~Things I Love~ Spring 2012

Here is the line up:

Here is what I like about each:

1. Green SuperFood

http://amazinggrass.com/category/16/Green-SuperFood.html

"Get your daily dose of nutritious whole greens with Amazing Grass Green SuperFoods. Every serving is chock full of all of the necessary vitamins and minerals you and your family need. Plus it tastes great! Add our superfoods to any beverage for an energizing start to your day."

Writer's Note:  I agree with all of the above, minus the claim that "it tastes great!". Since the flavor of the Green SuperFood is probably not everyone's cup of tea, I like to pair it up with #5 (Emergen-C) which makes it much easier to go down!

2. Zico Pure Coconut Water

http://zico.com/products/benefits

"For more than 4,000 years, coconut water has been revered as a natural source of nutrition, wellness, beauty and hydration. In times of famine and war, coconut water has been used as an intravenous fluid and saved many lives. It’s the only natural substance that can be safely injected into the human blood stream. Now modern science has validated its effectiveness, especially as a natural sports drink.

ZICO contains the five essential electrolytes that gives your body everything it needs to stay hydrated and perform at your best. One ZICO has more potassium than a banana – 15 times more than most sports drinks – to prevent cramping. Drink ZICO before or during a workout for the natural energy you need for optimal performance. After a workout,ZICO replenishes and re-hydrates you to speed recovery."

PACKED WITH POTASSIUM

> 1 banana
= 15 regular sports drinks

5 ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES

sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus

LOTS OF
ZEROS

ZERO fat, ZERO cholesterol and ZERO added sugar

THE ULTIMATE HYDRATION DRINK

supports rapid hydration

ALL NATURAL

Coconut water has been used as an intravenous fluid and saved lives

LOW ACID

lower acidity than sports drinks and juices

Writer's Note: This is my absolute new obsession.  I drink at least one bottle of this amazing drink a day.  The first few times I tried it, I almost gagged... meaning I ABSOLUTELY HATED IT. But, I kept trying it each day and I LOVE it now.  I am pretty sure my body is craving its nutrients. I also prefer to drink it out of the plastic bottles over the cartons (flavor tastes different to me).

3. Natural Brand Colon Pure -Unflavored

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2986019

"For relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). This product generally produces bowel movements in 12 to 72 hours. Several days may be needed to establish regularity. Daily consumption of dietary fiber can offer many health benefits and plays a crucial role in promoting the health of the colon. Dietary fiber provides bulk, eases passage and helps to speed transit time through the digestive tract. It also aids in glucose absorption and may promote healthy cholesterol levels. Experts in the field of health and nutrition agree that adults should consume 25 to 35 grams of dietary fiber every day to maintain good health. "

Writer's Note: Okay this one might be a little TMI, but I think it is important that everyone gets enough fiber in their diets so I wanted to share this tidbit with you.  I truly believe that this has helped me with not gaining weight over the past two years. I mix a tablespoon of this every night before bed with LOTS of water.  It also helps when I get the late night munchies. Instead of snacking on something I know I should not be snacking on, I drink this and feel satisfied. It is very filling.  You don't have to tell other people you do it... just do it! Your body will thank you.

4. Old Fashioned Quaker Oats

http://www.quakeroats.com/products/oatmeal/old-fashioned-oats.aspx

"We've known for many years – Quaker Oats are good for you. There's more than 25 years of clinical research to back it up. Whole grain Quaker Oats do more than fill you up with nourishing goodness. Quaker Oats are recognized for their cholesterol-lowering benefits, becoming the first specific grain approved to carry a health claim related to heart disease."

Writer's Note: I am sure you all have tried it. You might even have this as a part of your daily breakfast routine, too.  Quaker Oats has many health benefits such as lowering your cholesterol, it is a whole grain which can potentially help lower the risk of heart disease, it contains fiber, etc.  There are many health benefits that Quaker Oats provides. Be sure to check out the website and see for yourself. Every morning I have a serving of this and add a teaspoon of cinnamon (click here for health benefits of cinnamom: http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html) and a sliced up a banana (put the banana in the last minute it is cooking in the microwave which will cook the banana and make it sweeter).  VERY FILLING, healthy and delicious!

5. Emergen-C

http://www.emergenc.com/index.php

Each of these packets contain Antioxidants, B Vitamins, and Electrolytes and Other Nutrients.  Below is a Nutrient Glossary:

"
Antioxidants help protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which can damage cells.*

Vitamin C is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system, and is critical to the formation of collagen, a structural protein that supports the skin and internal organs.*

Zinc is crucial to the immune system. It helps maintain white blood cell activity, and helps support antioxidant protection.*

Manganese is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy skin, bone, and cartilage formation.*

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can act as an antioxidant, and help regenerate other antioxidants. ALA is an essential cofactor in some energy production and metabolic processes in the mitochondria, your cells' powerhouses.*

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been studied for its ability to enhance immune function and function as a plant-based antioxidant.*

B vitamins play a key role in metabolism for energy in a daily diet.*

Thiamin (B1) plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy; helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates; and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.*

Riboflavin (B2) is critical in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats so your body can use them for energy and repair.*

Niacin (B3)   is a component of coenzymes that are involved in producing energy and building larger molecules such as fatty acids and some life-sustaining hormones.*

Vitamin B6 plays a role in forming energy-rich compounds and niacin, red blood cell and fat metabolism, nervous system functions, and modulation of hormones. Vitamin B6 is a dietarily important nutrient because the body cannot make it.*

Folic Acid (B9) produces healthy effects in the body and cells by functioning with enzymes. Folic acid works with two other B vitamins, B12 & B6, to help maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, in the blood.*

Vitamin B12 is used in helping metabolize food for energy and making healthy red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells help carry oxygen to cells and may help promote feelings of energy.*

Pantothenic Acid (B5) is an essential nutrient. A form of pantothenic acid is used in the body to help generate energy from fat, carbohydrates, and proteins.*

Electrolytes and energy metabolism minerals support healthy hydration and support energy production and use. Electrolytes can be lost through sweating during exercise. A significant loss of electrolytes can result in feelings of fatigue.*

Calcium supports healthy hydration, muscle function, and also plays a critical role in the electrical conduction system of the heart.*

Magnesium supports healthy hydration and muscle function. Over three hundred enzymes require magnesium as a cofactor.*

Chromium works within the body's glucose tolerance factor and assists in healthy metabolism of the body's primary source of energy (glucose) and muscle function.*

Sodium supports healthy hydration, nerve and muscle function, and blood pH.*

Potassium supports healthy hydration and is especially important for normal muscle contraction.*

Phosphorus is an essential element used in the body as a structural component and participates in energy production and storage.*" 

Writer's Note: These tiny little packets filled with goodness have been my best friend over the  past few years through the good times, and the bad.  As mentioned above, I like to mix a packet of Emergen-C (favorite flavor is Super Orange) with  a scoop of Green SuperFood and lots of water daily.  Any time I have had a few drinks the night before, I drink one of these packets first thing in the morning and feel GREAT!  Feeling sluggish midday?  Have an Emergen-C ASAP!