coconut water Archives - Paige Hunter PhD

In case you’re wondering, that was a trick question. The breakfast of champions can be a shake or a smoothie. And, I’m not going to say these are the only Breakfasts of Champions but for today, we’re discussing these two breakfast choices.

To clarify the difference between the two, a shake requires a covered cup contraption often called a blender bottle that comes with a wire-whisk ball. Add some liquid like water or almond milk and some goodies like powered protein with chia seeds. A smoothie requires some blending usually with some help of an electrical appliance. It usually consists of some fruits or veggies mixed in with some possible protein powders, etc. The shake is an easy on-the-go option while a smoothie requires a little more effort around prep time and clean up.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it just doesn’t fit into our schedule the way it should. How we begin the day will determine how the rest of the day goes. It will determine if we feel energized or if we’re dragging with a lack of energy. What we put in our bellies is directly related to how we physically feel. So if you are a skip breakfast and grab the coffee mug morning person then this article is just for you.

We all need and crave energy. I know I do! Sometimes it’s so easy to grab a quick bowl of cereal or even forget breakfast and simply bulldoze through the morning on 1-2 cups of coffee as the kind of nutritional energy we draw from to survive the day. I don’t want us to barely squeak though the day; I want us to thrive throughout our day. I also don’t want you to go on the “crash and crave” roller coaster.

if we begin our mornings with caffeinated coffee and sugar, we crash, and often feel too tired to take on our responsibilities. Sometimes this pattern has us reaching for another cup of coffee to get through a few more hours. On a personal note, I understand the struggle is real. At one point, while studying in Costa Rica my host family owned a coffee plantation– and partake from the fruit I did! Suffice it to say, I understand breaking a 5 cup of day coffee addiction. Now I occasionally enjoy a cup, enjoying life in moderation and my adrenals continue to thank me.

Instead of flirting so much with coffee, I now flirt with shakes, and smoothies.

Remember that shakes are the fastest way to go as you can mix things up in a blender bottle. Often when I’m on the go, another way we can combine some flavorful goodies is to add cinnamon or raw cacao powder. Full day ahead? Add a little extra protein using hemp hearts or flax seed. Going for the “Gold Star” award? Add some powered greens for sustained energy and gentle detox. All off this takes less then 3 minutes. It’s as simple as adding water, shaking things up and whalah! We’re good to go!

Smoothies are another quick alternative to a speedy breakfast. I love how it involves our creativity. Toss in some greens like spinach, a little fruit like berries, and a healthy liquid like coconut water. The small changes can bring about big impact in our cells vitality and the stamina we feel. Starting the day with a smoothie provides our bodies with antioxidants, our secret agent fighting off free radical damage. Besides, it’s a great low glycemic treat that helps us curb sugar cravings for the entire day and avoid a crash.

Next time you want a quick breakfast, try a delicious shake or smoothie. I believe they’ll leave us feeling energized, motivated and ready to dominate the day. These morning breakfast options provide our body with the nutrients it needs to naturally boost the metabolism and increase energy. So, what are you reaching for tomorrow morning? I know I will be pulling out my shaker cup or blender and getting ready for some long lasting energy.

Try this Yumminess!

ChocoCocolicious NanaNut Smoothie Recipe

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8 ounces chilled coconut water

4 ounces water

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 frozen banana

1 Tablespoon nuts (try raw macadamia nuts, almonds or pecans)

2 teaspoons raw cacao powder

3 scoops of clean protein powder (I use USANA’s Nutrimeal Free)

Blend and serve! 🙂

Chime In!

Do you have a favorite “breakfast of champions” that fills up your tank and tops off your energy levels? Let us know. Are you more a shake or smoothie fan? Or if you’ve tried the recipe from above, what did you like best about it?

Tips for Hydration and How to Make “Homemade Gatorade”

It’s summer time! Even if you don’t live in the desert, the climate is warmer than usual. I’m also guessing if we’re anything alike, you’re spending more time being active outdoors.

Those who personally know me, know the mantra. “Drink plenty of clean water.” Try as I may, it’s I can’t resist. I love people, and seeing them healthy and happy. Really, how can we forgo the benefits of drinking water and staying hydrated?

First hand I know the benefits of staying hydrated because growing up, I was the kid with kidney and bladder problems. I would never, ever, ever want anyone to endure that or sickness of any kind.

Do yourself a favor, learn how to stay hydrated. Let me explain why water and coconut water should be your BFFs during the hottest season.

Hydration matters

You, magnificent animal you! You consist from anywhere to 50-75% of water. This makes you down right amazing AND needy. Every cell, tissue, joint and organ needs water for your body to perform. You’ve got to have water to run the plumbing, take out the trash, control the thermostat, and lube the joints. You simply need it to run like fine-oiled machine, but with water instead. 😉

Signs of dehydration

Dehydration can take on various symptoms. Here’s a few you want to be on the lookout for:

Fatigue

Fuzzy brain or lightheadedness

Constipation

Dark/stinky or little urine

Headaches

Sore or cramping muscles

The obvious- dry “cotton” mouth

So how do we get dehydrated?

Big offenders to dehydration are heavy workouts or simply not drinking enough healthy liquids. Warmer weather and too much sun are apparent contributors as well. We need to be most diligent and replace rapid water loss when we’ve fallen ill. Fevers, vomiting and diarrhea can be sneaky, because times like this we aren’t usually at full attention.

How much water we need to stay hydrated

There’s no hard science detailing specifics because every individual body is different with varying needs. However, there’s a collective yardstick we can all use that goes a little deeper than “drink 8 glasses of water” a day. Health experts go a little deeper in what our bodies need and I think this handy dandy chart will serve you well.

Consider your lifestyle. Are you sweating to the Oldies with Richard Simmons? Then by all means, hydrate. Perhaps, you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, then drink more water. (Even if you are man, you can drink more water.) 😉 Do you live in Antarctica or Arizona? Just use your wisdom.

When people who tell me they hate water or coconut water, I tell them, “Cry yourself a river, build a bridge, and get over it!” Okay, not really, but I could. The truth is, hydration is vital. Kindly, spruce things up by adding citrus or even berries to your water. Also, you can hydrate with variety by consuming natural, no sugar added juices from fruits and veggies, and herbal teas.

I don’t mean to sound like the beverage cop, but you’ll stay better hydrated avoiding caffeinated drinks. You’ll also find water in the food you eat from soups, salads, fruits and veggies. Some of the best advice we can take in reference to hydration is to immediately bathe our cells upon waking with a glass of water followed by a cup warm lemon water. Drink between your meals and enjoy a little coconut water for a nightcap. I call this Happy Hour. It’s my four ounces of pure love!

Should you skip traditional sports drinks and make your own instead?

But of course! Short and simple, I’m not aware of any healthy commercial sports drinks on the market. Most have high fructose corn syrup, artificial sugars, food dyes, and high levels of sodium. These chemical cocktails are counterintuitive for those who diligently work out or want to stay hydrated.

Here’s to healthier choices! Enjoy some coconut water or “Homemade Gatorade”. I’m a huge fan of coconut water. And if you aren’t living at the beach drinking it straight from the fruit, here’s the next best option. Look for labels that say “no sugar added,” “not from concentrate,” and “non-GMO”. Pour, drink, say “ahhhh.”

Here’s your all natural “Homemade Gatorade” recipe:

40 ounces of water

½ teaspoon of sea salt

1 full lemon or lime

Add 6 fresh oranges or 8 more lemons or lime (your choice)

Raw honey or Stevia to taste

Try this recipe or give coconut water a chance if you haven’t already. Let me know what you’re doing to stay hydrated, healthy and happy! Psst…and by the way, tell me, are you drinking enough water? 😉

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What’s Your Breakfast of Champions? Shake or smoothie?