Which Water Hydration is Best for your Workout?

In this crazy world, nothing can be simple--- not even water.  You wouldn't think to mosey down a supermarket's water aisle and leave overwhelmed. There's vitamin water, flavored water, fitness water, sports drinks and I think I once saw diet water. There's too much H2O indecisiveness; what happened to plain old water?

Water has acquired some stiff competition over the years, but how do you know which competitors are best for your workout and overall health? Thankfully for Self Magazine, I got the 411.

Sports Drinks

What are they? Sports drinks refuel the sodium and potassium, electrolytes that are sweat out during exercise, to help muscles work efficiently.


Do you need one? Only when enduring a serious sweat session (heavy lifting or spinning); they're designed for people exercising more than an hour at high intensity. If you're not hoofin' it, then one of these drinks could negate the calories you just burned. Many sports drinks also include unnecessary sugars so make sure to check labels.


How to buy: Look for a drink with 50-70 calories, up to 19 grams of carbs and at least 100 milligrams per 8 ounces. Keep an eye out for Gatorade G-Series 02 Perform and Powerade Ion 4! (source)

Fitness Waters

What are they? Fitness waters represent the lighter version of sports drinks. They have little to few calories and some replenish electrolytes; however, don't rely on them to aid in muscle recovery.


Do you need one? These drinks are perfect for a moderately-intense 45 minute workout (running or biking). Keep adding water to enjoy the flavor longer but remember plain old water works just as well!


How to buy: Look for calorie-free options that have 80- 100 mg sodium per 8 oz. Propel Zero is a great pick and will keep you hydrated without canceling out the calories you just burned! (source)

Vitamin Waters

What are they? Vitamin waters provide added vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, and E. Some brands advertise extra perks such as a boost in energy, immunity or concentration.


Do you need one? Probably not unless you really love the taste and feel the perks prove true. According to sports dietitian, Jenna Bell, R.D., vitamin waters won't dramatically change your health. The body absorbs vitamins better for food so reach for an orange when you need a boost in vitamin C. (source)


How to buy: Snatch a no-calorie options like Vitaminwater Zero or Skinny Water Total-V. To stray clear of a vitamin overload, skip brands with nutrients that you already get in your diet.

Flavored Waters

What are they? Just as the title states, it's water with a little pizzazz. They're infused with natural ingredients such as citrus, berries, mint and fruit.  They provide the benefits of water with a hint of flavor without adding calories or unnecessary artificials.

Do you need on? They're great alternative to plain old water but can often be pricey. To save money and the environment: use a refillable BPA-free bottle, tap water and a little lemon juice. It's just as tasty and less expensive!

How to buy: Make sure the ingredients list is short and sweet (and you can pronounce the ingredients). It should only include: water and natural ingredients. Choose calorie-free options like Hint Water and Mentromint.

And remember, there is nothing wrong with plain old water! It's the nectar of the fitness gods!

Should you be like Miley Cyrus & Go Gluten-Free?

I love food but food doesn't always love me. Over the past few years, I've had to rethink what I eat or end up in fetal position on the bathroom floor. It's not fun and it's not cute by any means. I'm lactose-intolerant-- so dairy is never an option-- but lately I'm starting to think there's more to my tummy troubles. My beloved Luna bars are starting to cause digestive wars and I've already cut out LARABARs.... hey, I just kinda rhymed. Anywho, this is not a pity party for my stomach and what I can't eat (trust me, I'm not whittling away by any means), but there may be an alleged culprit and I'm investigating--- cue the 60 Minutes ticking clock.

Gluten. tick. tick. tick.

Within the last year gluten has been dubbed a villain in the food industry, but who even knew what gluten was or heard of it until hyped up on health blogs and dissed by Miley Cyrus? So, why are we picking on gluten?

What's gluten anyways? Here's the fitbie definition:

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, as well as in many common food additives. It's what gives dough its elasticity and baked goods their satisfying chewiness. But for people with celiac disease—a type of autoimmune disorder—eating foods that contain gluten can lead to a cascade of nasty reactions, including damage to the small intestine, poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, anemia, and fatigue. Celiac disease is surprisingly common, affecting about one in every 133 people, according to an often-cited 2003 study from the University of Maryland center for celiac research.


For some, gluten is a big pain in the butt,:

while others take gluten lemons and make lemonade:

Even those who don't have Celiac disease may have a gluten sensitivity and are avoiding it all together; but if gluten doesn't bother you, should you avoid it anyways? Ever since Miley Cyrus emerged slim and trim and said she's been avoiding gluten and dairy due to allergies, people have been saying a gluten-free diet encourages weight loss but doctors say otherwise. 

Here's my non-expert perspective: I'm allergic to dairy but it doesn't make me lose weight, it just limits my options. I could make poor health choices regardless of my intolerance and an article in Self agrees:

Rachel Begun, a registered dietitian and food industry consultant, told Today's Health that only those who have been diagnosed with a gluten-related disorder should go on a gluten-free diet.In fact, Begun said "People who go gluten-free may gain weight if they rely mostly on highly-processed gluten free foods, many of which tend to be higher in fat, calories and sugar than their gluten-containing counterparts."

Karen Ansel, also a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agreed. "There’s absolutely no evidence that a gluten-free diet promotes weight loss," Ansel explained. "However, there is data that indicates that following a gluten-free diet can result in a diet that's low in key nutrients -- especially iron, zinc and B vitamins such as folate and niacin.”

Like anything, everyone has their own preferences and what works for one person may not work for another. I think there's too many differing opinions to make a definte decision, but if you think gluten is hurting your health then talk to your doctor. If not, keep making healthy decisions and partying in the USA.

Seep Yourself Healthy: Hot Tea Guide & Benefits

Hello all.

Long time no talk.

I apologize 

(college has been consuming all my free time, how rude).

I love tea. 

Not only is it tasty, but it helps fix everything

... bad moods, low motivation, sicknesses, etc ... 

basically there's a tea for every occasion, 

except one that helps you win the lottery 

(I'm conducting research now). 

I was reading an article in my Self magazine,

and there was an article about 6 teas that provide certain health perks. 

I wanted to share, so I made an easy guide to selecting the perfect tea. 

Seep your way to a healthier you!

Which tea is right for you?

Want to slim down? 

Black tea may help you do that. Black tea may prevent your body from absorbing fat from food, but consume it plain because milk or cream may counteract the fat fighting effects. 

Try Bigelow's Organic Ceylon (plus it's fair trade certified!):

ACHOOOOO! 

Chamomile calms allergies (plus it's a great pre-sleep remedy). Flavonoids in this tea act like antihistamines, but you'll need to drink it daily to get its full effect.

Try Traditional Medicinals' (this brand rocks, they have a tea for everything) Organic Chamomile:

Hate goopy sunscreen?

Green tea may help protect against harmful UV rays, but pair with a non-sticky sun screen to stay well guarded against Mr. Sun.

Got a Keurig?, try Celestial's green tea K-Cups:

Need to lower your blood pressure?

Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure. A study showed that people who drank three 8 oz. cups of crimson tea a day saw their BP drop by 7.2 points!

Try Celestial's Red Zinger:

Have no gym motivation?

Peppermint tea helps increase athletic performance. The smell of the mint leaves help kick your gym motivation into high gear! I also drink peppermint tea after meals to help digestion!

Try Twinings' Pure Peppermint:

Need to lower your cholesterol?

Rooibus tea may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. It's like magic.

Try Tazo's African Red Bush:

Try all 6 to turbo boost your health benefits!
Seep yourself healthy! Enjoy!