How I Boost My Workouts

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How I Boost My Workouts

Tharu   July 08, 2015   Comment  

Are YOU Shocked?

I use a stimulant to boost my workout!  Are you shocked with that share?  If that was the only thing stated in this post, you may form an ugly opinion of me, and you still might but I will cough up the goods.  This substance is not found in supplement stores, is fairly inexpensive, and provides very effective metabolism boosting results.  Studies have given it rave reviews for not only helping with more efficient fat burning, but also reducing exercise induced muscle pain, improved mental focus, and reduced risk of disease.

Five Reasons to Drink Coffee for a Fit Body

Drum roll ... COFFEE!  I drink one and sometimes two cups of coffee per day prior to my workouts.  Two-cup days typically mean I feel sluggish and will need more of a boost to get me through the physical demands of my workout.  I must admit to enjoying my morning cup of Joe and it has become something that I look forward to mentally as well as physically.  I can feel my body and brain waking up within 30 minutes of drinking it and ready to start my day.  I understand the habit forming properties of caffeine which is why I do not partake in all-day binges of coffee. I will use it to push through a workout however and I do not drink anymore post training.

I am very caffeine sensitive and it does not take much for me to feel the edge which is why I have cut down to a half-calf coffee mix intake.  This seems to work best for me and after a hard workout it seems to eliminate any stimulant feeling that may come from my cup of Java. During my workouts, I do enjoy the caffeine rush that enhances my athletic performance.   I do not have health issues like hypertension or diagnosed heart problems where coffee would be contraindicated so I do partake in moderation.  The other health benefits from antioxidants within coffee are an added bonus.

Drinking coffee, minus all the cream and sugar is one of my secret weapons for maintaining a fit body.  Studies show that the fat burning effects last up to 3 hours after having caffeine so I create that window for my workout.  I would not venture into unsafe stimulant territory and do not support unhealthy ways to maintain my body.  Coffee on the other hand is probably the best natural and effective stimulant making it my pre-workout drink of choice.

Check out my latest article "Five Reasons to Drink Coffee for a Fit Body" on About.com for more great information on the subject.

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Stay Healthy!

Darla

ENJOYING MY COFFEE BREAK

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ENJOYING MY COFFEE BREAK

Tharu   August 02, 2012   Comment  

Charging the Hormones!

The warm mug cupped in my hand as the aroma drifts into my face, a sip here and there as I take in a morning peaceful moment all cuddled on the sofa with my feet tucked under myself�awww�sounds like a hallmark moment, or commercial that will definitely sell coffee�lol�but I am going to bring this to an abrupt HALT.  OK�rewind to a few months ago when I woke to have my usual cup of coffee with splash of non-fat French vanilla creamer�ON MY�yes�can�t do coffee straight up, and to my unsettling surprise�REJECTED�OH MY�OH WHY.  I do not know if you have ever experienced this, but all of a sudden I needed a coffee break�I mean a break from coffee�sniff sniff.  Believe me I tried for two mornings in a row, and the same result�blahhhh�YUCK. 

I was even feeling dragged down by the coffee and not perked up as usual�although I only drink half/calf anyway�but still�my body just was not feeling the love for the coffee.  I do take a few sips from my hubby�s mug just to test drive and although OK�it is not driving me to grab my own mug down and pour a cup.  Hmmmm�.OK�I have been taking a break for at least 2 months now and I must say, I feel less tension, some weight loss (which I definitely do not need), and the added benefit of no stains on the pearly whites �at least for awhile.  I am not saying I am giving up coffee�maybe it is the hot summer months that has put the kibosh on my morning time with my warm cup. 

Studies show many health benefits in coffee and my one cup intake per day satisfied that�but now I will just have to make do with the rest of my healthy meals.  I have to admit that when my body responded well to the caffeine�meaning OK�this girl is ready to workout�I enjoyed that.  But truly, it got to where it felt like this backfired, and I no longer felt a surge of energy from the small amount of stimulant in a half/calf cup.  So�this made it easier to give up for awhile and I must say that I am enjoying my coffee break. 

When I feel a lack of energy now, I will not blame it on�man�I did not have my coffee�I can truly say�OK Darla�not enough rest, more recovery after that hard workout is needed, and the biggie as an almost 50 year young woman�HORMONE changes�YUCK.  Yes, hormones have much to do with how peri-menopausal and menopausal women feel.  I am definitely riding the peri journey right now and doing lots of research as my own health advocate.   I will say that I am so happy that watermelon season is here and I am eating pumpkin seeds like no other. 

I am not a woman who requires a JOLT to workout, so coffee on hold is OK in that area.  I hear so many people say OH MY�I just don�t have the energy to workout without my caffeine or energy drink fix�really????  OK�why does anyone need to be dependent on something to function through a workout�this is not healthy.  I can understand the occasional�man do I need a cup of coffee this morning, but when it becomes a dependence to function�not for this girl.  I do look forward to when my body says OK�YAHOO�loving coffee but for now� I will enjoy my coffee break;)

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Darla:)