Get Physical With Blended Drinks

Getting old does not necessarily mean getting sick. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are not a function of chronological age. In fact they have more to do with lifestyle than genes–although both play a role. Not only are age-related pains and disabilities preventable, they are also reversible.

Taking basic vitamins and mineral supplements is a healthy habit. It is known to improve resistance against infection and disease. Additional antioxidants and botanical medicines, such as coenzyme Q₁₀, grape seed extract, lutein or ginkgo biloba provide added protection from free radicals and oxidative stress. Your chances are improved if your body is well conditioned and nourished by organic, whole food.

There is another side to the supplement coin that emphasizes the importance and quality of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat) with special emphasis on high-quality non-denatured protein and essential fats that heal. When used correctly, these products can be extremely beneficial. Many of them are designed to enhance immune function, improve insulin efficiency, increase your fat-burning capacity, improve strength, endurance, stamina and encourage long-term participation in physical activity.

Shake and Take

I start every day with a blended health shake, or smootie. It’s quick, easy to prepare and incredibly nutritious. You can add a variety of super foods or specific isolated nutrients in powder form to aid digestion.

Oranges and grapefruits have a low glycemic index, which means the sugars they contain filter into the blood stream relatively slowly. This helps prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and rebound hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When combined with flax oil and whey protein, this mixture will stabilize your blood sugar and insulin level and will achieve energy and endurance. The freshly squeezed juices are alkaline-forming, teeming with enzymes and loaded with cell protective antioxidants.

The high yield of linoleic acid (omega-3 parent) in flax will interact with the organic sulfur in whey to form a healing protein compound. This can be of particular benefit to someone with damaged or inflamed intestines. It’s also good for skin problems and painful joints. If you prefer, you can substitute flax with hemp seed oil or Udo’s Choice. All three provide excellent omega-3 nutrient value.

Endurance Insurance

When it comes to nitrogen retention and biological value, whey protein outperforms any challenger, including soy, eggs, fish, meat, nuts and seeds. No human can live without protein and many people, especially women, either don’t consume enough low-fat high-quality protein or consume too much of the wrong kind. Whey protein isolate is leaner than wild game and suitable for the whole family, young and old. It’s clean, contains no animal related contaminants, is extracted without heat and is extremely soluble.

I add powdered vitamin C to my smoothie for several reasons. It mitigates cortisol-related damage, reinforces collagen production, strengthens my adaptive capacity to physical and mental stress, detoxifies blood and lymph, supports adrenal function and quenches free radicals. Irwine Stone and Linus Pauling were right on the money: vitamin C is the world’s most underrated lifesaver.

Take your regular vitamins and antioxidants with this delicious and smooth energy drink one to two hours before physical activity and I guarantee you’ll feel stronger and have more endurance.

For a nutrient-rich, balanced and complete breakfast, or as a post-workout recovery drink, add a mix of fresh and frozen fruit (papaya, mango, banana, blueberries) to one cup of filtered water, one tablespoon of organic flax seed oil, one teaspoon vitamin C and one to two scoops of flavored or plain whey protein. To get the most out of exercise, substitute a cup of freshly squeezed organic orange or grapefruit juice for the fruit. For added muscle strength, cartilage support and recovery value you can also add up to five grams of pure creatine monohydrate, L-glutamine or D-ribose powder, depending on your weight, gender and type of activity. These three powerhouse supplements are also available in capsule form.