coconut water

Coffee breaks just got a little more exciting, thanks to Coco Cafe, a boxed beverage that combines the hydrating powers of coconut water with espresso, a splash of reduced-fat milk, and sugar. While we've been loving the original latte flavor, we recently got a chance to try its latest offerings: vanilla latte and mocha. Fans of traditional bottled coffee beverages will not be disappointed.

If you've ever had a bottled latte or mocha drink, Coco Cafe's offerings are pretty similar tasting, but with a few minor differences. While the taste of coconut water is not at all present in either drink, it does cut through the richness of the dairy. The result is a drink that doesn't taste too heavily of milk, but still retains enough creaminess to satisfy iced-coffee cravings. Of the two, the vanilla was my favorite, the taste of coffee came through with just enough sweetness to balance it out. While the mocha was good, it tasted more like a lightened-up version of chocolate milk than a coffee drink: I couldn't taste the espresso, and the distinct taste of cocoa powder overpowered the drink a little too much for my taste.

As for whether or not the use of coconut water makes this a healthy offering or just a slick gimmick, what Coco Cafe does have compared to similar drinks, is a hefty dose of potassium — 600 milligrams worth. And because it relies more on coconut water than milk and sugar, overall calorie counts are lower (especially in terms of the sugar). Caffeine levels seem to be pretty on point: the 11-ounce drink contains 120 milligrams of caffeine, roughly the amount of a single shot of espresso. And while it is a healthier choice than, say, a bottled Frappuccino, at 140 calories and 19 grams of sugar, Coco Cafe's drinks shouldn't turn into a daily habit. But what they are perfect for are those hot days when a sweet and creamy treat is a must.

With its high levels of electrolytes, magnesium, and potassium, coconut water is too good to enjoy only at the gym. The next time you go to shake your favorite cocktail or sip your favorite drink, keep coconut water and its hydrating powers in mind. Many bartenders are turning to coconut water as a healthy replacement for coconut milk or crème de coconut in tropical drinks like piña coladas. At only 46 calories per cup and with loads of electrolytes, coconut water could have headaches and diet hang-ups practically out of the picture.

If coconut cocktails aren't your thing, consider using coconut-water ice cubes to dilute your drink. If your favorite juice is loaded with sugar or simply too sweet of a pick-me-up, use a splash of coconut water or a few ice cubes to dilute it. This will cut calories and ease the sugar crash. Coconut-water ice cubes are also an easy way to add more flavor and keep you and your drink chill at the gym.

The next time you go to reach for coconut water, don't sip it, stir it! Rather than using milk or water to make a bowl of oatmeal, use coconut water instead. Deemed nature's sports drink, coconut water has more potassium than a banana as well as calcium, magnesium, and additional electrolytes to keep the body balanced and hydrated throughout the day.

With its slight nutty taste — you can also opt for a variety of fruity flavors — mixing coconut water with oatmeal can add extra flavor and nutrients to your breakfast staple. And while it's loaded with flavor, coconut water contains no saturated fat and has only 45 calories per cup. Top with a few slices of fresh fruit to complete this sweet, all natural breakfast.

Coconut water is touted as nature's sports drink for good reason; just like Gatorade or Powerade, it contains high levels of electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. But a new study suggests that when it comes to the coconut water vs. sports drink debate, you may be better off keeping the coconut water for lighter workouts and reaching for a sports drink for your sweatier exercises.

The study, presented at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting, found that coconut water contains less sodium than the manufactured sports drinks: 400 mg/liter vs. 600 mg/liter. When it comes to a sweaty workout session, replacing the sodium lost from your body is important in order to keep your muscles and nerves functioning properly, and the study's authors say that coconut water may not contain enough to do so.

However, other nutrients, like magnesium and carb count, were similar between both sports drinks and coconut water, and coconut water contains far higher levels of potassium, which is crucial for proper organ function; coconut water also contains high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. This study is a good reminder that proper hydration is important when you're working out — especially when it's a particularly long or grueling routine — and knowing the health benefits of both coconut water and conventional sports drinks can help you make a decision that's good for your body.

Do you drink a conventional sports drink or coconut water after a long workout?

If you've been feeling sluggish and bloated, it's time for a new morning ritual. Celebrity trainer Valerie Waters always starts the morning with this prebreakfast, preworkout drink. It's a simple way to get a jump-start on your daily fiber, omega-3s, and other nutrients, and helps with elimination to keep you feeling bloat-free.

Valerie recommends it to all her clients, famous or not. "I can't tell you how many people said it made such a difference," she says. "Most people don't get enough fiber, and they especially don't get enough fiber when they are cutting carbs, and they're cutting carbs because they eat too much crap and that's where their bad foods are — carbs. When they're on my plan and I've asked them to take those out and focus on vegetables and fruit and sweet potatoes and things like that, I get them to drink this to increase their vegetable intake to bring the fiber back up. It also helps them during the detox period because it helps with elimination."

You'll just need three ingredients for this drink, and don't worry, the coconut water masks the taste of the supergreens. Read on for the debloating drink recipe.

In many parts of the country the heat wave is showing no signs of slowing down. While you can schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day and always have a water bottle nearby, extreme heat can put a damper on any enthusiasm for outdoor workouts. You need to take it a lot slower and pay attention to your body in the heat, since overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration.

One way to help prevent dehydration, whether you're braving triple digits for errands or trying to find a shady path to run, is to stock up on coconut water.

Read on for why coconut water is essential during the Summer heat.