Need a Perk?

I know – you get it – I am back in school! My schedule is crazy and sometimes I feel like I am barely holding on in re anything beyond school, class prep, home life, and work. Needless to say, my energy level has been crappy!!! So last weekend I went on a hunt … to find some energy ;-). I bought a series of products and tracked my body’s response. Here is my caffeine review:

• Illy Issimo Coffee Drink (http://www.illy.com/wps/wcm/connect/en/coffee-away-from-home/illy-issimo-ready-to-drink-coffee): There is a bitter taste so I added a little sweetener, but it pops a whopping 155 mg of caffeine. 1 can is definitely enough for a quick boost of energy.

• Miesko Expresso-Filled Dark Chocolates: These are delicious; that’s about it. Perfect after-dinner snack and since it made me a little queasy, having a bite with food on my stomach was a great idea. Not much else to report.

• Kopiko Coffee Candy (http://www.amazon.com/Kopiko-Coffee-Candy-4-23-oz/dp/B0002LD9IW): Once again, must with food since my stomach felt a little queasy afterwards. I had a slight perk after about 1-2 pieces, 3 were too many.

• Runa Clear Energy – Orange Passion: Bitter taste so I also added sweetener. It boosts 120 mg of caffeine and only 10 calories. I had NO response.

• Steaz Organic Energy – Berry Flavor: This was my favorite in reference to taste! There are only 100mg of caffeine BUT 23mg of sugar (probably why it tastes so good :-(). The product’s label claims to be packed with other goodies, including green tea, yerba mate, guarana and acai. However, no energy boost :-(.

• Vuka Intelligent Energy – Renew Mango: HATED IT!!!! 160 mg of caffeine and label claims tons of vitamins and nutrients.

• And finally, UCC Coffee with Milk (http://www.amazon.com/UCC-Original-Coffee-Milk-11-3-Ounce/dp/B0041CH3Z8): Great, smooth taste. I enjoyed having the beverage and got a slight perk that lasted for about 2 hours. I would have this again.

Today I had my annual appointment with my primary care provider. Would you like to know what she told me??? I NEED TO EXERCISE!!!!!!!!!!! So there you go … ;-).