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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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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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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Phenom Coconut Water (Energy - Acai Peach) Review

I love pure coconut water - straight from the coconut. It's naturally low-calorie and rich in electrolytes (potassium and magnesium in particular). Phenom Coconut Water is a new offering from GNC, and it comes fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals. The Phenom Energy (Acai Peach) Coconut Water is fortified to 100% of the RDA of vitamin C, vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, and Niacin, plus 250% vitamin B-6.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 45
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 150 mg, 6%
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugar: 7 grams
Protein: 0 grams

Each 8 ounce serving provides only 45 calories - you would think it's really the perfect drink, but alas, the taste of this coconut water is less than phenomenal. In fact, I couldn't finish drinking the contents of the 16.9 ounce container. It's just ... weird. There is the underlying subtle coconut water flavor, but on top of it is layered some weird flavoring, I suppose the acai and peach which just does not work! It's almost sickening and every time I take a sip I make a weird, "this is nasty face." I'm happy I have a few other flavors to try and I'm hoping at least one of them is good - because the company sent me this and I want to be able to say good things, but so far I can't - not about the taste.

Don't take offense Phenom - coconut water is such a delicate flavor that it's hard to get right in a packaged product. I didn't like Vita Coco Coconut Water with Acai & Pomegranate either ... maybe it's something about the "Acai" flavor that doesn't go well with coconut water.

Phenom Coconut Water is available at GNC (in stores and online) at $29.99 for a case with 12. I'm not a fan of this flavor, but stay tuned for reviews of a few more flavors later this week to see if there is one I did like. But tell me, do you drink coconut water - what brand do you like?

{Website: Phenom Coconut Water}

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Rokit Fuel Holy Pinole Energy Mix Review

This morning I decided to go check out a "rail trail" that's about a 20 minute drive from my house, where I was aiming to run about 10 miles and then bike a few more ... but where oh where was my pack of Powerbar Gel Blasts? Had the unthinkable happened - could I possibly have run out?! After much internal debate, I decided to take a pack of Rokit Fuel Holy Pinole Energy Mix which was sent to me by the company to review, and which I had yet to try. I wasn't sure this was the best move, because I would be stuck without anything to refuel with if this tasted ... nasty. But, since I've had only positive reviews of Rokit Fuel products in the past, I hoped there would be nothing to worry about.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 pouch (1/2 cup)
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 1 gram, 5%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 130 mg, 5%
Carbohydrates: 39 grams
Fiber: 8 grams, 32%
Sugar: 10 grams
Protein: 7 grams

The directions read, open pouch, hydrate with enough water, milk or juice to moisten and refuel by squeezing into your mouth (I only poured out the ingredients to see what it looked like and snap a picture - after that I spooned it all back into the pouch before taking it with me to the trail). At the 6 mile mark, I stopped running and did just that - and it was crazy good! I will admit to being VERY skeptical, but the ingredient combination seemed to give this an interesting texture - slightly chewy - and give me energy at the same time. I think cinnamon was the predominant flavor, and the oats, flax seeds, chia seeds & nuts definitely shone as well. I wasn't in a race or any competition, so I took my time and walked for a bit, ate this (about 1/2 the pack) and drank water - and running back, I felt pretty darn good.

Each 1/2 cup pouch of Rokit Fuel Holy Pinole Energy Mix provides 250 calories, 8 grams of total fat (12% of the daily value), 1 gram of saturated fat (5% of the DV), 8 grams of fiber (32% of the DV), 10 grams of sugars and 7 grams of protein. The ingredients are all natural, as well as 100% vegan, and includes rolled oats, whole grain white corn, rye flakes, pure cane dark brown sugar, flax seed, chia seed, pecans, dates, sunflower seeds, ginger root, bee pollen, cinnamon, sea salt, gotu kola, maca root cloves.

I have one more pack that I plan to take hiking with me tomorrow - and then I WILL have to get more for weekly hikes & long bike rides - now that I know about Rokit Fuel Energy Mixes, I plan to have a pack for all endurance events. They can be purchased online at the Rokit Fuel website, 6 for $11.94 or a sampler pack - 1 of each of 4 flavors, for $8.94. Totally worth it if you are very active!

{Website: Rokit Fuel}

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Skechers Shape Ups Energy Blast Womens Sneakers

On the heels of the bestselling success of his low-calorie Now Eat This! cookbook, Rocco Dispirito expands his brand with a weight-loss program guaranteed to produce maximum results with minimum effort.

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Chaser Chaser 5-Hour Energy Pomegranate 12 x 2 Oz

5-Hour Energy leaves canned energy drinks in the dust. When you were a kid it seemed like you had limitless energy. What if you had that same energy level today? Imagine what you could accomplish. Pe

Price: $35.88

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BumbleBar Organic Energy Bar (Cherry Chocolate) Review

BumbleBars are gluten free, vegan organic energy, sesame bars. So far, we've reviewed Lushus Lemon and the Chai with Almonds, both of which are mighty tasty. The company sent me a few more varieties to try out and since there are a few chocolholics in the house, they almost snuck off with the Cherry Chocolate flavor. Luckily, I managed to get it back, so I could do a review.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (40 grams)
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10 grams, 16%
Saturated Fat: 3 grams, 16%
Sodium: 105 mg, 4%
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugars: 14 grams
Protein: 4 grams

I think this might be my favorite BumbleBar flavor. The taste of chocolate is oh so yummy, and surprisingly, it doesn't taste too sweet. There is also a scent of cocoa powder, which is very enticing. It's weird, but one thing I notice about BumbleBars is that they all have an aroma, which is usually related to the flavor. The cherries are present all throughout, and they add a nice change in texture from the the crunchy sesame seeds from which this bar is made.

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The ingredients in the Cherry Chocolate BumbleBar are, Organic Agave, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Dried Cherries, Organic Dairy Free Chocolate Chips (Organic Cocoa Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Sugar, Soy Lecithin {GMO FREE}), Organic Coconut, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Almonds, Organic Cocoa Powder, Organic Chocolate Extract, Organic Cherry Flavor, Sea Salt, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, A Natural Source Vitamin E Used to Protect Freshness.

Each 40 gram bar provides 180 calories, 10 grams of total fat, 3 grams of which is saturated (16% of the daily value), 14 grams of sugars, 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. This bar has more saturated fat & more sugar than the other flavors reviewed, and for this reason, I might not reach for this as often as the other flavors. Still, I'm a fan of this bar and BumbleBars in general - organic, all natural ingredients list, and hefty enough size to make it last. You can buy these bars online at the Bumblebar website - $1.80 on sale currently, regular price of $2.00. Totally worth it!

{Website: BumbleBar}

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Chaser Chaser 5-Hour Energy Pomegranate 12 x 2 Oz

5-Hour Energy leaves canned energy drinks in the dust. When you were a kid it seemed like you had limitless energy. What if you had that same energy level today? Imagine what you could accomplish. Pe

Price: $35.88

Click here to buy from Amazon

BumbleBar Organic Energy Bar (Lushus Lemon) Review

BumbleBars are gluten free, vegan organic energy, sesame bars. I tried the BumbleBar Chai with Almonds Organic Energy Bar way back when (in 2007), and just didn't get around to trying another flavor of this bar until now. Luckily for me, the company sent me a sampler pack to re-introduce me to some of the varieties, including Lushus Lemon, which is the first one I picked up to try.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (45 grams)
Calories: 210
Total Fat: 12 grams, 19%
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams, 8%
Sodium: 70 mg, 2%
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugar: 10 grams
Protein: 6 grams

They aren't kidding when they named this flavor "lemon" as the aroma permeates every inch of this bar. Lucky for me, the lemon scent is stronger than the taste - I just don't think I would like a strongly tasting lemon nutrition bar. The texture is what really makes this bar delicious. The sesame seeds are held together in a matrix of brown rice syrup, along with flax seeds - but rest assured that BumbleBar did not make this bar too sweet - I don't how they managed it - but thank goodness that they did. I need to hear from other people who've tried this bar, because I always feel like the texture is similar to a bar with shredded coconut - not in taste, but in mouth-feel (and I know there is no coconut in the ingredients), but that's what this bar reminds me of.

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Each 45 gram provides 210 calories from 12 grams of total fat (19% of the daily value), 1.5 grams of saturated fat (8% of the DV), 4 grams of fiber (16% of the DV), 10 grams of sugars and 6 grams of fiber. The ingredients list includes, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Crisp Brown Rice, Organic Soy Crisp, Organic Extract Of Vanilla, Organic Lemon Flavor (Organic Sunflower/Safflower Oil, Organic Lemon Oil) Natural Vitamin E For Freshness, Sea Salt, Organic Tumeric, Natural Vitamin E. for Freshness.

I LOVE this bar. It's organic, it's natural, not dripping in sugar, but the total fat could use some work (difficult I know, when the bar is all sunflower seeds & flax seeds) - and the fiber content is good, plus there's some protein too. BumbleBars can be purchased online at $2.00 for each bar, and the Lushus Lemon is good stuff and worth buying - it's a little cheaper if you can find it at your local natural foods store though.

{Website: BumbleBar}

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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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Shiva Rea: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Stills from Shiva Rea: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Click for larger image)

Price: $19.99

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Lose Weight Have More Energy & Be Happier Relax Your Way To Thin Weight Loss Hypnosis &Subliminal CD

No matter how you've struggled to lose weight, you can do it now! The two programs, self hypnosis and subliminal, are enhanced with ambient sound therapy techniques, that tap directly into the self healing energy that lies deep within the subconscious. In the heightened state of receptivity the special ambient brain wave entrainment produces, you have the opportunity to trigger your body's own ability to heal and regulate your metabolism. Track 1 is a self hypnosis program, and Track 2 is subliminal.

Dr. Jane Ma'ati Smith C.Hyp. Msc.D. studied for her Bachelor of Arts degree at Arizona State University, and received a Doctorate in Metaphysical Science and Spiritual Counseling. She is a graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, and studied with Dr. John Kappas. She is also a Qualified Mental Health Practitioner, a Vibrational Reiki Master and a Sound Energy Healer.

This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

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Skechers Shape Ups Energy Blast Womens Sneakers

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Shiva Rea: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Restore energy, strength, and balance everyday with world-renowned yoga teacher Shiva Rea in the Shiva Rea: Daily Energy DVD. Offering seven 20-minute practices, this program will help you fit yoga into your busy life without having to repeat a workout.

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Skechers Shape Ups Energy Blast Womens Sneakers

No Tools and installation instructions included

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