Every great superhero has his or her secret weapon. Just because you are not of Krypton-descent doesn't mean you can't have your own secret weapon to help maximize your health and fitness goals. My suggestion? Your own, personal, real life blender! Yes, that magical kitchen machine can be your very own secret weapon and help unlock the results that you want!

Metabolic Boost

One of the biggest obstacles that face most people who work out somewhat regularly (especially those with an actively sedentary work life) is that we find that we aren't fueling our bodies regularly and with the right octane. The blender can be the missing link in this equation. Your body is going to need to be fed four to six times daily with smaller, healthier meals to maximize your metabolism. Often we are on the go and don't have time for those "in-betweeners," snacks or meals in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. By blending up some frozen or fresh fruit, ice and some fruit juices you can make a simple, quick and satiating smoothie that is great for those in-between times. It'll help your body absorb the nutrients in the fruits better, and will help your body with wholesome carbohydrates, vitamins and other workout-benefiting goodies.

Trimming the Pounds

Not only are these smoothies with fruit, juices, skim or low fat milk or frozen yogurt (my personal recommendation!) delicious and beneficial to your metabolism, they'll also help you to curb your appetite and help you trim unwanted body weight and body fat. One 16 ounce smoothie (blended at home with whole ingredients that is) contains way less calories than a full meal, and it will help you to feel fuller, longer. So you won't feel the desire to eat those cookies staring at you in the break-room because your power-smoothie will do the trick. If you are trying to lose pounds or need to for medical reasons, using blended drinks is great for meal replacements. You can add essentials for proteins, carbohydrates and fats to get the right balance of nutrients in the right way.

Post Workout

The next greatest thing about your blender is that it is fantastic in helping address the issue of refueling your body post-workout. You need a good blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes and other nutrients in your system no more than 90 minutes after a workout. Many of you may use protein or other supplement powders and you know how these often can taste horrible and be very chalky to mix up. So, blend it up! Now you can be healthier and more organic in your recovery by adding things like bananas, skim, coconut or almond milk, yogurts, nut butters and other refueling items to your post workout recovery beverage. Not only does it taste excellent, your body will thank you for it and will absorb vitamins and minerals more quickly with blended or juiced foods.

You can find a blender in your price range that fits your needs. If your lifestyle demands that you are on the go very often, you can find a single serving size with detachable "mugs" where you can blend and go. There are also many models of more traditional blenders, but are smaller in size to better control the portion and clean up. Check out your local dealers in kitchen appliances today and invest in your workouts and your results.