Healthy Drinks

Tenzing 100% Natural Energy Drink

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Energy drinks. Always a touchy subject in the fitness world. Should we drink them? Should we not? As much as I’ll have a cheeky one every now and again (mainly after a big night out), my personal opinion is to give them a miss. Packed with sugar and god knows what else, they’re not exactly the healthiest way to fuel up. That was until the lovely guys at Tenzing got in touch and introduced me to their fabulous all natural energy drink.

Inspired by the Sherpa people and their special energising brew to fuel expeditions on the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest, and named after Sherpa Tenzing Norgay- one of the first men to reach the top- I was more than honoured to give Tenzing a try. Made from six key ingredients of green tea, green coffee, guarana (seeds from berries that are twice as rich in natural caffeine than coffee!), Himalayan rock salt, lemon juice and beet sugar, there is absolutely nothing artificial about this energising drink.

Not only does it taste delicious, it is really refreshing and doesn’t leave you with the slump that other energy drinks can do after they burn out. I felt surprisingly awakened and didn’t have to feel bad about putting any nasty synthetic products into my body. In fact, after a tough gym session, I am actually sipping on one right now!

I’d definitely recommend this to any busy or not-so-busy-body, as it really does taste fab. It also doubles as a great alternative to a fizzy drink, for anybody trying to reduce their fizzy pop intake! I usually stick to water, but am definitely keen to pick up a few more Tenzing cans for when I’m feeling low on energy. Thanks Tenzing, you have introduced me to a real gem- sold!

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Source: TeamTenzing.com

How Much Water Should You Really Be Drinking?

| tigeresskirby

We all know that we’re supposed to drink a certain amount of water per day, yet there’s so much nutritional information in the media today that it’s not always easy to filter through it all. Not only that, many people don’t realise the importance of drinking water.

So, why do we need to drink water?

Our bodies are composed with a whopping 60% water. It is used to transport nutrients, regulate our temperature, as lubrication and is the environment in which every single chemical reaction in the body takes place. As little as 2% loss of water seriously comprises our mental and physical performance. Our energy levels slump, blood pressure lowers (causing less blood to the brain and reduced concentration), headaches set in and muscle function decreases. In fact, with insufficient water intake we put ourselves at risk of death. Did you know, although not healthy or recommended, we can live for over a month without food yet if we were to go without water for a week we would die!

OK, how much water should we really be drinking then?

2 litres per day if we haven’t exercised. That’s a minimum of 2 litres and must be increased if we take part in any physical activity. We lose 2-2.5l/day alone just through breathing, sweating and urination. 1-2l/hour is lost during exercise!

Sounds like a lot! How can I ensure that I hit 2l?

I recommend to carry 2l water bottle with you each day and sip it throughout the day. If you’re not used to drinking so much, you might find that you need to go to the toilet a little more that usual. This is normal and will settle down after a couple of weeks! Also, we do get some water from the food that we eat. This shouldn’t be confused as part of your 2l! That’s additional water that is vital for our bodies to function.

And if I’m exercising?

Take a sports bottle with you to drink throughout the session. Refill at the end to ensure maximum re-hydration. You can see my favourite ones right here!

Is any fluid classed as part of my 2 litres?

Definitely not. Diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine (found in tea, coffee and most soft drinks) actually dehydrate the body and shouldn’t be counted as part of the 2l. In fact, they should really be avoided.

It may not be easy to hit 2 litres a day, but it is important. People who don’t usually hit the recommended amount can notice huge differences in their concentration and performance just by upping their intake! If there’s one thing that you do today, make sure that it’s to drink your water! x

How To Beat The Hangover This Bank Hol!

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It’s here- the last weekend of August, which for a lot of us means a longgg weekend! Yipppee! But by the end of it, we can sometimes be left feeling a little worse for wear. My top tip for eliminating that hangover? Watermelon.

That’s right, this trendy fruit- apparently Beyonce’s fave for 2014- can really help to zap that morning after trauma (unfortunately Lemonade doesn’t quite have the same affect). Packed with both water and nutrients, it holds just what your body needs for a speedy recovery. Keep a carton of watermelon juice in the fridge or the whole fruit in your fruit bowl and indulge first thing. You’ll soon be feeling fresh for the day ahead- even if it does just involve lounging on the sofa! Happy Bank Holiday, guys. Enjoy! xx

Healthy Cocktails

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Who would have thought it- 1 of your 5 a day, in a cocktail?! Well, what you’re hearing is correct with these fruity delights, created for all of you health-concious party-goers/hosts!

Concocted by myself in perfect timing for this year’s BBQ season (or for your girls night in) these cocktails are not only healthy but delicious too. If I do say so myself… Made with gin, tonic, fresh fruit and ice, they don’t break the bank and are nice and easy to whip together. Although saying that, I did have a few kitchen disasters, which you can view right here.

They’re packed with fruit, are designed to minimise your next-day hangover and are low in calories. See the full recipe on my YouTube channel and add some zest to your week! xx

P.S. See a few of my mishaps below or head over to YouTube to enjoy them all!

Cheeky Tip for the Weekend

| tigeresskirby
Drinking this weekend? Here’s one way to make your alcohol consumption that little bit healthier. Choose a gin or vodka that’s been infused with grapefruit!
Infusing spirits with grapefruit has been found to reduce hunger, meaning that you’re less likely to pick at those bar snacks or stop off at the kebab shop on the way home. Eating on nights out is one of the most dangerous times to eat, as usually alcohol makes us eat like takeaway kings and queens!
Try Beefeater 24 gin, which contains green tea and grapefruit. Lot’s of antioxidants and hunger zapping!
Happy weekend guys! xx
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