Energy Drinks

Red Bull, Rockstar, Monster and 5 hour energy just to name just a few, all advertise that they give an energy boost that some people need to get them through the day or to finish a tough task. But do you really need them?

The added sugar and carbohydrates in most "energy drinks" should make your list of things to not put in your body for the potential weight gain alone. That and a recent dental study on how bad these drinks erode the enamel on your teeth should be enough to get you to stop drinking them.

If you are exercising regularly and eating right you should have plenty of energy to get you through the day. If not then a cup of coffee with Stevia instead of sugar will give you the lift you need without all the extra baggage.

Also take a look at the amount of protein in your snacks and meals. If you aren't getting 7 to 10 grams of protein per snack then change what you are eating, your body will work to burn the extra protein and keep you alert and focused.

Herbalife has a product called N-R-G, a raw guarana tablet that gives that energy boost and focus without the sugars and carbs. I've been taking one tablet a day in the morning and I stay focused and alert all day.

And I get to keep the enamel on my teeth.

Common Tasks Count

We know that adding exercise to our lifestyle will make us healthier and burn extra calories, but what if we are too busy doing all the things we need to do to keep our house clean or yard neat or even shopping?

Well I have good news for you! Those common tasks count toward your burned calorie goal!  See, if we can burn at least 500 extra calories every day, then the weight will start to come off. Below are some calories burned for some of those common tasks we do every day.

To Buy Organic Or Not

Organic fruits, vegetables and meats. Are they any better for us than their normally grown counterparts? It depends on your perspective and concerns. Recently it has been determined that organically grown fruits and vegetables have no more or less nutritional value than normally grown fruits or vegetables.

While normally grown fruits and veggies had more pesticide residue than the organic ones, all levels were below the government recommended levels. While they offer no extra nutrition, the theory is that the extra pesticides can build up in our bodies and possibly cause health issues. If you are worried about that, simply wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them. You should do this with all fruits and vegetables as being organic does not prevent other health risks like e Coli.

Protein

Protein is the main staple of your nutrition plan and you need it to rebuild all your cells and to build strong, lean muscle. Eating a protein rich diet will help maintain your muscle mass while you eat to lose fat, and will help build more muscle while you workout to tone up and increase your muscle mass.

Much has been written about how much protein you should have daily and at one time. This will vary with each person and their individual goals. Most people will need 80 to 110 grams of protein per day.