Energy Drinks: Do They Really Give You Wings?

Energy drinks are all the rave these days, pretty much taking over the soft drink market in the caffeine fueled frenzy. The reality is, their advertisements are actually quite disturbing knowing that millions of viewers are thinking that these products have everything to do with health.

Instead of leaving the convenience store with a gut bomb, you grab a Monster can of Adrenaline that promises to redline your performance until you’re partying like a Rockstar. But do energy drinks really give you wings? Or are you more likely to experience a short lived jilt of energy only to come crashing down in a matter of hours?

Even before I started going raw I was never big on these energy drinks. So what’s in this stuff that makes it so special and even more importantly, is it special? The ingredients vary, but there is one constant: caffeine. No matter what any energy drink professes, its secret ingredient is caffeine. Let’s take a closer look at Red Bull’s active ingredients:

Sucrose, Glucose-Like most soft drinks, the number one ingredient is by far sugar! This is where we rack up all the calories. Yes, sugar provides an instant energy rush, but its effects are anything but energizing after only a few minutes.

Sodium Citrate-A food additive or preservative that is usually adds because of its tart flavor. However, it’s also alkaline and inhibits blood clotting.

Taurine-Originally came from bull bile, can you say yuck!!! This is wear Red Bull got its name.

Glucuronolactone-A naturally occurring chemical compound produced by glucose metabolism in the liver.

Caffeine-Now here’s the business. Caffeine is a plant alkaloid found in over 60 species of plants such as guarana, kola nut, mate, tea and of course coffee. Caffeine is now arguably more popular than ever and it’s estimated that 90% of American adults consume it in some form.

Caffeine is not without its downside for sure! Too much can make you jittery, anxious, insomnia, and even paranoid. It increases the production of stomach acid and can lead to an assortment of ailments. It’s also addicting and those who drink caffeine daily will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they can’t get it.

So will they give YOU wings?

There is little doubt that you will gain a burst of energy from these drinks, although it’s unlikely to be sustained energy. Furthermore, the type of rush you get will be followed with a crash that will make you crave more. Because these have very little nutrient value, chances are that consumption of more than a couple will leave you feeling edgy or downright irritable!

Stay tuned…tomorrow we will talk about Super Green Juices and UriLife The Berry Feast, a healthier alternative!

Until then,

Brandi

What is More Important than Eating Right?

Did you know 87% of disease can be linked to thought life and only 13% is traceable to food, genetics and environmental influences?

While I consider myself moderately healthy, after working several years with spinal cord and brain injury patients, I realized how important it was to have a happy heart, a clean mind, right thoughts and then ….eat right.

I bared witness to life changing events, events that left people living by different means. Events that should have ended their lives, but miraculously didn’t. Some of my patients were injured and left paralyzed by car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycling, skiing, diving and even mosquito bites.

Yes several of my patients were paralyzed from the neck down due to a mosquito bite! One of my favorite patients whom I became very close with was injured pushing a lawn mower, tripped and fell breaking her spinal cord. Pretty unbelievable, no?

While I was in the midst of tragedy, I had my most treasured laughs. You see all of these people had the heart of lions. They didn’t let their accident take over their emotions. They excepted their new life and embraced it with gratitude. Watching them, empowered me to do the same.

We put a handicap on those who do not walk like us, talk like us, see like us and think like us, yet those who we consider “normal” are the ones crippled by their emotions. They make up 98% of the population whom are taken hostage by themselves and their thoughts!

I made many lasting friendships from Hawaii to Europe. I was invited to move to Kauai with a family as well as flown to Olathe, Kansas to train a family’s new staff. It was a privilege and honor to work amongst such extraordinary human beings.

So the next time you eat right~be sure you are the 2% that is also feeding your mind and soul the nutrition it needs!

God Bless!

Brandi

Health Facilities Flush 250M pounds of Drugs a Year!!!

Back in March to our dismay, the water supply of at least 41 million Americans was in the spot light. An investigation showed the presence of pharmaceuticals or byproducts in our drinking water, including medicines for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems.

Researchers claim that the amount of pharmaceuticals and personal care products released into the environment each year is the same as the amount of pesticides released into the environment each year.

We are talking about 888 million pounds of drugs released into the environment each year.  In a more recent article, health care facilities account for 250 million of that!

Since these people care so much about our food supply, why would they be concerned that each US. man, woman and child is digesting 3lbs of drugs per year. Of course the federal government doesn’t require any testing and hasn’t set safety limits for drugs in water, the utility companies insist our water is safe.

The fact of the matter is, researches do not yet understand the exact risks from decades of persistent exposure to random combinations of low levels of pharmaceuticals.

Remember, we are not only exposed to these contaminants by drinking them. We are also being exposed when we shower, bathe, cook, wash laundry and use eating and drinking utensils washed in the contaminated water.

To read more

Your Friend in Health,

Brandi

How Much Soy is in Your Diet???

As always… all things should be read with a critical eye :~) I found an interesting article about the foods we should watch out for, I had to do a double take on the part about soy.

Did you know soy got its beginning as an INDUSTRIAL WASTE PRODUCT?

Research has shown that just two glasses of soy milk a day for one month are enough to change a woman’s menstrual cycle! And feeding soy to infants is even more devastating. It has been found that infants fed exclusively on soy formula are ingesting FIVE birth control pills worth of estrogen daily!

Yes the things they say are good for us now will probably differ in the morning but I do feel this article is at the very least worth a look.  To read more visit: http://nourishedmagazine.com.au/blog/articles/soy-the-abominable-bean

Happy Monday!

Brandi

What Happens to Your Body Within an Hour of Drinking a Coke?

Need a dose of energy? I stumbled upon this article about drinking coke. I have never been big on soda and after reading this I am grateful.

Drinking soda is bad for your health in so many ways; science can’t even state all the consequences. Here’s what happens in your body when you assault it with a Coke:

Within the first 10 minutes, 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100% of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.

Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.

Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.

Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physically identical response to that of heroin, by the way.

After 60 minutes, you’ll start to have a sugar crash.

Read more on Nutrition Research Center October 24, 2007

How about a Healthier INVIGORATING BOOST?

Try Urilife’s The Feast Supercharged 3x. It is an all natural energizing formula with the same blend of superior ingredients as The Feast with the addition of 6 Energizing Berries, Seeds & Leaves. Much healthier and more invigorating replacement for coffee, tea and other sugar laden sports and energy drinks.

For more information click here.

To a Healthier You!

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com

A Lotion, A Weight Loss Miracle, and A Cooking Oil???

Any guess as to what I’m talking about?

It’s only Coconut Oil, the most versatile oil on Earth!  Earlier this week I mentioned the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid gland and how your thyroid could quite possibly be the reason you are battling the bulge.

Today I would like to let you in on my secret weapon for keeping my thyroid in check.  It is actually quite simple really, I add pure organic Coconut Oil to everything!

How Can This, Help Your Thyroid?

Coconut oil is known to have “thermogenic” properties, which means it has the ability to raise your body’s temperature in turn raising your metabolism, helping that thyroid function better!  So I suppose it’s true, not all fats make you fat.

Not only is Coconut oil ideal for aiding your thyroid function, it helps protect your skin from the aging effects of free radicals, and can help improve the appearance of skin with its anti-aging benefits.

In fact, physiologist and biochemist Ray Peat, Ph.D. considers coconut oil to be an antioxidant, due to its stability and resistance to oxidation and free radical formation. Plus, he feels it reduces our need for the antioxidant protection of vitamin E.

Like Dr. Peat, many experts believe coconut oil may help restore more youthful-looking skin. When coconut oil is absorbed into the skin and connective tissues, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by helping to keep connective tissues strong and supple.

10 More Reasons to Add Coconut Oil to Your Diet:

1. Promotes your heart health
2. Promotes weight loss when and if you need it
3. Supports your immune system health
4. Supports a healthy metabolism
5. Provides you with an immediate energy source
6. Helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking
7. Supports the proper function of your thyroid gland
8. Smoothing and moisturizing effects
9. Promotes skin elasticity
10. Convenient eye make-up remover

Coconut Pure contains 100% pure, unrefined, organic extra virgin coconut oil. It is rich in medium chain fatty acids. Coconut Pure provides stable, healthy fat. Made from Certified Organic Coconuts.
I eat Raw Coconut Oil in my smoothies, on my organic popcorn, and I use it on my body! It is the only product that leaves my skin feeling smooth without making me breakout!

On the other hand, complex fitness equipment like the bowflex, not the trampoline, should be used with care in order to avoid exercise mishaps like bursitis.

So the next time someone asks you butter or margarine, as much as you’d like to choose the cow over the scientist you’re going to pick nature’s creation, right?

Enjoy Your Holiday Weekend!

Brandi
http://anewfeast.com

Has This Happened to You?

“People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within”~Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Have you ever thought you knew someone so well until all of a sudden when under pressure they CRACK revealing their not-so-pretty colors? After working at Craig Hospital for several years, I found myself witnessing this particular setting day in and day out.

It separated the strong from the weak, the experienced from the newbie. More over, it separated the nursing staff who were there caring for their patients because they had compassion to do so. Like owning a Urilife home based business, nursing is one specialty that must be led with heart and not greed.

We are all human, we will all crack at times. But those whom possess this light from within will shine in any given situation.

Your Friend,

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com

8 Signs Your Thyroid May Be Making You Fat

In your neck, under your larynx, you’ll find a less-than-an-ounce gland that looks like a butterfly, a very ugly butterfly. This is your thyroid, and believe it or not, this tiny lump of flesh regulates your entire metabolism.

When it works, life is good. But when it doesn’t work??? Well, it’s pretty amazing how one little butterfly can cause so many problems. You see, the thyroid is also known at the “great imitator”. Why?

Because it regulates a whole lot more than just your metabolism. It is plays an important role in vitamin utilization, digestion, muscle and nerve activity, blood flow, oxygen utilization, hormone secretion and even in your sexual and reproductive health.

There are numerous things that can go wrong with your thyroid, but only one accounts for weight gain and difficulty losing weight. This condition is called Hypothyroidism and 2% of the population is affected by it. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid is failing to produce enough hormone to keep your metabolism working properly.

8 Signs Your Thyroid May Be Making You Fat:

1. Weight Gain
2. Difficulty Losing Weight
3. Depression
4. Feeling Cold
5. Having Dry Skin and Hair
6. Constipation
7. Muscle Cramps
8. Feeling Run Down, Slow or Sluggish

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important for you to consult your doctor. A simple blood test can determine if you are in fact suffering from Hypothyroidism. Luckily this condition is treatable with medication and can even be treated with diet and exercise.

Stay tuned later this week for my secret weapon that can put your thyroid into hyper drive.

Ahhh… the power of Good Nutrition!

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com

Radiated Lettuce, Coming to a Town Near You!

It is official, the FDA approved radiation on lettuce, spinach and other greens hoping to ward off the all too familiar salmonella and e-coli scares. The radiated produce is said to hit grocery stores as of yesterday.

Once again, the FDA refuses to allow labeling on this radiated produce. I mean come on it’s in our best interest not to know why we are suddenly giving birth to incredible hulks!

I have to agree with Gerry from http://diseaseproof.com, if it’s not natural I’m leery. Which is why I encourage you to grow your own vegetable garden. If we were meant to live this life of high tech genetically modified food, why are we suffering from more disease now than ever before?

Radiation is not the answer and I am afraid that it will be the least of our worries to come.

Will you be eating radiated lettuce?

Your Friend,

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com

Failure is That of an Illusion

“One great source of failure is found in a lack of concentration of purpose. There will be adverse winds in every voyage, but the able seaman firmly resists their influence, while h takes advantage of every favorable breeze to speed him on his course. so in our aims and pursuits we shall find much to counteract them, much to draw our attention from them, and, unless we are armed with a steadfast purpose, that can subordinate the lesser to the greater, that can repel hindrances, resist attractions, and, bend circumstances to our will, our efforts will not be crowned with success.”~ Unknown

The last few days have been spent in deep thought, yeah I do find a few spare moments in the day to think sometimes, lol!

What have I been thinking about?

All that I have given up in life, not that I am by any means regretful for the decisions I have made, but more for the fact that I have come to the realization that it is never too late to become what you might have been.  While the timing has never permitted me to do so, it has been a life-long dream to become a teacher.

The last few days, I have thought to myself WHY NOT?

Why can’t I go back to school, sure it will be difficult returning after 7 long years.  Yes, it will be time consuming.  And now with two young children in tow, you bet it will be hectic. I will be making more with Urilife than I would as a teacher, and yes I am scared to death of failing!

None of that Matters.

I am determined to do this, to prove to myself that I can do this!  I will no longer let fear stop me from growing to be the person I have always dreamed of becoming.  I will not fail, why?

Because failure is that of an illusion.  You can only fail unless you stop trying.  As long as you have faith, you can conquer any obstacle…even education for that matter!  Your faith is your greatest weapon against adversity, and with faith comes persistence.

When you embrace obstacles instead of giving in to them, you reaffirm that life is precious and worth fighting for.  You can’t let the fear of failure stand in your way from growing!!!

Is there anything you have put off for fear of failure?

Cheers to Education!

Brandi

http://anewfeast.com