Post-Workout Hydration & Cocozia Coconut Water

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Welcome to FITNESS FRIDAY! Today we are going to talk about a drink that is great for post-workout hydration, and WAY better for you than any sports drink... coconut water!

Coconut water has always been considered a rather "hippie" thing to drink, but recently it has been adopted by fitness gurus and athletes and the best drink for natural muscle repair after a workout. An 8 ounce serving of coconut water has 470mg of potassium (for comparison, a banana has 422mg of potassium) and 15 times more potassium than your typical sports drink. All of this potassium helps to maintain fluid balance in your body and ease possible muscle pain post-workout. 

Click HERE for more facts about coconut water. 

Another great thing is that coconut water is low in calories, which makes it great for mixing in fruit juices if you don't like the flavor of coconut water on its own. I don't love the flavor by itself, so I mix mine into other juices. 

Another great way to use coconut water is to make coconut water ice cubes! There are perfect for adding an extra health blast to orange juice, or for blending in a smoothie or shake. Or, why not make a healthy pina colada using coconut water?!

I was recently contacted by Cocozia and asked to review their coconut water. Cocozia is 100% organic and all natural.

I was sent one case (25 bottles) of the original Cocozia. As you can see from the picture above, they have a variety of other flavors as well - I'm interested to try the coffee & chocolate  varieties!

As mentioned before, I don't love coconut water. However, this was one of the best coconut waters I have tried yet. It tastes like it came straight from a fresh coconut and provides an authentic coconut flavor. I mixed mine in orange juice - it was like taking a post-workout recovery trip to the islands!

If you love coconut water, I would recommend trying this next time you grab a glass. To find out where you can buy some Cocozia in your area, check out the Cocozia website.

Fitness Friday: Overcoming Holiday Weight Gain

Everyone hates the weight gain that the holidays typically bring. It's almost inevitable - there are so many gingerbread men and candy canes, and you just have to try one of every flavor...right?

This year, let's overcome holiday weight gain together. Below are five tips that I think will really help you keep off those extra pounds this holiday season!

1. Plan Your Workouts

....and STICK TO IT. 

I know, it's hard. But you can do it. If you put together your fitness schedule at the beginning of the week, you are more likely to actually get your butt off the couch and into the gym because it's now a part of your schedule. If you just say, "Well, I'll go when I feel like it"....trust me, you will NEVER feel like it. So do yourself a favor and plan ahead. 

2. Bake Vegan

Eating vegan is naturally a lot healthier for you, since that means no eggs or dairy will be in your cookies. That doesn't mean you can still eat five cookies, but it will definitely help keep your weight in check. Plus, if you've never baked vegan before, this gives you a chance to experiment! 

3. Use Alternative Sweeteners

Just make sure you use NATURAL sweeteners, like Stevia or Monk Fruit. Both are zero calories and are much better alternatives to sugar or Splenda! I also like to carry around a little squirt bottle of liquid Stevia in my purse. It's handy, and if you want zero calorie sweetened coffee, it does the trick.

4. Set A Limit

Decide how many cookies or scoops of macaroni and cheese you will allow yourself BEFORE you get to the party. That way, you already know your limit and will be less likely to overload on the crappy {yet delicious} food. Then, load up on the healthier options available - like fruit!

5. Plan Your Meals

Decide what you will eat when you aren't at a Christmas party, and then go grocery shopping so you have your supplies. The more prepared you are, the less likely you will be to stray from your plans. Make sure you plan healthy and light meals (like salads, or seared tuna steaks!) so you aren't already weighed down when you get to the party.

Hopefully those tips will help you fight the urge to overeat this holiday season!

What tips do you have?

What fitness printables would you like me to design?