were deeply discounted - like if I saw it at the Dollar Store. Otherwise, I'll stick with Crystal Light Peach Iced Tea (Review).

{Website: 4C Foods}

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Coconut Dream Unsweetened Original Coconut Drink Review

I posted a "How Are You Milking It Poll" at the beginning of 2011, and 41% of voters use a non-dairy alternative - including me. Lately, I've been looking out for different coconut "milk" brands - so not surprisingly, I got around to picking up Coconut Dream Unsweetened Original Coconut Drink a few days ago. Oh - and according to the FDA, the term "Milk" is defined as " the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows" - so I'm not correct in calling it coconut "milk" but since it's a white liquid with a similar consistency and intended purpose as "milk" - please forgive my liberties with using the word "milk" during this review.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces)
Calories: 60
Total Fat: 5 grams, 8%
Saturated Fat: 5 grams, 25%
Sodium: 150 mg, 6%
Carbohydrates: 1 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: < 1 gram
Protein: 0 grams

Now as for the taste & texture, as with Rice Dream Vanilla Rice Drink, this coconut "milk" is very watery - more like skim milk; and the coconut flavor is much milder than in Silk PureCoconut Original CoconutMilk, but that's not necessarily a bad thing - just depends on what your preference. I didn't mind. Of course, this is unsweetened, so although I liked the taste of it by itself, I much preferred using it in smoothies and even with cereal - although it has to be cereal with some sort of sweetness, like Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal Review for example, but not something bland like Weetabix Organic Crispy Flakes & Fiber Cereal.

Each 1 cup serving of Coconut Dream Original Unsweetened Coconut Drink provides 60 calories from 5 grams of total fat, all of which is saturated (25% of the daily value). There is no fiber, protein or sugars, and 150 mg sodium (6% of the DV). That's 20 calories less than Silk PureCoconut Original CoconutMilk (Review) and So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage (Review), both of which have 6 grams of sugars.

The ingredients are filtered water, coconut cream, tricalcium phosphate, carageenan, gellan gum, sea salt, natural flavors, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalomine). The added vitamins & minerals provide 30% of the daily value for calcium, 25% of the DV for vitamin B12 & D, and 10% for vitamin A.

Funnily enough, although this is "enriched" with added vitamins, this has "All Natural" on the label. Nothing wrong with that according to the law of the land, but personally, I think "Natural" should mean not enhanced in any way. I bought a 32 ounce container for $1.99 at my local supermarket, and if it were a choice between this and Silk PureCoconut, it would come down to which is cheaper because I like both. BUT, since Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk (Review) has less saturated fat - that's still my go-to non-dairy :milk".

{Website: Coconut Dream}

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Crystal Light Pure (Mixed Berry) Drink Mix Review

Crystal Light Pure is the low calorie "naturally" sweetened alternative to the other Crystal Light drink mixes, which are normally sweetened with aspartame & acesulfame K. I've had mixed feeling about the different flavors of Crystal Light Pure that I've tried so far - I didn't like the Tropical Blend, and thought the Lemonade was okay - but not without some tweaking. This week, I tried the Crystal Light Pure Mixed Berry to see if there was finally a variety that I would enjoy.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1/2 packet (5 grams)
Calories: 15
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 10 mg, < 1%
Carbohydrates: 4 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 3 grams
Protein: 0 grams

I have to say that this is short on any sort of berry flavor and long on the characteristic tart, citric acid taste ... but it was okay to drink, and maybe the best of the 3 Crystal Light Pure flavors that I've tried so far. A 1/2 packet serving of Crystal Light Pure Mixed Berry Drink Mix provides only 15 calories from 3 grams of sugars. The sweeteners used are sugar and rebiana (Truvia brand sweetener).

The ingredients are sugar, citric acid, malic acid, maltodextrin, calcium lactate, contains less than 2% of raspberry juice solids, natural flavors, rebiana (Truvia brand sweetener), potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, sodium citrate, dried radish, black currant, and apple juices (for color). The suggested retail price is $3.29 for a box with 7 packs - but I received samples for review.

Although I thought the taste wasn't horrible, I probably will not be buying this in the future. My favorite Crystal Light products are the mocktails (Appletini (Review), Margarita (Review) & Mojito (Review)).

{Website: Crystal Light Pure}

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Crystal Light Pure Lemonade Naturally Sweetened Drink Mix Review

Crystal Light Pure is a low calorie drink mix that has no artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives. The Lemonade is sweetened with a combination of sugar and rebiana (Truvia brand sweetener).

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1/2 packet (5 grams)
Calories: 15
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 15 mg, 1%
Carbohydrates: 4 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 3 grams
Protein: 0 grams

I followed the directions on the packaging and added 2 cups of water to a packet of Crystal Light Pure Lemonade. After shaking vigorously, the result was a very tart flavor of lemonade, but I much preferred this to Crystal Light Pure Tropical Blend. In my mind, this was a good starting point, but needed tweaking. Ironically I added a pack of Splenda and a little more water and got something that made my taste buds more happy. But - adding Splenda defeats the purpose of an "naturally sweetened" drink mix, but just adding less water didn't work for me.

A 1/2 packet serving of Crystal Light Pure Lemonade provides only 15 calories from 3 grams of sugars. The ingredients are sugar, citric acid, maltodextrin, calcium lactate, contains less than 2% of natural flavors, rebiana (Truvia brand sweetener), sodium citrate, magnesium oxide, oleoresin turmeric (for color).

The suggested retail price is $3.29 for a box with 7 packs and I would buy this again - knowing that I'll be adding a little more sugar (increase calories) or Splenda.

{Website: Crystal Light Pure}

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Amazing Grass All Natural Drink Powder, Green Superfood, 8.5-Ounce Container

Made with Organic Green Foods
Net. Wt. 8.5 oz
Our Premium Blend of SuperFoods Provides Amazing Energy and Amazing Health!
A delicious drink powder to help you achieve your recommended 5 to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables
Naturally detoxifies and boosts your immune system
Probiotics and Enzymes to aid digestion and absorption
Complete raw food with powerful antioxidants
Alkaline green plant foods balance acidic pH levels
Contains 70% Organic ingredients
More organic whole leaf greens per gram than any other green superfood - not from juice
Featuring Sambazon organic pure Acai powder
No soy lecithin fillers
Nitrogen packed for freshness
Gluten free and Vegan
All natural whole food ingredients
Product of the USA
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Price: $33.50

Click here to buy from Amazon

Almond Dream Unsweetened Almond Drink Review

Because of lactose intolerance, I use "dairy alternatives" including soy milk (Silk Light Original Soymilk is a favorite), rice milk (like Rice Dream Vanilla Rice Drink) & almond milk - usually Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk. The other day I came across a different brand, Almond Dream Unsweetened Almond Drink, and since I'm a fan of Rice Dream, I was curious to see what this would be like.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 50
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 135 mg, 6%
Carbohydrates: 3 grams
Fiber: < 1 gram, 4%
Sugar: < 1 gram
Protein: 1 gram

What I found is that there is a strong, sort of almony or beany flavor that can be detected even when this is added to cereal ... and it wasn't something I was particularly fond of. But this is okay, especially for the low 50 calories and less than 1 gram of sugars per 8 ounce serving. I would definitely incorporate this in recipes & use it in cereals that have a strong taste on their own.

Each serving of Almond Dream Unsweetened Almond Drink has less than 1 gram fiber, 1 gram of protein, but it also provides 50% of the daily value for vitamin B12 and 30% of the DV for calcium, vitamin E and vitamin A, in addition to 25% of the DV for vitamin D.

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Amazing Grass Chocolate Drink Powder, Green Superfood, 8.5-Ounce Container

B00112EUPM

Price: $33.50

Click here to buy from Amazon

Amazing Grass Chocolate Drink Powder, Green Superfood, 8.5-Ounce Container

B00112EUPM

Price: $33.50

Click here to buy from Amazon

Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink

Now, I'm not the type of person who guzzles energy drinks to keep himself going, but once in a while, when I know I'm in for a long day, I will pick up a can for an extra boost. I've been trying different brands and different varieties to see which ones I like best. Since I've enjoyed Rockstar's "Roasted" coffee line, I thought I'd try the Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink to see if it was any good.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 0%
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugar: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

Now, regular energy drinks normally taste pretty much like a type of soda. Most often, the ones I've tried tend to have a lemon/lime/citrusy type flavor. Rockstar Sugar Free goes a different route, choosing a grape flavor instead. The result is a drink that tastes exactly like carbonated Dimetapp. *blech * I'm normally a pretty fast drinker - I can easily drink a 16 ounce can in 20 minutes, but it took me an hour and a half before I could chug the rest of my can down.

One (16 ounce) can of Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink provides 20 calories, no sugar, 200% of your DV of vitamins B2 -B6 and 400% DV B12. It also contains 160 mg caffeine, 2000 mg taurine, 50 mg ginseng, 300 mg gingko biloba, and a slew of other herbs that supposedly give you an energy boost beyond caffeine alone.

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The ingredients include carbonated water, natural and artificial flavor, caramel color, and numerous herbal additives. The main sweeteners is sucralose (Splenda).

While I do think this drink gave me a slight boost, I would never buy it again, especially at over $2.50 a can. I much prefer Rush Lite Energy Drink, or I'll stick to the coffee-flavored Rockstars.

{Website: Rockstar Energy Drinks}

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Do You Drink Flavored Waters {Poll}

(Photo Credit: cogdogblog)

Some people are plain water purists. Others like myself sometimes need a little flavor to drink more of the good stuff (check out our Flavored Water Reviews). So where do you stand? To drink or not to drink - flavored water beverages - that's the question!

View the original article here

Do You Drink Flavored Waters {Poll}

(Photo Credit: cogdogblog)

Some people are plain water purists. Others like myself sometimes need a little flavor to drink more of the good stuff (check out our Flavored Water Reviews). So where do you stand? To drink or not to drink - flavored water beverages - that's the question!

View the original article here

Slimfast 3-2-1 Plan, Ready To Drink Shake, 330-Ounce (Pack of 30)

Fitness expert Kathy Smith presents a workout designed to help lose weight and increase muscle tone.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon