Kick the 5 hour energy habit!

We all have vice an habits, it's part of being human.  Mine as this time in my life is the 5hr energy shots.  I like the kick they give me, plain and simple and without any apologies.  They contain sucralose and are an expensive in a time of tightening budget.  So ... i have been force to stop denial that I have that little problem, look at the issue with an open mind and really decide if I want to continue buying 2-3 of these a day or make better choices for myself.  So today I decided I will kick the habit.  I should be sharing my experience about the Air Force marathon but in a way this is more personal to me than the last race.  I have an addictive personality and have struggled with addictions in the past so this is actually an humbling article than I am writing.  And more personal I guess.  But also this blog gives an outlet not only to share in my successes but also my weakness.

Today I concocted a tea/juice drink and these are my notes.  What I learned from my past struggles is that you don't really leave the addiction behind.  But very often you leave it behind by replacing a negative addiction with a positive.  For me I left a negative behind by focusing on exercising very successfully before.  Here, I am thinking the same methodology could work.  Replace my 5hr energy shots with a homemade concoction that will fill the need I fill with the 5hr energies yet I control the ingredients thus it's a better option.  Of course there is always the possibility these shots don't fulfill any needs at all but psychological.  I started doing them many years ago while my nutrition was real bad.  I took a peak at the energy blend and at first look everything in it I get via Shakeology or my balanced diet.  Do I really need these shots then today or is it just a fabrication in my head I need them?  Interesting questions.  I drank some tea for the caffeine input and now I got the jitters and need to pee so whatever I drank, was way too much.  Also I have somewhat a headache all the sudden.  Jonsing lol

here are my notes for the day:

9/20/12 – First attempt to design caffeine drink to replace my 5hr energy habit.  Today’s concoction:

Black tea, 12 OZ; Ocean Spray Cran-pomegranate 8.5 OZ; Organic sugar, 2 tea spoons.  Notes - Some sugar not dissolved (collects at bottom).  I feel the caffeine jolt.  I miss something “sweet” in the taste though and I have a though that something acidic (orange juice or lemon juice) would blend nice.  Experimenting with this concoction in a separate glass: 2 OZ of the mix, drop of lemon.  It’s more zesty and seem closer to 5hr energy taste, albeit less” in ur face”.

To design a good substitute I also need to understand better their “energy blend”.  Link to the official ingredient description:

http://www.5hourenergy.com/ingredients.asp#phenyl

Some thoughts  just reading this.  What I need to figure out is, is it the blend that works for me or is it just in my head?  If the blend it is then how can I substitute what works in my diet or drink  without needing to drink the 5hr energies as well?

Vitamins

Well really I know I am getting the vitamins I need from Shakeology.  B12 supposed to promote energy I think but I know I have taken B12 supplements before and I felt no different.

Energy Blend

Citicoline

Citicoline is a water-soluble compound essential for the synthesis of phosphatidyl choline, a constituent of brain tissue. Citicoline plays a role in neurotransmission and can help support brain function.*
Compound as in chemical?  Where does it naturally occur?
Looks like enhanced brain function.

Tyrosine

An amino acid that transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It is present in meat, dairy, fish and grains.
Looks like enhanced brain function.

Phenylalanine

An essential amino acid that enhances alertness* It’s found in dairy products, avocados, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish.
Click here to read more about phenylalanine.
Looks like enhances “alertness, but with a balanced diet and Shakeology don’t I get what I need already?

Taurine

A naturally occurring chemical substance present in meat, fish and dairy products. Adult humans have high concentrations of Taurine in white blood cells, skeletal muscles, the heart and central nervous system. It plays a role in digestion, and is used to process potassium, calcium and sodium in the body, as well as maintain the integrity of cell membranes.*
Mm … so maybe if it helps digest it reduces the energy drain during digested diverting energy back to being more “alert’?

Malic Acid

The body synthesizes Malic Acid during the process of converting carbohydrates to energy. The main food source of Malic Acid are fruits, especially apples, which contain the highest concentrations.
Mmm love apples, I eat one almost everyday.  I noticed fresh fruits in the afternoon seem to boost my energy level.  As a matter of fact I notice when I drink the 5hr energy in combination with fruit the effect seems enhanced.

Glucuronolactone

A natural metabolite found in the human body. It is produced by the metabolization of glucose in the liver. It has been shown to reduce sleepiness*.

Caffeine

Provides a boost of energy and feeling of heightened alertness.* Original 5-hour ENERGY^® contains caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee. Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY^® contains caffeine comparable to 12 ounces of the leading premium coffee. Decaf 5-hour ENERGY^® contains about as much caffeine as a half cup of decaffeinated coffee.