Adventurous Andrea

The Solo Female Travel Blog

health

6 Healthy Alternatives To Energy Drinks

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It’s a frantic world out there and keeping up means having high levels of energy at all times. Energy drinks are fast-becoming one of the most popular drinks in the world, and if you’re fueling your hectic lifestyle with them, then you may be leaving yourself physically vulnerable to some of the many negative side-effects. As sales of energy drinks continue to rise, it might be time to change your drinking habits and start looking at alternative high-energy hydration options. If you want to avoid the health issues that are associated with energy drinks, then consider some of these far healthier alternatives.

Unexpected energy in water

You might think that water is not going to be very effective for energy, but you’d be wrong. Dehydration is a leading cause of fatigue, so having a few glasses of water every day can easily boost your energy levels and all without any additional chemicals involved.

Consistent energy with Camel Milk

There are growing numbers of people who are swapping cow’s milk for camel milk. This is not a new trend. Countries in the Middle East have been using camel’s milk for hundreds of years because of its high protein levels. Camel milk in US can be found easily and is the perfect supplement to your morning tea or coffee, and it can help keep your energy levels consistent throughout the day.

Stimulating Ginger Tea

There are many reasons why a cup of hot ginger tea is a better option than any energy drink. Not only is it a mild stimulant, it also helps your body speed up the process of turning your food into energy. It might not be perfect, but it’s better than yet another energy drink. Consider adding some turmeric and/or cardamom to your cup of tea, and both your energy and circulation will be vastly improved.

Power-Packed Wheatgrass Juice

Just one ounce of wheatgrass juice contains 91 minerals and 20 amino acids, so it’s definitely good for you. However, it’s also the ideal alternative to Mountain Dew, largely because it aids digestion and blood flow, meaning that you get the energy benefits faster and more naturally than chugging down an energy drink.

Protein Shakes

One of the reasons why you might be feeling low-energy is due to a lack of protein. This can have serious effects on your energy levels, and having a protein shake is a good way to ensure that you are getting enough. You will need to make sure that you add carbs to your shake, as they are the foundation of the energy use that you need. Fruit or milk are excellent additions to protein shakes.

Don’t ignore your nose

It’s not all about what you drink. Your environment can be the foundation of your energy. Consider adding some energy-inducing scents into your life. Peppermint oil, rosemary, and citrus scents are great for boosting your energy, and you don’t even have to consume them! Choose from scented candles in the bedroom or essential oils in your bathroom, and your energy levels will get a natural and healthy boost.

If life in the fast lane is leaving you exhausted and unable to keep up, then these high-energy solutions are far better for you than gulping down yet another energy drink. Avoid the risk of high-sugar and highly caffeinated beverages, and your energy levels will get the boost you need without affecting your health.

How to Achieve Your Dream Body

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Everyone has insecurities about their body. While some people are carrying excess weight, others might be insecure about their slim frame or lack of definition. Rather than obsessing over your so-called flaws, you should take action to improve your self-esteem.

If you want to finally feel happy in your own skin, so you feel good both inside and outside of your clothing, read the tips below on how to achieve your dream body.

Create a Healthy Diet Plan

If you are carrying excess weight or want to pile on the pounds, you must develop a healthy diet plan that works for you. To do so, it’s advisable to consult a nutritionist, who can develop a meal plan that complements your body’s needs. For example, they will understand the best foods for you to eat to shed unwanted weight, and how many calories you need to consume to reach your target weight.

Regularly Exercise

If you want to lose weight, tone up, or add muscle, you must start regularly exercising to maintain a fit and healthy body. There are many ways you can start working out. For example, you can visit a gym, go running, play a sport with friends, or join a fitness class. Simply look for fun and effective ways to get off the sofa to start moving.

Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard

Many people are tempted to push their body too hard when working out, as they might want to achieve their dream body at the fastest possible rate. However, strenuous exercise can lead to an unwanted injury that could prevent you from working out for many days, weeks or months. For example, lifting too many weights or swimming too much could lead to a painful rotator cuff injury, which could require rest and physical therapy treatment.

Ditch the Scales

Scales are not a measure of hard work, increased flexibility and strength. If you want to feel confident in your body, you must stop obsessing over your weight and ditch the scales for good. If you are enjoying a healthy diet, undertaking regular exercise and feel comfortable in your clothing, there’s no reason to measure your health based on a set of numbers.

Set Realistic Goals

You cannot expect to achieve your dream body overnight. Losing weight, building muscle, or toning your body can take time, so you must have patience. To ensure you’re heading in the right direction, you should set yourself a weekly or monthly goal. For example, you could aim to increase your endurance level by the end of the month or have mastered an exercise before the week is over.

Forgive Yourself

No-one is perfect, so you can’t expect your diet and exercise plan to be. If you want to develop a healthy body, you must learn to forgive yourself for indulging a little too much in unhealthy foods or missing a workout. Carrying the guilt could lead to you giving up altogether, which will not help you to achieve your dream body. Instead, you should learn to forgive yourself for those fries or dessert, so you can quickly get back on track.

When Is It Time To Treat A Drug Addiction?

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Most people who have a drug addiction never get the treatment that they need. When a person does decide to seek treatment, they often wait until the addiction has completely ruined their lives. That is why it is important to recognize the signs of an addiction early so that you can get the appropriate treatment.

You Have Done Something Dangerous While Being Drunk or High 

Drugs and alcohol are known for lowering inhibitions and impairing judgment. This may not seem like a big deal. However, it can cause you to hurt yourself and hurt others. For example, you decide to drive a car while you are drunk or high. You will put yourself and the other people on the road in danger.

In 2010, 40 percent of the fatal accidents were caused by someone who was drunk or high. Twenty-five percent of these drivers were over the age of 50.

Your Loved Ones Have Confronted You 

Most people who have a drug or alcohol addiction attempt to hide it from their family members and friends. That is why if your family members and friends have confronted you, then this is a sign that your behavior is out of control. This is not something that you should take lightly because they are concerned about your health and safety.

You Start to Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

If you cannot go for a few hours without drinking or using drugs without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, then you need to go to drug rehab. Nausea, irritability, headaches and paranoia are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms will get worse the longer you are addicted to a drug.

You Use Drugs and Alcohol to Cope With Your Stress 

Many people use drugs and alcohol to cope with stress. If you turn to drugs and alcohol every time that you face a stressful situation, then you will need to go to drug rehab. Using alcohol and drugs will help alleviate the stress temporarily. However, they will eventually add to the stress of your life.

You Have Harmed Yourself or Others 

Drugs and alcohol can increase the risk of mental illness. This can put you at risk for developing suicidal thoughts. It can also put you at risk for hurting other people. You will need to drug rehab if your drug and alcohol use has started to affect your mental health.

Tolerance 

Do you find that you have to keep using more of the drug or alcohol in order to get the desired effect? If so, then you have developed a tolerance. Your body will keep needing more of the substance. That is why medical detox is the first step in overcoming an addiction.

Your School and Work has Suffered 

Drug and alcohol addiction can affect your performance at school and work. You may find that you are missing work and school, showing up late and not turning in assignments. Many people have lost their jobs and been kicked out of school because of drug and alcohol use. Getting drug and alcohol addiction treatment can help save your career and academic life.

You are Getting Trouble With the Law 

If you have been in trouble with the law because of your drug and alcohol problem, then it is time to go to drug rehab. You can prevent yourself from having run-ins with the law by getting treatment.

Your Health has Suffered 

Drugs and alcohol can ruin your health. They can also shorten your life. If your doctor has warned you that your health is in danger because of drugs and alcohol, then it is time to go to rehab.

What To Consider When Shopping For Health Insurance

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The market is flooded with health insurance options and making the decision isn’t easy. That’s why it’s important to research different companies and the coverage that they offer. Now, to help you out we have some tips that you should consider. Just remember this isn’t professional advice (it’s always recommended that you consult with a doctor and a health insurance advisor) but common sense info that anyone can take advantage of.

Do You Need Health Insurance In The First Place?

Your employer may already have you covered with a quality health insurance plan. Chances are you already know about this, but if not you should find out about the exact nature of the coverage.

You may also be covered by your parent’s health insurance plan if you’re still a young adult.

It pays to make sure that you do indeed need to get health insurance in the first place.

What Your Doctor Thinks

Your doctor may be very knowledgeable about different health insurance options. They also know all about you as their patient, so they may be able to help match you with a plan most appropriate for your situation. That’s why it pays to give them a call and see what they think.

The Costs

Premiums are the monthly fees that you need to pay regardless of whether you get sick or not. Note that these premiums can vary significantly depending on the plan you select, the company providing it, and your demographical information (e.g., age, medical history).

The deductible is the amount that you will need to pay when you do get sick. Once this is paid your health insurance company will cover most of the remaining costs.

You will notice that plans with low premiums often have high deductibles and vice versa. However, this is not always the case.

Some people who consider themselves quite healthy may opt for plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles because doing so may save them money. Of course, it all depends on individual situations.

What Previous Policyholders Thought

It’s a good idea to read the review of different health insurance options. Doing so will hopefully allow you to get unbiased information about whether different companies and the policies they offer are ideal for you or not.

You don’t want to take the word of company representatives so make sure you read what actual policyholders thought.

The Network Rules

Before signing up for a policy, you should consider the network rules. Some plans will allow you to use almost any doctor, hospital or healthcare facility. However, some may limit your options, and you might not even be able to see your own doctor without paying out-of-network fees.

Final Thoughts

Good luck on your shopping trip for health insurance. Just like supermarket shelves are stocked with an abundance of food options, so too is the health insurance industry. That’s why it’s important to consider all the different policy options, exactly what they cover, how much you will need to pay, and what network you will be on.