After reading this article on CNN explaining exactly how antioxidants work , I've been trying to find new ways to consume more of them. The other day I tried this new antioxidant drink called Purple, and It's rather tasty. I'd describe the taste as similar to pomegranate juice, but less tart and all around better. I love that Purple is a combination of many antioxidant-rich fruit juices instead of just one or two.

The fruit: Purple are Açai, black cherry, pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry and blueberry.

The antioxidants: One group of antioxidant power sources are Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, alpha carotene, lycopenes, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The other set of antioxidants is known as Flavonoids.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Purple and HERE to try the tasty cocktail recipes!

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Although you're not consuming loads of candy bars and soda, you could be unknowingly eating too much sugar. You'd be surprised how much sugar is found in the least expected food and beverages.  A graduate student at New York University's department of nutrition says " We shouldn't consume more than 40 grams -- about 10 teaspoons -- of sugar a day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet". To me 10 teaspoons of sugar seems like an impossible amount to consume in an entire day, but the truth is that sugar is hidden everywhere and we should all be aware of this.

THE CULPRITS:

• A breakfast muffin could contain 11 tbs. of sugar.
• A Clif energy bar has five teaspoons of sugar.
• A grande vanilla latte from Starbucks contains about 7 grams of sugar
• Tomato sauces and other condiments also contain an abundance of added sugar.
• Fruit flavored yogurts including those labeled "low fat" are loaded with extra sugar.
• Bread and cereals are the least expected sugar-filled culprits.

IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: 

• Sucrose is essentially table sugar.
• Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk.
• Fructose is the sugar found naturally in fruits and some vegetables -- it's what makes an apple sweet.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), an inexpensive sweetener used in many processed foods made by changing the sugar in corn starch into fructose.

MONITOR YOUR SUGAR INTAKE:

• Check nutrition information on product packaging for grams of sugar.
• Visit the website, most restaurant's and coffee shops offer nutrition facts right on the website.
• Don't forget about the sugar in beverages. Try drinking more water instead.
• While grocery shopping compare labels. If one brand contains more grams of sugar per serving, go for the brand with less sugar.
• Use less condiments. If you normally smother your burger or veggie burger with ketchup, try using less.

SOURCE

Dropping a few pounds doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all the foods you love, but making a few minor adjustments will help. Even cutting back 50 calories a day can make a difference and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these switching techniques to help you look your best this summer.

 If you regularly have 2% milk in your latte, try switching to fat-free. You’ll be saving yourself 32 calories for every 8 fl. ounces. Do the same with all dairy products including yogurt and cheese.

 Instead of having a blueberry muffin from your favorite coffee shop, equipped your self with a nutritious and lower calorie breakfast bar. The Luna Sunrise Blueberry Bliss bar  is the perfect choice. They taste amazing, they’re healthy, and they’re only 170 calories compared to Starbucks’ 310 calorie reduced-fat blueberry coffee cake.

 Choose lighter condiments on your sandwiches. If you normally have regular mayo on your sub, try using light mayo instead. Just by swapping out regular mayo for light mayo, you’re cutting back from 100 calories to 50 calories per tbs. You can cut back even more by using yellow mustard; it’s only 11 calories per tbs.

 While grocery shopping take the time to compare the calories of several brands. I try to buy the loaf of whole grain bread with the least calories per slice or the salad dressing with fewer calories per tbs. Being a bit more conscious at the grocery store, can make cutting back on calories simple.

 Cutting down on booze calories can be easy too. Instead of having a regular beer, opt for a light beer instead. I especially love the 99 calorie Heineken Lights . If you like margaritas try the skinny girl version; Patron Silver on the rocks with a splash of lime juice and a splash of triple sec. You get the taste of a margarita with out loads of sugar. Another great low-cal cocktail is to have vodka with club soda and just a splash of your favorite fruit juice.

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For the past 2 days I've been dealing with a nasty cold, which is why I haven't been posting as much as usual.  While I was out shopping at Trader Joe's I decided to pick up a box of Acai Berry flavored Emergen-C out of despair. Before trying anything new, I always do some online research by reading several customer reviews. I like to be sure the product I'm consuming has a good reputation. Needless to say the reviews for Emergen-C won me over.

Drinking Emergen-C provided me with some extra energy while I was sick and I believe it helped to me to recover faster. The really cool thing about this product is that you can take it as a daily vitamin supplement whether you're sick or not. It's also a much healthy alternative to caffeinated energy drinks.

EMERGEN-C DESCRIPTION:

Dietary Supplement. Super energy booster. 1000 mg Vitamin C as 7 mineral ascorbates. 32 Mineral complexes. B Vitamins. Emergen-C is so much more than just Vitamin C! The foundation of Emergen-C is built on seven mineral ascorbates. These mineral ascorbates of potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, chromium and zinc provide your body with 1,000 mg of vital, life-sustaining Vitamin C in a non-acidic, stomach-friendly formula. Unlike ordinary Vitamin C supplements, Emergen-C also has a total of 32 active mineral complexes along with key B Vitamins. All combined, Emergen-C is a potent blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that support healthy metabolic function, boost your immunity and give you a burst of non-caffeinated energy. Spring: Emergen-C can put an extra spring in your step with the natural energy boost of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. Summer: When temperatures rise, drinking Emergen-C's electrolyte-enhanced formula, with 32 mineral complexes, can help replenish critical fluids and minerals lost through perspiration. Fall/Winter: Emergen-C supports a healthy immune system with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C, zinc, and 32 minerals complexes.

You can buy Emergen-C directly from the category "Supplements" in the  BE FIT STORE Powered By Amazon.com!

I am a firm believer in the benefits of kombucha tea  and drink it regularly. Kombucha supports digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, healthy skin and healthy hair.

These are two major kombucha brands sold at health food stores; GT's Organic Raw Kombucha and Carpe Diem Kombucha. Which is the better choice?

After trying both brands, I prefer GT's Organic Raw Kombucha to Carpe Diem Kombucha. It has fewer calories, more flavor options and no added sugar. I feel as though GT's is the healthier option; however I do think that a person new to kombucha tea may prefer the taste of Carpe Diem.

What's your opinion about kombucha tea?