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The Best Energy Boosters to Keep You Going

Top 5 Energy Boosters

With so many ads about which superfoods are best, it can be confusing to decipher what’s a scam and what’s the truth. That’s why I compiled a list of the top five energy-boosting foods that will give you true, lasting energy to keep you hopping all day! Oatmeal

Oats contain the energizing and stress-lowering B vitamin family, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. Oats are also low on the glycemic index because they have a lot of fiber. That means that your body gets a steady stream of energy, as opposed to a short-term spike, because the carbohydrates gradually flow into your bloodstream.

The key here is to look for high-fiber oatmeal, like oat bran. For the best nutrition kick, avoid instant oatmeal and stick with more natural varieties, then add your own sweetness.

Lentils

Beans are a great source of fiber, which translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. Lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, and they’re low in fat and calories to boot.

Bananas

Bananas provide a lot of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Unlike some nutrients, the body doesn’t store potassium for long periods of time. This means that your potassium level can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise when the nutrient is lost through excessive sweating. The sugar in bananas is an easily digested form of carbohydrate. Other fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches and pineapples also make great energizing and refreshing snacks. We all know we need to be eating more fruits in our diet!

Chocolate

Studies show that chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, and improve longevity. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories so consume in moderation. When possible, opt for dark chocolate or raw cacao for the highest source of antioxidants.

Almonds

These little guys are great if you’re looking to improve your focus and mental clarity. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s that produce an alert mental state.

Healthy Fats

Other healthy fats to include in your diet are avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and fish oil. Of course, you’ll want to check with your health practitioner before making drastic changes to your diet. healthy oils

Incorporating these foods into your daily menu takes some planning, so here are some ideas you can use to ensure you’ll have all the energy you need every day.

Breakfast

* Smoothies: For breakfast, a banana fruit smoothie is a quick and easy way to get the potassium your body requires for normal function. In a blender, combine a small banana, some frozen berries of your choice, ice, 1/2 cup low fat milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla. You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter or some raw cacao powder as well. If dairy is off the list for then I suggest you use almond – coconut – or another substitute of your choosing.

* Oatmeal: If you need a quick breakfast, you may not always think of oatmeal, or you may think of instant oatmeal, which isn’t as nutritious. Some companies are making instant oatmeal healthier by not adding as much sugar and artificial flavoring, but you’ll always want to compare the sugar and fiber amounts across a few different brands to find the most nourishing oatmeal.

* Cereals: Another great alternative to a bowl of hot oatmeal is bran and muesli cereals. They contain a lot of the energy boosting nutrients of oatmeal, and often contain healthy nuts and dried fruits as well.

Snacks

* Almonds: These nuts are perfect as a mid afternoon snack. Grab a handful and take them to work with you in a snack cup or baggie.

* Dark Chocolate: When you’re feeling sluggish, a small dark chocolate bar is all you need for a great pick me up that will last longer than an hour or two.

Dinner Side Dishes

* Beans: Lentils are a great side dish to enhance many dinner entrees such as tacos and burgers. You can also make lentils a main dish by combining several types into one dish as a bean soup or bean casserole served with cornbread. Another way to eat lentils is to add some pepper and melted shredded cheese as part of a healthy lunch.

Working these naturally energizing foods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little imagination and effort, you can have all the energy you need to stay awake and alert throughout the entire day!

Outdoor Camping Gear

Outdoor camping gear

Camping is an adventure that lots of people have delighted in from the time they were children. It is something that is done by families, with friends, or alone to clear your head. There is absolutely nothing like being out in the open, living a bit like we made use of, before the days of computer systems and smartphones.

However, simply because it may want to be simple and take your mind off of things, you must not attempt to obtain away with bad, old, or damaged camping people camping equipment. Not only will you have a bad time with bad gear, but you might even be risking your life in some cases.

Camping gear comes in numerous kinds, influences, sizes, kinds, and brand names. From outdoor tents to sleeping bags to camp stoves to footwear and beyond, the list is very long. While you do not need everything on that list for each outdoor camping journey, you must know what pieces are necessary.

Start by finding out what kind of camping you’ll be doing then go from there. You may want to truly invest in the crucial pieces off of that list once you have that figured out.

Yes, it’s a financial investment and will cost a little money. A financial investment is expected to provide returns over time, and great outdoor camping gear will most certainly provide those returns after each use.

First, simply the expense per use of each product. If you buy something that is of greater quality that might cost a bit more, you will likely get a lot e, even more,se out of it than if you purchased an economical, low-quality piece.

Envision yoyourselfuy a $60 sleeping bag at an outlet store since you go camping a couple of times each year. Let’s say you get 20 makes use ou it before it begins tearing, disintegrating, or the zipper breaks past all repair work. The cost per use of that sleeping bag is $3.00.

Now, let’s say you buy a $200 sleeping bag online and go camping several times each year. Assuming the bag lasts you years, which excellent sleeping bags often do, we can assume that you get 100 uses out of it before you start looking for a brand-new one. The cost per use of the pricier sleeping bag is $2.00. Gear Doctors Ultralight 17oz Apollo-Air Sleeping pad

Even though you invest more upfront, you get much more out of it.

The second way to see the value of investing in the right gear is the general comfort or convenience that a good quality product gives you.

Roughing it is and expecting to leave some creature comforts behind is something, however sleeping in a leaky camping tent with a sleeping bag that does not keep you warm if the temperature level drops below 50 is not fun.

Take it an action further and think of your shoes and clothes. You may be okay with normal clothing and shoes when it pertains to car outdoor camping however the 2nd you get on that path or trip that mountain, you’re putting yourself in hazard if you don’t have good shoes and garments. If you slip since your hiking boots are rubbish, are not using the proper safety layers, and wind up hurting yourself and needing to await assistance, your opportunity of surviving is much higher if you have all the right equipment.

Camping should be enjoyable, it must be relaxing, and it should be hassle-free. Getting the right equipment before taking a camping break is necessary if you desire to get the very best value for your dollar and a good, safe time.

Now think about buying a $50 sleeping bag at a department store and you go camping a couple of times each year. Let’s say you get 20 uses out of it before it starts, degenerating, or the zipper breaks beyond all repair work. Now, let’s state you buy a $200 sleeping bag online and go camping a couple of times each year. Presuming the bag lasts you lots of years, which great sleeping bags often tend to do, we can assume that you get 100 uses out of it before beginning to look for a new one.

You might be fine with regular clothing and shoes when it comes to automobile outdoor camping but the second you get on that trail or trip that mountain, you’re putting yourself in danger if you do not have great shoes and clothing.

Be sure you have a first-aid kit with you.

Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit

Illuminate Your Camping Trip: The Best Headlamps for Your…

Choosing the Best Headlamp for Camping

Victoper Rechargeable Headlamp Wow, there are a lot of headlamps for camping on the market today, and for good reason, but choosing the right one can be a little frustrating. These versatile lighting tools give you the ability to perform tasks completely hands-free in darkness and they are one of the most important pieces of gear you can have in your backpack.

Among the many headlamp choices, there is no one perfect light, although let me share with you my #1 choice and why.

Choosing the right headlight should be based on your specific needs and uses.

The best headlamp for camping should have a few key features and the brightest is not always the best choice or the most useful.

Manufacturers rate their led headlamps by the maximum brightness in lumen. A beam throw of a 100 lumen headlamp flashlight is more than adequate for a long range distance beam to help you see paths and trail markers. The best headlamp for camping also needs to be lightweight, comfortable to wear, balanced and typically a one size fits all is best.

Being that your headlamp would be exposed to the harsh outdoor elements, it needs to be long lasting, rugged and mostly water and shock resistant.

Another important feature is the lamp itself needs to be adjustable and tilt at least to 90 degrees in order for you to direct the beam where you want it.

Being an avid camping and hiking outdoors man, I’ve owned and compared several variations of these head lights.

Looking at all the different features available, I ultimately came up with a short list of must have features for the best camping headlamp.

Features You Need in A Good Headlamp

• Comfortable, stylish and cool looking of course

• Multiple lighting modes & easy on/off buttons

• Bright white LED lights…minimum 400 lumen

• Lightweight, rugged and water resistant

• Sturdy constructed tilting lamp head…90 degrees

• Short- & long-range beam with an emergency flashing mode

• Standard batteries…long life…easy access & easy change

The Winning Headlamp

After reviewing, comparing and owning a variety of led headlamps, choosing a winner was based on style, function and features.

The chosen headlamp was simple, yet practical and contained all the features you read above.

The led super bright headlamp packs the punch with its 100 lumen of bright light and the aluminum shell makes it stylish and rugged.

To learn more information about this cool little headlamp and all its features you can visit LED Super Bright Headlamp here.

The Benefits of Fasting: How to Fast Safely and…

Fasting Facts and how to do it Safely

People have been fasting for thousands of years for religious and health reasons, and some regard it as a weight loss tool. You’ve probably seen headlines about celebrities drinking exotic fruit juices to prepare for movie roles, and heard friends talking about their weekly fast days.

Fasting is still controversial among medical experts. If you’re trying to decide whether to give up food for weight loss or other purposes, consider these suggestions for staying safe while you fast.

Deciding to Fast

1. Losing weight. Any diet extremely low in calories will cause you to lose weight quickly, but you’re likely to gain it right back. That’s because you lose water and muscle mass, and your metabolism slows down. When you resume eating, you may gain weight while consuming the same amount of food you used to be able to manage.

2. Detoxify your body. Some diet books claim that fasting will purify your system and remove environmental pollutants. Most doctors believe that your liver and other organs do that job automatically.

3. Feel empowered. The stigma associated with being overweight can create a difficult relationship with food. You may appreciate the experience of control that comes with brief fasting.

4. Practice your religion. Many faiths include rituals based on fasting. Practitioners say it heightens their awareness and brings them closer to the divine.

5. Prepare for medical treatment. Listen to your doctor when they give you directions not to eat before certain medical tests or surgery. Proper treatment may require establishing an accurate baseline or giving your body a break from digesting food.

6. Live longer. A large body of research supports a connection between consuming fewer calories and extending your life span. The tradeoffs may be worth it for you.

Techniques for Fasting Safely

1. Drink liquids. Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns during any extreme diet. If you feel dizzy or confused, drink more water, and see your doctor if the symptoms continue.

2. Clarify your terms. There are many different kinds of fasts. Most healthy individuals can handle consuming nothing but water for up to 2 days. Fasts that allow liquid calories or eating at certain hours may be feasible for longer periods.

3. Alternate days. Alternate-day fasting is a hot trend since a British TV doctor wrote a book about his experience. You may want to experiment with his formula for five days on and two days off. Intermittent Fasting

4. Study nutrition. If you’re trying to take off weight, keep in mind that fasting is a temporary and intense approach. In the long term, it’s important to understand how to eat healthily to stay in shape. Pick up a book on nutrition and try out new recipes for vegetables.

5. Watch for side effects. In addition to dehydration, there can be other consequences to fasting. Look out for bad breath, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. You may find it helpful to decrease your level of physical activity and postpone tasks that require heavy thinking.

6. Know your risks. Some adults need to avoid fasting altogether, including pregnant women and those who suffer from diabetes. The bottom line is that there are many diets more effective than fasting if you’re trying to lose weight.

On the other hand, you may have other good reasons to stop eating temporarily. In that case, fasting may be good for your body and soul, as long as you talk with your doctor and take precautions that will keep you safe while you cut out calories.

Going Raw: A Guide to Implementing a Raw-Food Diet

Implement a Raw-Food Diet

As you hear more and more about the impact your eating has on your health and longevity, you may be considering a raw-food diet. While this lifestyle could be quite different from your usual fare, you might find that you thrive on eating mostly raw foods.

What exactly is a raw food diet? In general, it means eating only things that are in a completely natural state. This means foods that have not been processed or cooked. For some folks, this can even include raw meat, though many raw-food advocates do not eat meat, other than perhaps a little sushi.

These tips will help you make the conversion:

1. List acceptable foods that appeal to you. There are numerous books and websites available with lists of foods that conform to the principles of the diet. You’re likely to find a lot of foods you’ve never considered. Make a long list so you can provide yourself with a wide variety of foods and flavors!

2. Go shopping. Budgeting accurately may be challenging at first. While much of the food you’re likely to buy won’t be expensive, there will be a lot of it. Most raw foods don’t offer a lot of calories; you’ll be surprised how much you might need to eat.

* Avoid over-shopping, though; many of the foods won’t last as long as many processed foods.

3. Start slowly. If you’re not used to eating a lot of fruit, getting carried away might cause more than a little gastric upset. Introduce the raw foods slowly. Substitute a raw food item at each meal for something you didn’t typically eat raw. Continue adding foods over a week or two, until you’re 100% raw.

4. Throw out your processed foods. One way to be almost certain to fall off the wagon is to have other food readily available. We all have moments of weakness, so prepare for yours. Friends, family, and food banks will likely take what you no longer want to eat.

* If you have others in the house who won’t be eating raw, at least try to get rid of the items you’ll find most tempting.

5. Take a good multivitamin. Certain nutrients may be unavailable with a raw diet, and Vitamin B-12 is the classic example. Even if you’re not eating vegan and you usually scoff at manufactured supplements, talk to your doctor before you dismiss the idea.

6. Remember to get enough protein. Protein is another major nutrient you might lack if you’re not careful. Eating balanced meals is just as important as ever.

7. Keep adjusting until your diet is right for you. Assess how you feel. Are you losing weight? Are you losing too much weight? Are there other foods you’d like to try? Are there foods you’d like to eliminate?

8. Give raw foods for at least 30 days. If you can go 30 days without cheating, you should have an excellent idea of whether or not a raw-food diet is something that you want to continue. Any foods eaten outside of the diet will tend to interfere with an accurate assessment.

If a raw-food lifestyle is something you want to try, give the above steps a shot. Changing dietary habits is frequently a challenge; our bodies and minds get used to certain foods. Expect some challenging times over your first 30 to 60 days. However, keep in mind that medical data indicates that our dietary choices have a huge impact on our health.

Maybe a raw-food diet is an answer for you. Try it.

Get Moving and Feel Great

Some people love a tough workout, while others do not so much. 80% of Americans fail to meet government guidelines for aerobic and strength training, it’s obvious why most of us fall into the second category. A recent study by the University of Freiburg in Germany suggests that just 2 changes can make you enjoy exercise more.

Participants with similar fitness levels were asked to ride a stationary bicycle for the same amount of time. Those who considered themselves to be athletic said the activity was more enjoyable and required less effort. The researchers concluded that personal expectations made the difference. The secret is to believe in your athletic abilities and the benefits of exercising.

Think how much easier it would be for you to stick to a workout program if you really enjoyed doing it. Try these tips for building up your confidence and knowledge.

Believing in Your Athletic Abilities:

1. Develop your own style. Each of us has our own personal interests and signature strengths. You may like ballroom dancing or playing competitive sports. You may excel at sprinting or long-distance running. Choose activities that make you feel accomplished.

2. Create challenges. Set goals that will encourage you to keep going. Work at strengthening your tennis serve or increasing your lung capacity so you can swim more laps.

3. Use external rewards. Intrinsic motivation is more powerful, but you can give yourself treats to help you feel fulfilled while you’re waiting to reach major milestones. Promise yourself a pedicure or a weekend outing to celebrate any week you visit the gym consistently.

4. Share social support. While you’re cheering yourself on, it also helps to have family and friends on your side. Team up with an exercise buddy, post your workout plans on a fitness forum, and ask your family for the help you need.

5. Find a role model. Look for someone who has qualities and achievements that you admire. You can pick someone close to you or someone you see in the news. Study what they do and focus on what you have in common.

6. Repeat affirmations. Create positive statements that help you to realize your worth and make changes in your life. Write them down and read them when you’re feeling stressed.

Understanding the Benefits of Physical Activity:

1. Do some research. Browse online or visit the library to read about how exercise affects your body and mind. Visualize yourself having more energy, strengthening your muscles, and reducing your risk for serious medical conditions.

2. Take a course. Sign up for rock climbing lessons or take an anatomy class at a community college. Learn more about your body and how to care for it.

3. Work with a trainer. Maybe you prefer working with a professional one-on-one. Ask friends and fellow gym members for recommendations. A customized program can deliver impressive results.

4. Talk with your doctor. Ask your physician about any concerns you have. They may be able to suggest what priorities would be helpful for you, such as lowering your blood pressure or rehabilitating a previous injury.

5. Evaluate your performance. As you become more physically fit, you may notice the effects spilling over into many areas of your life. Maybe you’re eating more vegetables or responding more effectively to feedback at work.

6. Listen to your body. Feeling good may be the ultimate benefit of working out. Take pleasure in your flat stomach or glowing skin. When you want to exercise, you’ll find ways to overcome any barriers like being too busy or avoiding discomfort. A positive attitude about your athletic abilities and the benefits of physical activity will help you to stay healthy and fit.