Win an iPad from Fitness Coffee!

Yes, Fitness Coffee is giving away an Apple iPad. All you need to know, you can read about here.

Each form of entry will be considered one entry, do each one and you have four chances to win

Five Ways to Win an iPad:

1. SEND US A PICTURE OF YOU AND YOUR BAG OF FITNESS COFFEE

Yes, this one is that simple, just send us a picture of you and your bag of Fitness Coffee! Send the picture to: Fitness Coffee USA Photo Submission.

2. BLOG

Blog about us on your blog with by posting the following and send us the link to Fitness Coffee USA Blog Submission.

A Healthy Way to Start the Day –
• The most functional all natural fitness beverage on the market

• Naturally rich in antioxidants with over 3.5x the antioxidants of green tea and much more than red wine

• Known to help consumers lose significant weight by naturally enhancing metabolism

• Gourmet Italian blend for a rich and full taste

• 100% all natural product with gourmet coffee and 16 of natures finest supplements

• Does not contain any artificial additives, sugars, flavors, GMO or MSG

Healthy Coffee
Fitness Coffee
Weight Loss Coffee
Gourmet Coffee
Diet Coffee
Antioxidant Drink
Antioxidant Supplement

http://www.fitnesscoffeeusa.com

100% natural · antioxidant supplement · antioxidants · anytime fitness · coffee benefits · coffee recipies · coffee video · fitness coffee · fitness coffee history · Free coffee · free ipad · gourmet coffee tea · healthy coffee · www.fitnesscoffeeusa.com

3. VIDEO BLOG

Send us a 15 second video blog of you giving us your experience with Fitness Coffee. It could be how much you liked the taste, how you felt drinking the coffee or any other experience you may have had. Send us the URL where you have it posted to Fitness Coffee USA Video Submission.

4. TWITTER

Join our Facebook page as a fan or like, or/and Follow us on Twitter.
If you do not have a Twitter account, sign up at http://www.twitter.com/ , it is free to sign up. Then follow us – Fitness Coffee USA. Go to http://www.twitter.com/fitness_coffee  and click on the Follow button that appears under the profile.

Once you are signed up and following us, simply tweet this to your list of fellow tweeters:

Win a new Apple iPad from @Fitness_Coffee. Please RT. Details here: http://bit.ly/btllb7

That’s it. Just follow us on Twitter. Send out that Tweet – and you’re done.

5. FACEBOOK

Another entry is permitted through our Facebook page. Simply become a fan or like of Fitness Coffee on Facebook and post the following on your wall:

Win a new Apple iPad from Fitness Coffee. A healthy and nutritious way to start your day, Become a fan and put the promotion on your Facebook wall. Details here: http://bit.ly/btllb7

http://www.facebook.com/fitnesscoffeeusa

A Healthy Way to Start the Day –



• The most functional all natural fitness beverage on the market

• Naturally rich in antioxidants with over 3.5x the antioxidants of green tea and much more than red wine

• Known to help consumers lose significant weight by naturally enhancing metabolism

• Gourmet Italian blend for a rich and full taste

• 100% all natural product with gourmet coffee and 16 of natures finest supplements

• Does not contain any artificial additives, sugars, flavors, GMO or MSG

*Remember, you do not have to Retweet or post every twenty minutes to improve your chances, only once will do. It will not improve your odds to send multiple tweets, and it just makes your friends upset at both of us. So then you have upset friends, and it does not improve your chances.

Like everything, there is some fine print that you need to understand:

PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.
If you are already following us, you do not need to follow, un-follow and follow again. If you are already following us and you re-tweet the message above you are qualified. If you un-follow and re-follow multiple times, we may block you from qualifying. As we add more promotions, you will need to re-tweet about the promotion to be eligible for the promotional product. The final decision of the winner is Fitness Coffee, and we are the final judge. You must be at least 18 years old to win. All taxes are the responsibility of the winner. The winner will be announced on our Twitter account and our Facebook page, February 28th, 2011, sometime before Midnight. This contest is void where prohibited by law. The contest winner is responsible to pay taxes and will be responsible for any other costs above and beyond just winning the prize. In addition to this, we are not responsible for any communications costs, including but not limited to wireless or cell phone service that the product may or may not be equipped to handle.


Any pictures or videos submitted will be used for promotional reasons. When submitting them to us, you will be giving Fitness Coffee the right to publish these on Fitness Coffee’s website and Facebook page.


We reserve the right to substitute a cashier’s check in US funds for the value of the product, in the event that the product is no longer available.

Low-Carb Diet Book Wins 2010 Award


Sunday November 7, 2010

Low-carb diets so often are dismissed as "fad" diets that it's very nice when a low-carb diet book gets recognized! The Stubborn Fat Fix, by Keith Berkowitz, M.D. and Valerie Berkowitz,R.D is the first-place winner in the "Health: Diet & Weight Loss" category of the "Best Books 2010" Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

The Stubborn Fat Fix is not just a weight loss book. Keith and Valerie are concerned with health, first and foremost. They explain how our different hormonal systems impact our weight and health, and how diet can be varied depending upon whether people have issues with, for example, their thyroid or insulin. They explain why there are times when exercise is not a good idea for health, and great exercise suggestions for when the time is right (with pictures!) They explain which supplements can be helpful, and how to cope with stress so it doesn't derail your diet. And, of course, there are lots of great suggestions for healthy low-carb eating.

The Need for Salt on STRESSED Adrenals

I've written alot about salt, adrenals & thyroid and found this little tid-bit in the latest issue of First for Women magazine.  I have Adrenal Fatigue and even though I know that I need to have a full glass of water upon waking with 1/4 tsp of salt added to it, I hadn't found any further information about it till now.  I know that those that suffer from CFS, Low Thyroid and/or Adrenal problems have difficulty "holding" onto vitamins/minerals in particular sodium so we are suppose to add salt to our diet.

Sodium gets a bad rap in today's society.  Salt is Bad...Fat is Bad...both ideas are actually false but I'll just talk about Salt right now.  Our body needs sodium along with other electrolytes to function each day.  To "fuel" our cells.  Especially if you live in a hot climate or workout extensively.  We lose salt via sweating and through our urine.  Which is good but can also be bad if your body isn't getting enough to function in the first place. 

Hormone disorders are increasing at an alarming rate.  Cronic Fatigue Syndrome, Metabolism Syndrome, Low or High Thyroid, Adrenal Fatigue and many more "syndromes" and diseases have a root in our hormones.  If our hormones are out of balance, then the body becomes unbalanced and disease takes hold.  If you are experiencing fatigue, weight gain and general "blah" make sure to find a medical professional that recognizes metabolism & hormone issues. 

Oops, I'm getting sidetracked again.  Salt.  The last several decades we've been told that Salt is Bad.  Eat food that is salt free...don't add salt to cooking...eliminate it from your diet.  For some people, especially those with blood pressure issues or those that have certain medical reasons to eliminate salt from their diet this is a good rule to follow.  But for most people and especially for those that have adrenal issues, added salt is necessary to live. 

Adrenal issues cause a depletion of sodium levels.  Like our bodies can't hold onto the salt that we take in "naturally" so we need to supplement with more salt.  The problem is finding that balance.  Again with the word, balance?  Yes...because if you've ever had not enough sodium in your body, you know what I'm talking about.  I wrote about this a couple of months ago when I wasn't getting enough sodium, and drinking way too much water.  About ended up in the E.R...I didn't realize that too much water & no salt was bad.  I think by day 4 I was absolutely delirious and so foggy that I kept drinking more and more water thinking this would solve my foggy thinking and fatigue.  Because all we hear in the media is that H2O solves fatigue...and that SALT is bad, right?  Well for some people maybe this works but for many of us this is pretty dangerous advice.  The more water you drink, the more salt you need otherwise the body is "flushing" out the sodium levels faster and faster causing even more problems. 

So the fix?  It's simple.  Each morning have a good 20oz glass of water with 1/4 tsp of non iodized salt.  The perfect salt is himalayan salt just because it has so many more minerals then other salts.  Drink that each morning and you'll feel energized.  Now if you live in a hot/humid climate or your workout 45-60 minutes each day then you should have another glass of salted water in the afternoon.  My experience is that with my adrenal fatigue, I'm not "awake" in the mornings so my workouts are in the mid to late afternoon.  That's when I have my 2nd glass of salt water..while working out. 

Sort of our version of an energy drink.  A sugar-free version.  Good ol' salt water.  That's what a Gatorade drink is...electrolytes.  That's why they are so important for workouts.  They contain not only sodium but also potassium & other electrolytes that we naturally lose while sweating. 

So below is the info about hormones and salty cravings that goes hand in hand with what I'm discussing.  Any questions just contact me at teri@body-systems.net or leave a comment below.

___________________________________________________________


Excerpt from First For Women - Nov. 8, 2010 Issue

What Food Cravings Reveal About What's Really Bothering You:

We're old pros at tending to our pressing to-dos through just about anything - sniffles, the flu, back pain...What's harder?  Those days when a vague feeling of restlessness comes on for no good reason, or at least no reason we can pinpoint.  But Nutrition scientists have found an easy way to identify what's behind the funk.  Listen to your gut literally.  "Cravings act like an alarm bell for the subconscious," asserts David G. Edelson, M.D., a certified weight-management expert and founder of HealthBridge in Manhasset, New York. "The areas of the brain where hormones are stored are next to those where higher-level thought processes occur, so over time links form between cravings and emotions."  Read on to discover what's behind your down moods and how to tend to the feeling rather than feed it.

Salty Cravings Signal Stress

Stress inhibits the adrenal gland's production of aldosterone, a hormone that helps maintain an optimal  level of sodium in the body, says Dr. Edelson.  He explains, "Having low levels of aldosterone creates a salt deficiency, which in turn prompts cravings for foods like pretzels or french fries."

Most in U.S. not eating enough vegetables

-The Washington Post
Most Americans still don't eat vegetables often enough, and their fruit consumption has actually dropped a little, according to a new government report released recently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that last year about one-third of U.S. adults consumed fruit or fruit juice at least twice a day. That's down slightly from more than 34 percent in 2000. More

8 Ways to Burn More Fat, Faster

News flash: You don't have to overhaul your life to work off mega calories. Here are our eight simple rules for squeezing the most out of your everyday routine to score the silhouette you've been sweating for.

 By Caroline Hwang, Fitness Magazine Nov/Dec 09

So you think you know the drill on getting a good body. But we're not after good; we're after great.


Rule #1: Be an early bird to get the workout.


Lace up first thing and you'll increase your odds of exercising today threefold. A study of 500 people at the Mollen Clinic, a preventive medicine and wellness center in Scottsdale, Arizona, found that 75 percent of those who worked out in the morning did so regularly, compared with just half the afternoon exercisers and a quarter of the post-work crowd. "At the beginning of the day, you have the fewest excuses for skipping exercise," says clinic founder Arthur Mollen, DO. Not waking up early enough, of course, is the main one. "Limit using the snooze button to only five minutes so that you don't fall into a deep sleep again," Dr. Mollen advises. Bonus! You'll go to work feeling focused: A recent study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that 20 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise improved concentration, reading comprehension, and cognitive function.

Rule #2: Hit the metal before the pedal.


Instead of going from zero to 60 to sweat off the calories, consider this: Doing a quick sculpting routine pre-cardio could increase the amount of fat you melt. Exercisers in a study at the University of Tokyo who biked within 20 minutes of lifting weights tapped more of their fat stores than those who rested longer or didn't tone at all.

The firm-then-burn order is also good for your heart: Arteries stiffen during resistance training, increasing blood pressure, but a cardio chaser such as a 20-minute run counteracts these effects and expedites your arteries' return to normal, explains Rohit Arora, MD, chairman of cardiology at the Chicago Medical School. Plus, strength training "takes coordination and good technique, so you get more out of it if you come to it fresh," says Kent Adams, PhD, director of the Exercise Physiology Lab at California State University, Monterey Bay. "Meanwhile, cardio is a rhythmic, low-skill activity that's the easier of the two to do in a fatigued state," Adams says.

Rule #3: Push your pace, rev your metabolism.


Finished toning and ready to get sweaty? Gun it a bit for a bigger afterburn. "High-intensity exercise increases the release of growth hormones, which mobilize fat to be used as fuel, plus it causes your metabolism to stay elevated about 10 to 15 percent above its baseline, so you're burning more fat for several hours post-workout," says Arthur Weltman, PhD, director of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. In other words, if you worked off 300 calories during your session, you'll get a bonus burn of about 45 calories even after you've toweled off.

To net the effect, stick to a speed you consider challenging: In a 16-week study that Weltman conducted with obese women, those who worked out at what they felt was high intensity (a brisk walk or jog in most cases) three days a week and at low intensity for two whittled an inch and a half more from their waists than the low-intensity-only group. Or try alternating between sprinting (racewalking, pedaling fast, swimming at top speed) for one minute and slowing down enough to recover for the next minute.


Rule #4: Give up your seat to trim your bottom line.


Even regular exercisers could benefit from extra toning of their tush, the largest muscle group in the body, which dozes all day at your desk job. "When you're walking or running, it's your hamstrings, hip flexors, and calf muscles that get the most work," says FITNESS advisory board member Vonda Wright, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "Unless you're going uphill, your glutes don't play a major role." The good news? If you bailed on doing those butt-firming squats during your workout, you can easily sneak them in when your cube mate isn't looking. Stand up from your chair, feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your bottom to the seat as though you're going to sit, touch down, and then spring up, squeezing your glutes as you straighten. Do three sets of 10 to 15 reps two or even three times throughout the day.

Rule #5: Take a power walk to beat a midday slump.


Call it the 20-20 rule: As little as 20 minutes of low-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can give you a 20 percent surge in energy, research at the University of Georgia in Athens finds. "It's paradoxical: Many people assume that they'll get tired from exercise. But the opposite actually happens," says study author Patrick O'Connor, PhD, a professor of kinesiology. "We're not certain what the biological mechanism is," he says, "but indirect evidence suggests that brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are altered and cause the improved energy." Besides, that quick recharge just burned about 75 calories. Sure beats adding 250 spike-then-slump calories' worth of Skittles.

Rule #6: Do the two-step.

When you opt for the stairs, go at them two at a time -- as long as you're not wearing heels. The quick bursts of power activate your legs' fast-twitch muscle fibers, which burn more calories than slow-twitch fibers. Plus, you'll be using a part of your muscles that commonly doesn't get enough action. "Fast muscle cells are designed so you can jump far, kick hard, punch fast -- moves that you call on less and less in modern society," says Scott Mazzetti, PhD, a professor of exercise science at Salisbury University in Maryland. "But unfortunately it's a use-them-or-lose-them situation, so it's good to activate them regularly."

Rule #7: Go like Gumby.

Consistent stretching significantly decreases muscle soreness, according to a study at the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services in Oslo. Skipped your stretches postexercise? Wind down with this 17-minute allover loosener from Jennifer Huberty, PhD, an exercise physiologist at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Warm up first with 5 minutes of brisk high-knee marching.

Toe-reach stretch (targets hamstrings, which remain shortened all day as you're seated): Sit on the floor with your left leg straight in front of you, knee slightly bent, right leg bent out to the side and resting on the floor. Reach for your toes without bouncing and hold for 30 seconds; relax. Do 3 stretches, then switch legs and repeat.

Hip-flexor stretch (targets hips, which also are tight in desk jockeys): Lie faceup on the floor with your left leg bent, left foot flat, and bend your right knee out to the side so your right ankle is crossed over and resting on the lower left thigh. Grasp your left thigh with both hands and pull it toward you until you feel a comfortable stretch in your right hip, glutes, and outer thigh. Hold for 30 seconds; switch legs and repeat. Do 3 stretches per side.

Side stretch (targets upper back and waistline): Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise arms overhead and interlock fingers with palms facing up. Keeping your middle centered, hinge at the waist to the right; hold for 30 seconds. Return to center and reach up; hold for 30 seconds.

Switch sides; repeat. Do 3 stretches on each side.

Rule #8: Set out your sneakers.

A recent FITNESS poll found that sneakers -- with sports bras being a close second -- are the piece of gear that is forgotten most often, foiling women's workout plans. Clear that obstacle by, well, making them an obstacle in front of the door you exit in the a.m., suggests Diane Klein, PhD, chair of exercise and sports sciences at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens. "Seeing them will remind you that you planned to exercise," Klein says. For motivation to move, kicks are worth a thousand words.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, November/December 2009.

Buffed, Beautiful & Bitchin

Want to Shed Pounds? Drink Water..But Monitor How Much

By Teri Lang Patterson, Certified Fitness Instructor & Fitness Coach 8/26/10

Some great research come out of Virginia Tech and was presented at the American Chemical Society that drinking just two 8oz glasses of water before each meal may help you to lose weight.  You can read the article by Denise Mann in detail here:

Trying to Lose Weight? Drink More Water - Health News - Health.com

I guess the research is based on the idea that if you are drinking water, then you aren't drinking soda, therefore consuming less calories?  Interesting.  I think they may be missing alot of research on what the needs of the body are, in terms of water in general. I've always believed that water helps to flush out toxins and inflammation due to fluids in the fat cells but of course I'm no scientist.

Because I can't have any sugar/sweetener of any kind I drink alot of water.  Even more when I workout because I sweat like crazy.  Last month when the temps were high, humidity was high and I was excited to get my new workout program, TURBOFIRE added to my normal routine I was trying to drink about a gallon of water per day.  Not too much water, I thought,  if you sweat like me...but I found it the hard way it was too much.

The "normal" suggested amount of water is 3.7 liters per day (125oz) for men and 2.7 liters (91oz) per day for women.  More if you are active or outside in the heat.  So I thought I would just fill up a gallon container in the mornings as 128oz isn't that much more than that "magic" 91oz recommended, right? 

So for about 3 days I'm drinking water, working out, doing my normal routine of work when I start to feel light headed, and groggy.  I think, "...I must be working out more then normal and it's summer time so must be slight dehydration." I continue to drink my water.

By the 4th day, my head feels like a grapefruit on a toothpick (took that from a Mike Myers 80s' movie)..and really tired and groggy.  Now I'm getting concerned.  Drinking my water and being "healthy" isn't working and something is wrong.  Before I ask someone to take me to the hospital, I remember a book about Adrenal Fatigue by James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D that I have on the shelf.  He talks about the need for us with Adrenal Fatigue to drink a glass of salted water in the mornings...to sum it up, for some reason Adrenal Fatigue sufferers already experience sodium loss in their cells and low blood pressure.

You know when you have that "ah, ha"! moment...yea this was mine.  I think back to what I had been doing for the last week.  Gallon of water per day, check.  Increased exercise, check.  Ran out of salted mixed nuts to snack on, check...and the kicker was that I recently ran out of my electrolyte tablets, called NUUN.

NUUN Sugar Free Electrolyte Tablets -www.nuun.com

 Yea by now I'm feeling like a moron.  I basically was flushing out the needed electrolytes in my system that my cells needed to function.  Normally I have my vitamins/minerals in the morning, and then 1 or 2 NUUN tablets by mid-day before my workouts.  Well I had run out.  Because my normal diet consists of very little salt, if any, I then realized that I hadn't been eating any SALTY nuts in the evenings. (I'm on a dairy, sugar, gluten, almost carb free diet and those nuts are my snack)

I always tell my Fitness Clients to monitor how they feel each day.  Keep track of their food intact, workouts, and their water intact.  I always ask what vitamins/minerals they take and if they take enough electrolytes to help them through their strenuous workouts.  They always are quick to say ok, till I mention electrolytes.

"Electrolytes?! What is that?" And then I get that blank look.

Everyone that exercises needs electrolytes but strenuous exercisers are more susceptible because electrolytes are depleted during perspiration. Very active people need to consciously replace electrolytes in order to maintain optimal functioning.


So what exactly are they and what do they do? Electrolytes are responsible for regulating nerve and muscle function, blood pressure and pH levels, hydration, and for the repair of damaged tissue. Symptoms of electrolyte loss in athletes generally manifest as either muscle weakness or cramping. Also, feeling suddenly fatigued, especially in the middle of a difficult workout, is a sign of electrolyte deficiency. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, and chloride all serve as these vital compounds.

How much is enough? It depends on the individual. People who get moderate, regular exercise generally get enough electrolytes in their diet and their multi-vitamins. Fruits and vegetables are good, natural sources. On the other hand, athletes who are active for more than two hours at a time, especially when in the heat of the sun, may need to replace electrolytes before, during, and after a workout. The more a person sweats, the greater the need for hydration and electrolytes. When sodium levels become too low in the body, usually during very long runs, there is a risk of hyponatremia. This is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, weakness, and disorientation.

For those of us with adrenal, thyroid and/or insulin issues, electrolyte balance is tricky.  Eating a perfect diet isn't enough so supplements are necessary...and if you are like me, and exercise for 1-2 hrs per day then you need even more.

So how did I fix this?

That day that I figured out why I was feeling so bad, I immediately had some salt water and felt better within about 15 minutes.  Well enough that I knew I figured out what was wrong and didn't need to rush to the hospital.  Now, I drink about 20oz of water in the mornings with 1/4 tsp of Himalayan Salt as suggested by James L Wilson for those with advanced Adrenal Fatigue. Most people don't need to do this as they get enough sodium in their diet.  For most people, Sports drinks are an ideal way to absorb a readily available source of sodium and potassium ions when they are needed right away. But if you can't handle carbs & sugar, then those NUUN tablets are perfect.  In tablet form, they are easy to carry in your purse or gym bag and you can easily take them traveling or out to eat.  Just drop 1 into a bottle of water and there you go.

So my tip for today is to drink water, but monitor how you feel in the grand scope of things. 

Any questions just contact me at teri@body-systems.net or leave a comment below.

HUGE Give away! $300 Juicer and $100 in Eat Cleaner Product!

My GirlPower Girlfriends Mareya Ibrahim who invented Eat Cleaner wipes and organic food wash and Kim Barnouin, author of the "Skinny Bitch" series have paired up to donate these great gifts. Details in this killer "how to drink green video"! Amazing prizes! ...How do you win? Share this video on your page, then come back here to comment that it's up! Oh...and be sure to stop by Kim's Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/2avhfpm and Mareya's at http://tinyurl.com/2eoc2bp

DETAILS

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chalene-Johnson/

Healthy Summer Drinks

GINGER LIME COOLER

INGREDIENTS:

•1 medium sized lime per person

•Sliced ginger

•Chopped mint

•Salt optional

•Water (or mineral water)

•Ice
•Lemon Slices

A refreshing "spa" type drink that is great as is or you can add a little tequila or lime vodka for some zing.  And not only does the citrus help to detoxify your body but you can use the lemon on your face as astringent. Plus, the Ginger and Mint are both great for digestion, nausea and stomach soother especially in the heat of the summer.  You may be wondering about the salt?  A little bit of salt is perfect if you are particularly dehydrated, have adrenal fatigue or after a workout in which you need to replenish your electrolyte balance.

•Step 1
Squeeze the lime into a prep glass, adding the pulp/skin but remember to remove the seeds.

•Step 2
If you want to add some alcohol, you can add tequila or vodka and then fill rest of glass with your choice of cold water or mineral water.  Or just fill the glass with your choice of water.

•Step 3
Now add a dash of salt making sure not to add more than 1/4 tsp as we want the benefit of the salt but not an overpowering taste.
•Step 4
Add the chopped or sliced ginger and mint and mix well. If you have used a shaker container, then close the cap and shake the bottle.

•Step 5
Pour prep container contents over a tall glass of ice.  Serve with lemon slices and enjoy.

Fitness Coffee Review

I heard about Fitness Coffee a month ago via Twitter and as a Fitness Professional and coffee addict, I was intrigued with the idea of combining a good coffee with antioxidants/tea/herbs for better performance.

I know that Caffeine is a great pre-workout ingredient and often will put away a 20oz Iced coffee before a grueling cardio workout or class. I love coffee.

The coffee comes ground, and all ready to prepare just like any other coffee. I decided to make this an afternoon "treat" type of test. See if this would fend off the afternoon droop.

I've now tried the coffee 2 days in a row and my first reaction is that it's great smelling, fresh and brews a nice dark cup. I tried it "black" as this gives the best example of the pure ingredients. You can definitely smell the clove, orange and licorice right away. It's not your typical cup of joe.

I did add Almond Milk & Sweetener which makes a really great "Chai" drink. The spices are real...the orange and licorice are noticeable so I was not thinking "black cup of Java" but instead "great spiced latte".

After yesterday's cup...hubby and I headed out to get groceries. I felt more awake and handled rude people better then without.

I have Adrenal Fatigue and most afternoons mean a nap. And after both days of having just one cup at about lunchtime..no need for a nap. I'm not jittery...or notice that I've had a strong coffee. But instead I'm feeling very alert. Is it the coffee? It just may be. My husband is thinking of buying this by the case.

Below is technical and ingredient information about Fitness Coffee. I'm going to continue to have my "Afternoon Chai Latte" and continue to post my reactions to it. But I do like it.
_____________________________

We live a fast paced life full of constant change, stress and uncertainty. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor nutrition and a body that is begging for help. Fitness Coffee is an all natural product designed to replenish the body without changing your passion for coffee. With over 16 of the healthiest and most beneficial ingredients, Fitness Coffee is designed to replenish your body with powerful antioxidants and nutrients.

Fitness Coffee has many healthy supplements that support your body to reach your fitness and overall health goals:

The sole patented health coffee on the market
Fitness coffee is 100% natural
Lower calories than artificially enhanced instant coffee (full of hydrogenated fats and sugars) due to the natural production process and all natural composition
Over 300% more antioxidants than green tea and over 150% more antioxidants than a red wine Merlot
Fitness Coffee has been known to:
Increase metabolism*
Increase Energy*
Help you lose weight*
Improve muscle recovery*
Naturally Fitness Coffee is not a medicine and helps in weight control when taken in conjunction with a balanced (calorie) controlled diet and moderate exercise.

Fitness Coffee is the ultimate health drink to help you take care of your mind and body.

INGREDIENTS:
High Quality Coffee Arabica and Robusta bean with the following all natural herbs and spices known for their nutritional and healthy properties:

Yerba Mate - Is known to have significant cancer fighting activity as well as being rich in phenols. The properties of Mate is widely known all over the world. In-vivo and in-vitro studies are showing yerba mate to exhibit significant cancer-fighting activity. Researchers at the University of Illinois (2005) found yerba mate to be "rich in phenolic constituents" and to "inhibit oral cancer cell proliferation".

Licorice - This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract) and continues to be used by health care professionals today to relieve respiratory ailments (such as allergies, bronchitis, sore throats, and tuberculosis), stomach problems (including heartburn from reflux), inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, stress relief, and liver problems.

Peppermint and Sweet Mint - Peppermint helps against upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria. Other health benefits are attributed to the high manganese content, as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin and copper.Our Sweet Mint has a strong intense aroma coupled with a refreshing taste. By relaxing the muscles of the digestive system, wild mint tea improves indigestion and stomach aches.

Cinnamon - Digestive aid, may be helpful in treating diabetes, antibacterial capabilities, treating stomach disorders, diarrhea and can relieve gas and bloating. Recent studies have discovered that cinnamon can be useful for those suffering from type II diabetes decreasing blood glucose levels as well as triglycerides and cholesterol, all important factors for diabetes sufferers.

Bitter and Sweet Orange - We use both bitter and sweet orange for an incomaparable aroma. Bitter Orange, taken in the safe quantities contained in the Fitness Coffee, may also help to increase the metabolism and to facilitate weight loss (many scientific studies have discovered that Bitter Orange can improve the thermogenesys in the human body).Ginger

Ginger - Gingiber officinalis has been used during centuries for a variety of benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant and it stimulates the production of energy improving digestion. Stimulant, carminative, in dyspepsia and flatulent colic; specially valuable in alcoholic gastritis; valuable in the diarrhea from relaxed bowel where there is no inflammation; can lower cholesterol and treat nausea and motion sickness.

Cardamum - It is often named as the "third most expensive" spice in the world (after saffron and vanilla), and the high price reflects the high reputation of this most pleasantly scented spice. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. It is a common ingredient in Indian cooking and in the arabian coffee. We use only green and white seeds.

Lemon Vervain - Known for it's high antioxidant ratings due to it's contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Chinese Star Anise - Star anise is diuretic, carminative and digestive, widely used in tea infusion for colic and rheumatism, the seeds are chewed after meals to aid digestion. Star anise is grown in four provinces in China and harvested between March and May.

Green Anis - Green anise has been shown to possess potent antimicrobial properties. Chemical studies indicate that a major portion of this antimicrobial property is due to anethole that it is effective against bacteria, yeast and fungal strains. Further known properties are: diuretic, tonic, sedative, antispamodic.

Cloves - Cloves are used in the Fitness Coffee formula to improve flavour and aroma, but also because they are carminitive and increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach improving peristalsis and digestion

Rodiola Rosea - Rhodiola rosea roots have been used for decades in the traditional medicine of Russia, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany and Iceland. Since 1961, more than 180 studies have been published and the conclusions about the athletes are: it enhances both physical and mental stamina; it speeds cardiovascular and muscle energy recovery time and it possesses pharmacologically relevant anabolic activity. Furthermore Rhodiola is a general tonic to enhance energy and ease stress and to treat specific conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or the unwanted symptoms of menopause.

Turmeric - Turmeric was used more than three thousand years ago by Indian healers to treat obesity. Modern research has shown that Curcuma has a beneficial effect on the liver, stimulating the flow of bile, which is responsible for the breakdown of dietary fat. The last studies show a very important action of curcuma on degenerative diseases which still do not have specific treatment in medicine, such as Alzheimer.

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Sugar Cravings - The Dangers of Sugar

Author: Nancy Desjardins

Before you start the Sugar Free Lifestyle, it's important to understand what we're up against and just how dangerous sugar can be.

Thousands of years ago, the only sugar available was from fruits or honey, but as human technology has progressed, so has humankind's ability to re?ne sugar from sugar cane or beets into a tasty sweetener.

Unfortunately, our bodies were not built to process re?ned sugar—it is alien to our systems. Raymond Francis, DSc, MSc, RNC, author of Never Be Fat Again, says that "feeding re?ned sugar to a human body is similar to burning high-octane aircraft fuel in an automobile engine. Impressive amounts of energy, but after a while, you damage the engine."

And that is exactly what has happened to us. We have "damaged our engines." As we have increased our consumption of sugar over the years, diseases have also increased.

While our bodies are trying desperately to somehow process these useless re?ned sugars, they are forced to deplete important vitamins and minerals that would otherwise be keeping us balanced, healthy and functioning properly.

This disruption of the body's balanced state (called homeostasis) causes all sorts of serious, life- threatening, preventable conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

For example, some of those minerals that the body redirects in order to deal with sugar are actually designed to help us digest our food. http://7daysugarfreediet.com/">http://7daysugarfreediet.com/Without those minerals, we don't digest our food properly, which means we don't get the nutrients from any healthy food we ARE eating.

Improper digestion also promotes food allergies. Food allergies cause serious physical, emotional and cognitive problems, as well as decreased immunity.

Digestion is only one of many bodily functions that are severely impaired when we consume sugar. And just look at all of the problems that causes!

Sugar also causes reactive hypoglycemia, a dramatic rise and fall of blood sugar which creates a strong craving for more sweets (which starts the cycle all over again). Sugar intake can bring on trembling, amnesia, and even hallucinations and violent behavior, similar to what you might see with the use of addictive drugs. These reactions can mimic mental illnesses.


EMPTY CALORIES
The calories in sugar are considered empty calories because they contain no vitamins and minerals. It is no wonder that people who eat mainly sugary foods feel so sluggish and heavy all the time.

We know that consuming too much sugar leads to fat build-up in the belly, hips, buttocks and breasts.

What you might not know is that once those areas are ?lled up, the liver starts depositing fat around vital organs like the heart and kidneys. Not only can this lead to high blood pressure, it can also result in damage to your brain function.

Even in the short term, your brain is affected by sugar. In fact, you'll likely feel the effects right away. As soon as the "low" sets in, sugar dulls your brain, so you'll feel sleepy. You'll probably also ?nd yourself forgetting things or having trouble making simple calculations.

The next time you have a craving for cookies or ice cream or doughnuts, imagine the chaos you are about to set in motion inside your body. You may be getting ready to swallow the recipe for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney stones, yeast infections, headaches, arthritis or allergies.

How about it?
Do you still want that slice of chocolate cream pie?


SUGAR IS A ROADBLOCK

According to William Dufty, author of Sugar Blues, "Sugar of all kinds—natural sugars, such as those in unpasteurized honey and fruit (fructose), as well as the re?ned white stuff (sucrose)—tends to arrest the secretion of gastric juices and have an inhibiting effect on the stomach's natural ability to move.

Sugars are not digested in the mouth, like cereals, or in the stomach, like animal ?esh. When taken alone, they pass quickly through the stomach into the small intestine. When sugars are eaten with other foods - perhaps meat and bread in a sandwich, they are held up in the stomach for awhile. "The sugar in the bread and the Coke sit there with the hamburger and the bun waiting for them to be digested. While the stomach is working on the animal protein and the re?ned starch in the bread, the addition of the sugar practically guarantees rapid acid fermentation under the conditions of warmth and moisture existing in the stomach."

One lump of sugar in your coffee after a sandwich is enough to turn your stomach into a fermenter! One soft drink with a hamburger is enough to turn your stomach into a still!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/sugar-cravings-the-dangers-of-sugar-2826144.html

About the Author

I have been an experienced holistic nutritionist for the past 16 years helping people just like you,http://7daysugarfreediet.com/ finally eliminate the stranglehold that sugar and empty carbohydrates has on their lives.For most of my life, http://7daysugarfreediet.com/">Sugar Cravings I had sugar and food cravings. I was just like you.

Trouble Sleeping Linked to Heart Disease in Women

Stress Relief with Baby Zoo Animals

How to do you find relief from Stess?!  I know what I do...I head over to Zoo Borns which is a site that has exotic baby animals from worldwide zoos & aquariums. 

http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/

Ok I about can't handle the baby otter...

Everyone needs balance in their lives and that includes less stress, more fitness and cute baby animals. 

Or how about some Pallas Kittens?

My New Favorite Thing

KIND Healthy Snacks
All natural whole nut and fruit bars made from ingredients you can see and pronounce

I found these gems at Safeway this last week and they fit perfectly into a low carb & "I have every food allergy possible" diet.  All natural, Gluten & Wheat Free, 3g of fiber, Dairy Free, & only 9g of Net Carbs per bar.  (Nut Delight was what I tried)

From their web site:  At KIND we craft delicious, healthful foods from wholesome all-natural ingredients you can see and pronounce.® We believe that food should never be processed to the point that you can no longer tell what it is! That's why we use whole nuts and fruit, and bind them together with honey through a natural process that keeps them fresh, brings out their flavor, and achieves just the right amount of crunch. That is why we say "It's not a bar – it's KIND."™

KIND has two lines of whole nut and fruit bars:

KIND Fruit & Nut, winner of Health Magazine's "best snack"

KIND PLUS: a nutritionally boosted whole nut and fruit bar with essential vitamins and nutrients including: Antioxidants, Omega 3, B Complex, Calcium and additional protein, winner of Good Housekeeping's "Top 100 Convenience foods"

KIND bars are nutritionally dense, with no refined sugar and the right combination of natural protein, carbs and healthy fats so you won't get hungry or snack on junk!

And…

KIND bars provide you with the same kind of heart-healthy fats found in avocado and olive oil and contain some of nature's best superfoods (almonds, walnuts and cranberries).

http://kindsnacks.com/
 
KIND snack bars are available in these national chain stores


Starbucks / Kroger  / Trader Joe's / Safeway / Whole Foods / The Vitamin Shoppe

Need For Chiropractor Care

Written by Teri Patterson, July 21 2010

Before every post I like to offer my first hand experience or thoughts so that this isn't just a blog of scientific articles from medical professionals.  I do like my facts but I also like personal experience.

I have been to chiropractors on and off for 20 years, mainly for my neck, back & hip injuries/problems.  Lately my main problem is my neck & upper shoulder muscles.  On a recent x-Ray, my neck muscles are so "thick" that they are opaque on the x-rays...not easy to workout each day when you can't relax your neck.  So last week I was back to my favorite doc...Dr. Strain here in Rapid City. 

http://www.strainchiropractic.com/

I highly recommend anyone to see her for just about any ailment! She determines the source of your pain & works with you to find a course of action.  With her background in sports (and P90X survivor!) she specializes in athletic problems & accupuncture. 

When I injured my upper arm from P90X's YogaX, she knew right away what had happened.  I had Biceps Tendonitus..and had suffered for about 5 weeks before I saw her (my Minn. upbringing of "living with the pain").  She had to massage & then push the upper tendons back up and over the upper arm bone...I just remember her saying, "..you're not going to like what I have to do next."  But a few seconds later, I could lift my arm & the "hot" pain was gone.  I continued doing my P90X workouts, minus the Yoga...and it took me a full 5 months but she explained what was the cause & with modifications in my workouts, lots of ice, and Aleve I recovered.

Chiropractor care, if done properly is essential if you are serious about your fitness routine.  Along with massage, chiropractic care takes care of your internal health.

Chiropractic Adjustments: The Added Health Benefits

Author: Dr. Stacey Burke D.C. -Posted: Jul 20, 2010

The continued rise in the usage of chiropractic care has been ongoing. Studies continue to demonstrate the numbers rising and the increase of people using chiropractic health care. In one issue of American Journal of Public Health, a study was published entitled "Use of Chiropractic Services from 1895 through 1991 in the United States and Canada". The conclusion of this study was that the number of visits to chiropractors has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Many recommend this particular treatment method due to the non-invasive approach and its insistence on awakening the body's natural ability to heal and become healthier, stronger and more resilient.

The Healing Benefits Of Chiropractic


Most people in their everyday lives have things happen that effect their bodies. Dysfunction in their musculoskeletal system can benefit from chiropractic care. From pain relief, injury rehabilitation, optimal athletic performance, aging and improved immune function. These are all some the benefits a person may undergo when they have misaligned spine, back, or neck. For people who need to be physically active for their work, sport and daily responsibilities, the presence of such dysfunction disables them from performing well. This is due to the fact that any form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result in stress and possibly more damage causing more pain and discomfort.



Regardless of the cause of your initial pain and problems, among the many benefits research shows you may enjoy as a result of chiropractic care are as follows:

• better movement and improved circulation
• lower levels of lactic acid
• higher oxygenation and better nutrient delivery to cells
• increased flexibility
• improved comfort and decrease or elimination of pain
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced muscle spasm
• Prevention of future injury and improved immune function
• More relaxed feeling

The Overall Approach

If you want to enhance the benefits of chiropractic care, it is best to combine your efforts with an overall approach to your health and wellbeing. Health is not merely the absence of pain and symptoms. If you have ever had a cavity, you know that by the time the pain shows up, the damage to your tooth is already there. The healthier you are, and the healthier you become the greater the potential benefits of your chiropractic care. Minimise dis-ease and maximise your health. The relief from any pressure or source of discomfort and irritation will allow your body to attain maximum mobility and better performance.

Some general recommendations to develop a routine and get the maximum health benefits are the following:

• Keep your body properly hydrated.
• Follow a healthy nutritional plan, including lots of raw organic foods and leafy greens.
• Do some stretching exercises or develop a healthy exercise routine.
Maximize your oxygen intake through some forms of aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

There is still a small percentage of the population who have misconceptions about the benefits of chiropractic care. However, research continues to be done, changing these perceptions and gradually more of the scientific community are showing greater interest in the healing potential that chiropractic may represent. One of the misconceptions being that it is not a valid form of treatment and is used only for mild cases of back pain, headaches, and the like. However, chiropractic adjustments are being researched to investigate the benefits even to those suffering from extreme cases of spinal or vertebral misalignment and other health problems.

Many chiropractors have patients who have benefited beyond musculoskeletal problems, these include:

• Women may have improved comfort during pregnancy and labour
• Minimize the risk of scoliosis in an infant and improve their postural development.
• Improved immune function and resilience possibly preventing asthma, ear infection, bedwetting, among other things.
• More energy, productivity and physical stamina in adults
• For senior individuals, they attain better balance, improved sleeping and prevent injury from falls.

Some of the results and benefits reported from patients who have undergone chiropractic care include the following:

• Improved immune and nervous system function
• Greater vitality
• Improved breathing and exercising
• Improved digestion and bowel function
• Improved vision
• Improved overall health.

Study and research continues as we look at the cause of health and the benefits of chiropractic care!

Following chiropractic adjustments, your body may start to improve movement and alignment of the spine and spinal structures. In many cases, a patient will immediately experience relief for a problem soon after undergoing chiropractic care. Restoring and building health from the inside is one of the advantages of opting for chiropractic care over surgical or medical procedures that often require a long recovery period. In other cases if the damage or misalignment is more severe, a person may be sore and still achy after care. Some people may take longer to heal and demonstrate improvement, they may also need to make other lifestyle improvements to maximise their health and wellbeing along with improved pain free movement.

If you approach your health from the perspective of a way of life, and give your body and mind the essentials for maximising your health, the benefits of chiropractic care may be a key ingredient.

Our goal is to support you and your family improving and maintaining optimum health and wellbeing. Be sure to check out "Chiropractic Exposed!" A Free 11 Day Mini course ALL About Chiropractic!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/chiropractic-adjustments-the-added-health-benefits-2863273.html

About the Author

Stacey Burke is a Doctor of Chiropractic and co-founder of West Coast Family Chiropractic in Hillarys, Perth West Australia. Dr. Burke graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1996. He is married and has two sons and daughter. Dr. Burke is a six time Ironman Triathlon Finisher and enjoys cycling, running and ice hockey. His purpose at the Hillarys Chiropractic office is to help families , and the community restore and maintain their health through natural chiropractic methods, community outreach, and education.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ADRENAL FATIGUE:

Before the information about what the Adrenals do and what happens when they are "tired" this is a quick little story about my experience.  I'm reading an interesting book right now, "The 7 Principles of Fat Burning" by Dr. Berg.  Found here: http://www.drberg.com/shop/

I have struggles with thyroid and adrenal issues for several years but it seemed like I couldn't find a medical professional that offered explanations of what is going on internally and how to change your diet and workouts to strengthened your hormones.  I've just started this book so I'll keep posting my thoughts but a very interesting point about working out when you have Adrenal issues such as Adrenal Exhaustion or even Adrenal Fatigue.  Dr. Berg explains that the Adrenals are tired...they don't need additional stress so your workout routine should be longer but less stressful on the body. You should be doing an exercise that isn't as "taxing" on your body (inside and out), and working out for a longer period of time.  Walking, slow swimming, or easy weights..anything that keeps your heartrate around 130 for about an hour.

As a Fitness Instructor I'm used to teaching many classes a week plus my normal workouts.  I remember when I started gaining weight.  Not just a little weight, but alot of weight.  I was gaining 2-3lbs a week.  That is alot of weight when you are teaching 5-11 classes per week plus working a physical job.  I do remember that when I taught more yoga and weight training, the weight gained "slowed"...but when I had to teach more kickboxing classes I ballooned up each week.  So I believe in the idea that sometimes our bodies need longer periods of slower exercise and especially when stress is already present in your life and draining your Adrenals.

So that's my thought about Adrenals today.  Of course there's much more to all of this then what I can write about in a couple of paragraphs but it's a step.  So if you are working out like crazy and eating lettuce all day, plus burning the candle at both ends, you may have some Adrenal problems.

-Teri Patterson, Founder of Body Systems
Learn more about Beachbody workout programs and let me personally coach you! at http://www.beachbodycoach.com/bodysystems 

_______________________________________

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Author: Vienna Miller

Adrenal Fatigue occurs when your adrenal glands - 2 small glands that sit on top of your kidneys - become overworked and depleted. Your adrenal glands are responsible for handling the stresses of your daily life, whether that be physical stress, emotional stress, or psychological stress.

When your adrenal glands become overworked, they cannot keep up with the stresses of your everyday life. You then start to manifest the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Note that just because you have one or two of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency does not mean that you have adrenal fatigue. However if you find you have the majority of these symptoms then you may want to investigate further.

You'll want to learn some of the common causes of adrenal fatigue to see if you can identify with any of these causes in your own life. You'll also want to see your doctor for a full medical workup and diagnosis of adrenal fatigue.

Here are the key symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

You're Tired For No Explainable Reason
People with adrenal fatigue experience extreme physical exhaustion and they don't have an explanation as to why (such as a strenuous workout). This isn't just everyday tiredness it is extreme exhaustion.

You Gain Weight Easily - Especially Around the Middle
People with adrenal fatigue often notice they gain weight very easily. They especially notice the extra weight around the middle - and it's very hard to lose it.

You Have Difficulty Rising In The Morning
Those with adrenal fatigue often find they feel tired when getting up in the morning - even with a full night's sleep. They often need stimulants like caffeine and sugar to 'get going' both in the morning and throughout the day.

You're More Susceptible To Flus and Colds
If you have adrenal fatigue, you may notice that you seem to be catching every flu and cold that comes within 10 feet of you. You'll also notice that it seems harder for your body to bounce back from illness.

You Often Feel Overwhelmed and Run Down
People with adrenal insufficiency often feel run down and overwhelmed with the tasks they have to accomplish. They may feel as if they can't keep up and do it all. (This can lead to other symptoms like depression and social withdrawal)

You May Crave Salty or Sweet Snacks
This may include high protein snacks like meat or cheese. Some people with adrenal fatigue can have an increased craving for salt. You might also notice an intense craving for sweets and fast carbs like donuts, chocolate bars, pastries, ice cream etc.

You Feel Better In A Less Stressful Environment
Many people with adrenal insufficiency feel better when on vacation. Their symptoms may even clear up entirely but then return when they go back to their normal lives.

You Are Troubled By 'Brain Fog' or Inability to Concentrate
This may include things like the inability to remember certain details, appointments, etc. This may also include a feeling of confusion or difficulty concentrating.

Increased PMS For Women
Women with adrenal disorder may find their periods become heavier and/or irregular. They may also notice increased PMS mood swings and/or food cravings.

Those are several key symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Other symptoms include:

Lightheadedness/Low Blood Pressure
Tendency to Tremble When Under Pressure
Reduced Sex Drive
Heart Palpitations
Nervousness/Raw Nerves
Poor Digestion
Feel Most Energetic in the Evening
Extremely Senstive To Cold

If you can identify with the majority of these adrenal fatigue symptoms you may want to read about the causes of adrenal fatigue to see if you can identify with any of them in your own personal life. You'll also want to see your doctor for more tests and a complete diagnosis.

Adrenal fatigue can be overcome and you can feel better. Listen to your body, cut back on stress and treat yourself well.



About the Author
Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to Adrenal Fatigue - helping you learn more about adrenal fatigue.

For more articles on adrenal fatigue see:
http://www.adrenalfatigue.homestead.com/

Introducing TurboFire

If P90X & TurboJam had a love child, it would be the new TurboFire Workout Program from Beachbody.