coconut water ... to drink or not to drink

So, I did some research on coconut water because I was getting some mixed reviews from a few of my friends about coconut water.  Is it really beneficial or not???

Here are some facts:

• Coconut water has 15 times more potassium then any sports drink
• There is a huge difference between drinking coconut juice from a coconut that is green rather then brown.  When the juice derives from a brown coconut that means that the coconut is old and that means the coconut juice has turned into fat! 
• Green coconuts have a total of 5 electrolytes!
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Boosts the immune system
• More hydrating then water!
• No sugar added
• Energy booster
• Increases metabolic rate which can lead to weight loss
• ZERO fat
• ZERO cholesterol
• ALL natural - coconut water has been used as an intravenous fluid and saves lives

The pictures above are the more reputable brands of coconut water :)

do work

pound for pound. inch by inch.

• 
  
  “Everybody’s looking for the magic pill. But commitment is an ongoing process. It’s not something you do once. You revisit it.”  Patricia Kyle

• 
  
  ... hard work defeats talent when talent refuses to work hard ...

"This is you...everyday.

There are no days off.

There is no compromise.

There is no compass that comes with this life, just eyes.

So to map it out one must look inside.

Sure books could guide you but your heart defines you".

-s.carter

going bananas ...

Not only does the banana taste wonderful, it also has an abundance of sucrose, glucose, fructose and potassium. It is rich in fiber and contains 5 times the vitamin A found in apples and 4 times the pectin. The banana is able to boost energy, and is a safe preventative against many ailments. Below is a list of reasons why you should have a closer relationship with the banana.

Here are some neat facts on one of my favorite fruits!


Mosquito Bites:


Rub the inside of the banana skin on the affected area. In most cases it will reduce swelling and irritation.

Exercise:

Bananas give an instant, sustained boost of energy. Eat two bananas to produce enough energy for a 90 minute workout.

Overweight:

Studies show that if you are in a high pressure job, chances are you tend to binge on comfort food caused by panic induced food cravings. Try eating a banana every two hours to control blood sugar, keep levels steady, and keep the cravings away.

Ulcers:

Bananas neutralize stomach acid. They reduce irritation of the stomach by coating the stomach lining.

Morning Sickness:

You can keep your blood sugar up to avoid morning sickness by snacking on bananas between meals.

Hangover:

The quickest way to get rid of a hangover is to drink a banana milkshake. Peel 2 bananas and place in blender. Add honey to taste and milk to desired consistency. The milk will help re-hydrate your body while the banana and honey raise blood sugar levels and sooths the stomach.

PMS:

The banana contains enough vitamin B6 to raise blood glucose which in turn should affect your mood.

Anemia:

Bananas are high in iron and encourage hemoglobin production which helps in cases of anemia.

Boosting Brain Power:

Research has shown that the potassium in bananas can help in learning and brain stressing projects by making one more alert.

Heartburn:

The banana is a natural antacid. Simply eat a banana next time you have heartburn.

Constipation:

Because the banana is so high in fiber it can help restore normal bowel activity.

Stop Smoking:

If you are trying to quit smoking, the potassium, magnesium, B6 and B12 in bananas can aid in the recovery of nicotine withdrawal.

Weekend Warriors

For all my loves that are with me on the path to being a healthy, fit, and confident person, I know weekends are less structured then the week days.  At least for me they are. 

Here is a tip that seems to work out for me:

Instead of having 1 cheat day, have 1 cheat meal. 
As an ex-fatty, I loved the weekends because that is when I was able to gorge on food I deprive myself of during the week - French toast, everyone knows I love McDonalds, and anything sweet I can get my hands on.  Then I would look at myself (mind you, YOU are your worst critic) and feel guilty about what I have eaten and always came to one conclusion ... IT WAS SOOO NOT WORTH IT.  Is it really worth it to work hard all week and throw it all away eating crap all day throughout the weekend?  Eventually that 1 cheat meal will go away and with all the changes you see in your new healthy lean body you will not even want another big mac ( I am speaking to myself just fyi ) or whatevers your kryptonite. 

Soooo ... for my weekend warriors hope this helps!!!

love love love :)

21 days ...

DID YOU KNOW IT TAKES 21 DAYS TO FORM A HABIT???

Eat right for 21 days ...

Workout consistently for 21 days ...

self discipline: the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of your emotional state.

Genuine swagger comes from authentic self knowledge & self discipline - gregg miele