Put.
Down.
The.
Coffee.
For most of us, getting through that afternoon dip in the day or making it through your evening workout requires a little outside help. Which is why reaching for that energy drink or third cup of coffee is (very) tempting.
How much caffeine do you really need?
More caffeine doesn’t mean just more energy. After a certain point, the side effects of the caffeine get louder, yet your body can still only really harness a particular level of caffeine.
For the average adult, moderate daily caffeine intake at dose levels of 400 mg/day is not associated with any adverse effects, according to Health Canada.
What excessive caffeine leads to
Consuming excessive caffeine, especially beyond 600mg in one day, can lead to more than just jitters.
Larger amounts of caffeine (600 mg or more) can:
But over the long term? There’s even more to consider. Long-term effects at this level may include chronic insomnia, constant anxiety, depression, and stomach problems. It can also cause high blood pressure or make high blood pressure worse.
So, how much do you have on a typical day?
Well, this all starts with where you get your caffeine from. Here are some caffeine levels to consider
What’s important to note here is that, while energy drinks have a (synthetic) caffeine content that is still reasonable within the context of daily caffeine consumption, standard energy drinks add other artificial stimulants such as taurine, bringing the total stimulation effect to an even higher level than just the caffeine itself.
We get it - sometimes caffeine is more than a morning ritual - it’s something that gets you through a day of little sleep or keeps you working on your big project when you stay late at work. But, really, less caffeine is better for our body.
The happy medium, caffeine-wise
Part of the PilotsFriend story is that our product was developed by scientists to ensure the tonic was not only an all-natural source of energy, but it was a beverage that supported better health.
Based on research, the optimal amount of caffeine to help us stay sharp and focused is 25-35 mg at a given time. PilotsFriend was designed to time-release caffeine from guarana (fast) and caffeine from Kola nuts (slow) to achieve that range. Based on the amount of each energy source, the caffeine release from a PIlotsFriend is still on the higher range of stimulation, based on our 25-35mg. By keeping the total caffeine in our energy tonic to 48 mg we have found the sweet spot where we still get the optimized stimulation but with an even further reduced caffeine level.
Caffeine for athletic performance
Normally, we’d say that PilotsFriend is ideal for any time that you’d reach for a jolt of energy (because it is ;), but our favourite time to sip on a PilotsFriend lately is actually before a workout!
As everyone dove back into their fitness routine at the beginning of the year, PilotsFriend was put to the test as a pre-workout alternative. While PIlotsFriend didn’t have that distinct heart-racing burst of energy that pre-workout delivers, the combination of slow and fast-release caffeine sources makes for a sustained level of energy to support you throughout your entire workout.
You don’t have to overload your body with caffeine in order to hit a new personal record. By fueling your body with a combination of high-quality caffeine and general nutrition, you’ll be able to meet your next fitness goal (or just survive your next spin class).
Tried and true
“Honestly- the best energy drink I’ve had. Taste wise. No crash. I had it as a pre workout before I took class and it didn’t upset my stomach.” - Cam F., Personal Trainer + Fitness Instructor
Grab all-natural energy drinks at https://pilotsfriend.ca/pages/shop.
]]>It's official, 2022 has finally arrived and with that a fresh set of New Year’s resolutions to work towards. The introduction of a new year is the opportunity to say goodbye to what held you back in the previous year, and start anew with goals for what you want to accomplish in the next 365 days.
When your calendar flips over to January 1, your energy and motivation to stick to your resolutions are at an all-time high. And yet, when February 1 rolls around, that momentum is often not as strong as it once was. That’s why having some extra resolution-keeping tips and tricks in your back pocket is key to keeping with your original intentions for the long term. Here are the steps we recommend you take to keep your momentum strong beyond January.
Have more than one ‘why’
Sometimes what motivates you on a Tuesday simply just isn’t enough on Friday - and that’s normal! When you’re trying to get into a more consistent workout routine or on a mission to incorporate more greens into your diet, try finding at least 3 reasons why you are choosing to improve your life.
Are you choosing healthier ingredients in your beverages because you know you’ll feel more energized later?
Are you working out because you want to get stronger?
Does a well-rounded diet help keep your mind and body more regulated?
When you have multiple reasons for working towards a goal, it becomes much easier to make good decisions for *future* you on a regular basis, regardless of how you’re feeling on any given day.
Add in products that you love
Rather than focusing only on what foods you need to take away from your daily routine, we believe it’s always more sustainable (and enjoyable!) to find foods and beverages that you can add to your healthy routine. By focusing on fuelling your body and making choices based on how you feel, you’ll feel less like you’re missing out on the things that you ‘want.’
Choosing products with whole, natural ingredients (and choosing to avoid artificial fillers or synthetic chemicals) is an important component of a healthy, natural lifestyle where you feel energized and supported by the foods that you eat.
If your healthy resolutions are centered only around a physical appearance goal, you could be missing out on some great opportunities to stay motivated and energized for the long term! Because staying healthy is (ideally) a life-long journey, it’s important that your approach is sustainable - and that starts with your mindset.
Tap into past wins
Remind yourself that you’re capable of doing hard things, including your resolutions. Why? Because you’ve already achieved so much up until now. When you’re feeling like the goal you’ve set is too ambitious, tap into those past successes to keep you going!
What else has worked for you when you’ve accomplished a big goal that you’ve set out for yourself? We’d love to know.
Keep your energy up while you achieve your 2022 resolutions! Grab all-natural energy tonics at https://pilotsfriend.ca/pages/shop.
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We sat down with Luke Penner, long-time pilot, flight instructor and among the very best Aerobatic Pilots! Without further ado, here’s our interview with Luke Penner.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and Harv’s Air Inverted, and what makes it stand out as a flight school?
I’ve been a pilot for nearly twenty years and am the chief flight instructor of Harv’s Air in Manitoba, one of Canada’s largest flight schools.
Harv’s Air is a family business. I am the youngest of three sons, with Harv being my father and the one who taught me how to fly. Harv’s Air Inverted is the aerobatics side of operations at the flight school, which first started in 1997 when we began operating a Pitts S2B where we offered training and aerobatic joy rides.
Harv’s Air Inverted is unique in the flight training space for a few reasons, the first of which being experience. I have more than 8,000 flying hours purely in flight training as a Class 1 flight instructor, I’m a Class 1 aerobatic flight instructor and, most recently, I’ve become a pilot examiner for the aerobatic instructor rating. I’ve dedicated a huge part of my life to improving pilot flight safety by offering aerobatic and upset recovery training to not just pilots in Canada, but in the United States and Europe.
I’m also a successful competition aerobatic pilot where I have finished at podium positions at the Canadian and US National Aerobatic championships. Most recently, I finished 2nd overall in the advanced category at the US Nationals in September 2021. My goal has always been to take what I’ve learned through my own training and competition experience and pass it on to the students who pass through our school. We have several instructors who are dedicated purely to aerobatic training, accompanied by more than 30 additional flight instructors across our two flight schools in the Winnipeg area.
The second thing that makes us unique is our fleet of three citabrias and one Extra 300L which we use for tailwheel and aerobatic training. All of our airplanes are available for solo rental which is also unique in this space.
What made you decide to become a pilot and pursue aerobatics?
There was nothing else in life that has given me the same sense of satisfaction and challenge that flying has! Aviation has led me to places I never thought I would be and has led me to forming wonderful relationships with people all around the world.
It has simply enriched my life.
When I successfully passed my private pilot flight test at 21 years old, my father and flight instructor took me for a celebratory aerobatic ride (my first one) in our Pitts S2B aerobatic bi-plane. I was instantly hooked and knew that this was something that I NEEDED to do myself. I spent a large percentage of my commercial pilot licence flight hours doing my aerobatic training in our citabrias. Then I would take my friends for aerobatic rides and I saw how happy it made them! I loved being able to cause such a positive feeling and emotion in people that, once I obtained my commercial pilot license and aerobatic instructor rating, I started giving rides in our Pitts and my love of sharing aviation and aerobatics has only intensified since then.
What is it like to compete in aerobatics?
Competing in aerobatics is, in a word, intense. The best way to describe it is that it’s like figure skating but in the sky and with an airplane.
You fly three individual sequences in front of judges and you are graded against strict criteria. The name of the game is precision. Not only are you trying to fly perfectly, but it’s also very physical, especially at the higher categories of competition. On any given flight I will experience more than +8G and -6G which takes a lot of physical training and exercise to be able to handle routinely and consistently. The small community of pilots and volunteers who participate at these competitions are extremely supportive of each other and it's really a wonderfully helpful atmosphere. It’s by far the most challenging type of flying that I’ve experienced in all my years as a pilot, but also the most satisfying.
You’ve been a long-time friend and supporter of our product! How has PilotsFriend’s all-natural energy tonic help you perform better in your day-to-day life?
I first was introduced to PilotsFriend when I was given the product at an aerobatics competition in Alberta a few years ago. I instantly loved the flavour, the energy boost and the fact that I didn’t have any sort of crash after unlike some other energy drinks I’ve tried. Flying aerobatics takes immense concentration, so after a long day of work a can of PilotsFriend helps me regain the focus I need to fly as precisely as possible when I practice or compete.
If an aspiring pilot walked up to you asking for advice and you only had a few minutes to give ‘em your best tip, what would it be?
My best advice for the aspiring pilot would be that becoming a pilot is a lot of work, and becoming the best pilot you can be takes an immense amount of dedication.
Don’t be fooled by what you see on social media where everything is seen through rose coloured glasses when it comes to what learning to fly is like. There will be challenging days. You will learn SO much about yourself as a person and a pilot. Be prepared to work hard but also enjoy every moment of the process.
Thanks, Luke! Learn more about Harv’s Air Inverted at https://www.harvsair.com/ and stay fuelled with an all-natural energy tonic at https://pilotsfriend.ca/pages/shop
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Fun, quality time with your family and staying healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive! If you’re thinking about how you want to approach the holidays as this busy season approaches, we’ve put together some recommendations to give you all-natural energy even when there are seemingly endless activities that could throw you off-track.
We’ve all been there.
We say yes to all the celebrations and gatherings because, well, they are fun. But suddenly, your schedule is so packed that you’re beginning to lose time for yourself and your priorities. Before life gets too busy, start thinking about setting some time aside for the habits that keep you feeling on top of your game.
Managing your energy can feel natural when life is at a normal-to-you pace. But when your social life becomes much busier, to make sure you have the energy to spend quality time with your family and friends, make sure you get enough rest (and if you do end up staying up a bit too late, catching up on rest on the weekends!).
Of course, managing your energy can also mean grabbing the essentials that support you throughout the day. All-natural energy isn’t just about caffeine. PilotsFriend’s blend of digestives, stimulants, immunity boosters and anti-inflammatory ingredients means more than just an extra boost of caffeine.
Sure, a nice holiday spread of your favourite foods can be tempting, but not every food is worth eating! As you head into the holiday season, pay attention to the foods that you truly enjoy eating and swap everything else for foods that keep you feeling energized - like vegetables and protein. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you forgo all the fun stuff - it just means mixing in some other foods that your body will thank you for later.
While the rule of thumb is 60 minutes of daily exercise, remember that any movement is better than none. If all that you can fit into your schedule is 15 minutes of light exercise, go for it! While you may not be setting personal records during the busy season of celebrations and festive treats, finding time for yourself is crucial to feeling your best and finishing the year off strong.
Healthy holidays are not only possible, but they are more fun! Grab the perfect companion for an energized season at https://pilotsfriend.ca/pages/shop
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Fall time means we have the perfect excuse to dive into new seasonal flavours and make warming cocktails with friends! Gathering with friends and family over some delicious meals is the best part of the holidays, but a night of cocktails often means a morning of recovery.
That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge for the special occasion. Along with keeping your water intake up throughout the night, keeping your ingredients healthy can help you feel your best the next day. PilotsFriend is an all-natural energy tonic made with ingredients that support digestion, boost immunity and are anti-inflammatory, and lead to a much smoother takeoff the following day.
Need a few recipes to get you started? We’ve put together some healthy fall cocktails for you to try this season.
No alcohol needed here! Sometimes it’s just nice to sip on something other than water. Here’s a quick and simple libation to enjoy while you visit with friends.
Ingredients
2 cans of PilotsFriend
Juice of 1 limes
Handful of mint leaves
Garnish: Cranberries, Pomegranate seeds, Lime wheel, Mint sprigs
Instructions
Add cranberry and pomegranate juice to a pitcher. Add club soda. Stir to combine.
Serves 2
Enjoy this guilt-free healthy fall cocktail for anyone!
Ingredients
0.5 cups pineapple juice
0.3 cups orange juice
2 cans PilotsFriend
Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Combine the pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a pitcher, then add 2 cans of PilotsFriend, stirring again to combine. Pour into two glasses over ice, and add cranberries and orange slices for garnish. Cheers!
Serves 2
Have you ever heard of a shrub? No, not like the plant.
If you fancy yourself a slightly more complicated cocktail recipe, try experimenting with shrubs. Essentially a drinking vinegar, shrubs add extra flavour and depth to a drink - alcoholic or not!
Luckily, shrubs sound more complicated to make than they are. Start this cocktail recipe by creating a cinnamon apple shrub here.
Using your homemade shrub, put the rest of the cocktail together:
Ingredients
1 oz zero-proof spirit (optional)
1 oz Apple Cider Shrub
0.5 oz Apple Cider
Top with PilotsFriend
Sliced Apple for Garnish
Instructions
In a short glass add the non-alcoholic spirit if using, apple shrub, and cider. Fill with ice, top with PilotsFriend and stir. Garnish with apple slices, sip and enjoy!
Serves 1
Healthy holidays are possible! Grab the perfect aperitif at https://pilotsfriend.ca/pages/shop
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It’s that time of year again: Back to School. As you start to collect your new textbooks, plan your days, and wake up early for class, you might feel like you’ve forgotten all your good habits!
Getting back into a routine is never easy, even if you love what you’re doing. If you’re a student and you’re trying to remember how to study effectively, we’ve got you covered.
Discover How You Learn Best
Not everyone processes information in the same way - which is a good thing. It can be interesting to explore more about how you learn best, and test out different ways to study that work for you.
A great place to start is by discovering your own learning style. Do you learn better by doing, or by thinking the information through first? Do you process information better visually or verbally? Knowing your learning style can help you to understand what study methods that help you most, and what might work better for your study buddy.
Fuel Your Body + Mind
Fuelling your body with healthy foods can seem like more work upfront, but it’s the small changes to your lifestyle that can make a huge impact on your school, work and life. Nutrition is closely linked to how your body - and mind - perform. What we choose to put into our body can make us more alert and focused, or it can cause us to feel sluggish and even experience brain fog.
Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts to get you through your next class, and pack a well-rounded lunch for those longer days in the classroom. Remember that variety is the spice of life, and that applies to snacks for school too. Don’t be afraid to change up your food choices to make sure you can have a variety of nutrients throughout the day and week.
Remember: Breaks Are Productive
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired or even frustrated, taking a break from the books can actually be the most productive move to make. Some productivity advice suggests the pomodoro method, which keeps you on track by giving a time structure to both your work time and your break time. Try setting a study timer for 25 minutes and, when the timer is up, take a 5 minute break to stand up and move around and take a break from the screen. Then, do it all over again.
Energy, Meet Focus
Along with staying hydrated, the right beverage can help give you that extra boost you need to power through the final pages of a paper. PilotsFriend is the perfect study companion with all the energy support you hope for, minus the jitters that keep you from feeling focused.
When your attention fades, reaching for a coffee or typical energy drink is the go-to move for many students - but there are downsides to the unmistakable jolt of this kind of caffeine boost. Strong caffeine sources that offer that quick burst of energy often lead to more anxiety and nervousness while high amounts of sugar cause that blood sugar spike-and-crash, leaving you feeling even more tired than before.
While slow release all-natural stimulants keep you alert, PilotsFriend’s blend of other ingredients support your health through digestives, anti-inflammatories, and immunity boosters. The result? A tonic that helps you feel less stressed and more energized during late night exam prep and early morning class.
Start off strong and crack open a PilotsFriend when you hit the books! Snag your all-natural energy drinks online or at a retailer near you.
]]>For many of us, we’ve been taking care of our friends, family and the community by staying put at home. But restrictions are easing up across Canada and travel is officially on the horizon. Make up the lost time and visit your loved ones or if you’ve got the travel bug - start planning your overseas trip.
However, there’s a few things to consider before you book those flights and start packing your suitcase. Jet setting isn’t quite as simple as it once was, but we’ve got you covered. Below, our team has compiled a checklist to help you as you navigate your trip.
✔️ As you dust off your passport, check that it is actually still valid
✔️ As you know - things change at the drop of a hat. Make sure you understand the change and cancellation policies on your flights, hotels, and other bookings
✔️ Get health & travel insurance and ensure it covers the important stuff
✔️ Get vaccinated. By doing so, you take care of yourself and those around you. Don’t forget that some places will require proof of vaccinations
✔️ Bring a mask and sanitize often
✔️ Give yourself lots of time. There may be additional protocols that create longer waits at the airport
✔️ Be courteous of others. Not everyone is comfortable with travel, so it’s important to be kind and give people space if they need it
✔️ Most importantly, have fun and explore new things. You deserve it
Step 1: Do your research
Whether you are travelling to a different province or country, do in-depth research about your destination’s restrictions. As many places begin to open up for travel again, specific protocols may be in place such as quarantining to and from destinations, curfews, or having proof vaccinations.
Doing research online or calling a local health centre to learn more about the conditions is essential, that way you avoid unforeseen complications and dampen your trip.
Step 2: Plan, plan, plan
Is your version of an itinerary, having no itinerary? Normally, being spontaneous and going with the flow really adds a layer of adventure and excitement to your experience. However, in a post-pandemic world, being spontaneous may not be the best idea. Having a plan can be the difference between having a perfect trip and one that is highly stressful.
As COVID regulations differ depending on the city, country, and landmark, it's important to do some planning ahead of time. Do a quick search before to ensure that the attractions you want to visit are actually open to tourists, that way you don’t arrive and feel disappointed.
Step 3: Pack only the essentials
When packing, it's all too easy to get carried away, thinking we might need another jacket or a few pairs of shoes. Instead, based on your itinerary, organize the clothes you will need for each scheduled activity to ensure there is room for other essentials such as hand sanitizer, masks, medication, and vaccine papers.
Step 4: Skip jet lag with PilotsFriend
Fuel the same way pilots do and avoid the dreaded travel tiredness. After a long flight, the last thing you need is coffee or an energy drink that dehydrates you. PilotsFriend gives you a boost without the crash or any other negative side effects. Now with less sugar, less calories, and less caffeine. It’s the perfect travel partner.
Keep PilotsFriend on hand to ensure you’re recharged and ready for your trip. Available online or at a retailer near you.
Step 5: Make the most of your trip
After the year and a half we’ve had, any trip, big or small should be enjoyed to the fullest. Whether you’re visiting an old friend who you haven’t seen in a while or exploring a faraway land, make the most of it. Find hidden gems, try things that are outside of your comfort zone, get to know fellow travellers, and fall in love with new places.
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For many of us coming out of lockdowns and feeling restless, we’ve got to make up for lost time by soaking up every minute outside. While globetrotting isn’t exactly on the itinerary just yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t channel the same wanderlust in your own backyard. Need ideas? Check out these activities on our summer bucket list:
No matter what summer activity you’re doing, you’re going to need to rehydrate and quench your thirst. Don’t leave the house without PilotsFriend, the total summer staple made for your cooler. As an all-natural fruit tonic, it’s the best drink to have on hand to give you the clean energy kick you need for all your adventures, without any of the harsh side effects like jitters or a crash. Crush that final mile on your bike tour or refuel on a long road trip. Whatever your adventure may be, experience the healthy way for sustained vitality.
Be sure to stock up on PilotsFriend once our inventory becomes available again! Can’t wait till then? Follow us on Instagram to get the latest news, and in the meantime, scope out where to find us.
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Everyone’s obsessed with getting the most out of life or at the very least just making it past lunch without crashing. So much so that PilotsFriend has been wiped clean of its inventory for the past week! That’s right. Our all-natural fruit tonic has sold out across Canada.
And while we couldn’t be more thrilled about all the love, we’re still working hard to stock up on the goods, so you don’t have to miss us too much longer.
If you’re new to PilotsFriend, here’s the 411: we’ve perfected a delicious organic fruit tonic that gives you all the clarity you need without any of those pesky jitters or adverse side effects. It’s truly our version of having your cake and eating it too.
See why Canada is going crazy over PilotsFriend...
The cold hard facts: clean, organic ingredients & no GMOs
Sometimes you just need that extra jolt to push through the day. We get it. When your head’s in the game, magic happens. You achieve great things and make the world a better place.
PilotsFriend helps you get into the right headspace with only the highest quality of organic ingredients. We take a hard pass on monocultures, pesticides, and genetic engineering and are big believers in doing things the natural way. That includes skipping the preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
Blending the digestive powers of cardamom and ginger with anti-inflammatory ingredients like black carrot, PilotsFriend is the guilt-free drink that boosts your immune system and performance.
But just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. Our caffeine is naturally derived from Cola nuts and Guarana seed extracts, which boast about a third of the caffeine you’d typically find in a cup of coffee.
What we’re really saying is – you can afford to cut back on coffee without losing your jive. Swap it for something more your speed, but that has twice the health benefits.
No harsh side effects, jitters or crashes
Not all caffeine is bad or made equal. We’ve all heard about the sleepless nights, racing heartbeat, and flushed face from nursing energy drinks or a coffee buzz. But did you know those are only the pitfalls of synthetic caffeine?
Naturally sourced caffeine provides longer sustained energy and its own exclusive antioxidant benefits, which can actually do more good than harm. Natural caffeine–the same ones you find in herbal teas–is associated with preventing heart disease and Alzheimers, among various other conditions, and is safe for everyday enjoyment.
Unlike coffee, where most people dress it up with added cream and sugar, PilotsFriend is the healthier choice that isn’t just a short-term fix followed by a hard crash. It’s the real deal that gets you to power through anything. Stack up on health benefits, improve your mood, and boost your mental and physical performance.
Developed for fighter pilots, made with the everyday hero in mind
We’re talking about you. You’re the everyday hero. Whether you work the night shift, are a serial crammer, or just plain like to get stuff done, PilotsFriend is proven to give you a leg up.
It was initially developed to help fighter pilots remain healthy, stay focused, and perform in the most arduous circumstances, so you know it’s serious stuff. But it’s not just for those in the skies. It’s for all professionals who have places to go and people to see.
Our bioscientists and nutritionists have spent over a decade poring through research and testing to come up with the best all-natural energy solution with a smooth landing, and there’s no clearer winner.
Be sure to stock up on PilotsFriend once our inventory becomes available again! Can’t wait till then? Follow us on Instagram to get the latest news, and in the meantime, scope out where to find us.These days it’s not as common to have a night out on the town. However, it’s not to say that those days are long gone. For many though, it’s been a while since they’ve been able to indulge and have a good old-fashioned night out.
Unfortunately, the truth is that there is often a price to pay. A wasted day in bed, low energy levels, dehydration, a lowered immune system… it’s not exactly fun.
To get you ready for when things start to return to normal, we are sharing 5 tips to make sure you have a successful night out and a smooth takeoff the next day.
Drink Plenty of Water: This is common knowledge however it’s extremely important and not to be overlooked. Ensuring that you are getting enough water before, during and after your night out will help ease some of the typical side effects. For instance, headaches are often reduced when we make sure we get enough water.
Boost your immune system: Indulging in too many beverages can often lower your immune system. This isn’t exactly something we can afford to do these days! If you know you’re going out, do things that will help boost your immunity. Some tips to help you do this are getting enough sleep, reducing stress, being active and consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Eat: Have a substantial meal before you go out. This is helpful because it slows down the absorption of beverages in your body so the after-effects are not as severe.
Exercise: One of the fastest ways to combat the next-day effects of a night out is to move your body and sweat. The movement helps increase feel-good endorphins in the body and also improves alertness.
PilotsFriend: PilotsFriend may just be your perfect wingman to help you have a good night out and smooth take-off the next day.
Packed with immune boosters from antioxidants and vitamins present in apples, lemons, oranges, acerola and chokeberry, PilotsFriend supports your system so you don’t end up taking a nosedive.
It also includes quinine and black carrot which have anti-inflammatory compounds, crucial for a full recovery. Consuming too many beverages can have an inflammatory effect on the body, which can lead to a host of other problems. Having a solid counter-attack in place can help your system cruise smoothly.
PilotsFriend was crafted specifically for NATO fighter pilots to give them the mental alertness they need, without the jitters and crash that accompany a cup of coffee. Get your body in the mood to move with a gentle stimulant derived from natural ingredients found in great yellow gentian, kola nuts and guarana and you’ll be feeling like yourself in no time.
So if you’re looking for a reliable party partner, PilotsFriend is your trusted wingman to help get you off the ground after a great night out.
]]>The solution worked so well that PilotsFriend is now available to anyone, and is enjoyed across Canada by energetic professionals of all stripes in need of a healthy, natural boost. But what did pilots do to stay awake on long flights before we came along?
In the early days of aviation, flights were relatively short. In 1908 Louis Blériot made a record-breaking flight across the English Channel that took a whopping (for the time) 36 minutes. The first non-stop transatlantic flight took place in 1919 with John Alcock and Arthur Brown travelling from St. John’s Newfoundland to Clifton, Ireland in 16 hours. Alcock and Brown were able to trade shifts at the controls in their modified Vickers Vimy bomber, however, it's quite possible that battling snowstorms and frozen carburetors, and navigating by the stars kept them on their toes throughout their adventure.
When Charles Lindbergh made his historic solo, 3,610-mile flight from New York to Paris in 1927, he had said that “staying awake was his biggest challenge”, although he was flying without radio gear (too heavy for the flight), and lacked the skills to navigate by the sun and stars. “Lucky” Lindbergh said that he managed to stay awake on his long journey by sipping from a small thermos of coffee, blasting his face with cold air from the cockpit window, and resting one eye at a time.
By the time that larger, more robust planes were able to make trans-Pacific crossings, flyers like Charles Kingford Smith were able to fly in 2 person shifts and were able to stay alert with coffee and tea.
After the outbreak of WWII, many pilots started bringing freeze-dried coffee packets on long flights. Instant coffee was a new technology for the time, and pilots often swallowed the crystals with gulps of cold water to help keep them awake.
Around the same time, military doctors in the United States began prescribing amphetamines to pilots. Known colloquially as “go pills”, the use of amphetamines in cockpits has been controversial. While only offered in low doses (5mg) on flights ranging up to 30 hours, the United States Air Force has been looking at drugs like Modanifil, a treatment designed for narcoleptic patients, to keep aircrews alert.
However modern-day military flight crews are often prescribed proper scheduling, strategic napping, and sound sleep, all monitored by a computerized tool that will help commanders predict the alertness of personnel in various scenarios.
Today, civilian flight crews have many more creature comforts than their pioneering predecessors and fly longer than their ancestors could ever have imagined.
The current record holder for the longest commercial flight is a massive 9,534 mile, 21-hour flight from Newark, N.J. to Singapore. Pilots at the helm of ultra-long hauls are very careful about their sleeping patterns before takeoff, and often pilot and co-pilot are teamed up with another pair of pilots that take over around the halfway point.
The aircraft on these long flights are also built with safety in mind, with sleeping berths for the pilots and crew, which will see pilots able to sleep for up to 6 hours while one of their fellow pilots takes the controls.
At PilotsFriend, we’re constantly in awe of the men and women who take to the skies every day to keep our world moving, and our all-natural health tonic is crafted to keep them flying longer and healthier. If it can work in the high-intensity world of the cockpit, imagine what it can do for your day-to-day activity. Check out our story, and find a PilotsFriend near you for the next time you need a little extra intensity.
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What’s the one thing you need for a workout? Setting the right clothing/footwear aside, we’re often creatures of habit when it comes to a workout routine. For some of us, we can’t break a sweat unless we’ve got our headphones and playlist ready to go. Others need their trusty bottle topped up with water and ice, and some of us can’t get into a workout without a caffeinated energy boost.
It’s nice to get a boost before a serious workout session, be it from a quick cup of coffee, a sugary energy drink or a dose of a pre-workout supplement. Getting that caffeine rush to push through the last set or the last mile is a must for many active people, but what if we told you that there’s an all-natural tonic that can give you the right dose of caffeine, and supply you with anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants and digestive aids?
PilotsFriend is all of those things. Crafted for the high-performance conditions facing NATO fighter pilots, it can also fuel any intense workout, and help you rebound back to game shape, faster.
A dose of caffeine, regardless of how you get it, can help to maximize a workout. It helps you work out longer, therefore helping you to burn more calories. It can also help burn calories at rest, due to the increase in noradrenaline that ups your metabolic rate. Caffeine also helps mobilize lipids in fat cells so they can be used for energy, helping your body work more efficiently. It can also help you recover faster by improving the rate of glycogen replenishment, and it can boost both anaerobic and aerobic performance.
There’s very little evidence to show that caffeine before your workout is bad for you. In fact, there’s only really one downside: sleep. Chugging back a coffee before a morning session is one thing, but the afternoon or evening might be a different story if you’re looking to get a good night’s sleep. Studies have shown that a good night's sleep is elemental to overall health, weight loss, and improving overall athleticism. So what's the point of using caffeine to boost your gains while losing them when you can’t sleep at night?
Then there are also the side effects. If you’re doing fasted workouts (ie: going to the gym on an empty stomach), coffee or sugary energy drinks can leave some not-so-great feelings in your stomach while spiking your insulin levels, which can actually shut down the body’s fat-burning process, while also dehydrating you. Pre-workout supplements have become increasingly popular, but can come with some unpleasant side effects, like loss of sleep, tingly skin, headaches, nausea and indigestion.
PilotsFriend is the ultimate tonic for exercise. For starters, it’s crafted with the perfect amount of caffeine. We use a blend derived from kola nuts and guarana seed extracts for a total of 56mg, about 1/3 of caffeine found in a typical cup of coffee. Enough to push you through a tough workout, but not so much you’ve got the jitters and can’t sleep at night.
It’s also loaded with anti-inflammatories properties present in quinine and black carrot to cleanse the body. It not only gives you the boost, but it can help you recover so you are back in action faster while soothing sore muscles in the process. It’s also packed with immune boosters, vitamins and antioxidants in the form of apple, lemon, orange, cane sugar, acerola and chokeberry, which means that you’re only fueling your workout with health-boosting, all-natural ingredients.
PilotsFriend packs just the right amount of everything into a small can. If you’re finding your pre-workout drink or supplement isn’t working for you, give PilotsFriend a try by finding a store near you, or ordering from our website. You’ll feel the healthier difference.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare workers have been working tirelessly, often forgoing their own needs to bring care and wellbeing to the ill, the broken, the elderly, and the endangered. The sacrifices of care home staff, nurses, doctors, support staff, and first responders are a large part of how we will overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and emerge healthier and stronger.
Being a healthcare worker comes with a very unique set of challenges, including long shifts (often stretching past the 12-hour mark) as well as day and night time rotations. Lengthy hours and interrupted sleep schedules can cause havoc on the human body. Night shifts have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attacks, depression, and the chance of workplace injuries. Shift workers are also more likely to see changes to their metabolism, which likely plays a role in higher obesity and diabetes rates among those on the night shift.
Combating shift work side effects leads many in the healthcare field to reach for heavily caffeinated beverages to keep them moving. Unfortunately, heavy caffeine intake can cause more problems than it solves.
Loading up on coffee during the workday seems like a logical choice, however, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, dehydration, increased heart rate, bladder problems, muscle breakdown (known as rhabdomyolysis), digestive issues, insomnia (something no shift worker wants to deal with), and fatigue (the dreaded caffeine crash).
The situation can be further exacerbated when consuming sugary energy drinks, which contain even more caffeine than the average cup of coffee, along with massive amounts of sugar.
So what can our healthcare heroes do to stay healthy and alert while helping others?
A healthy diet, rich in easy-to-digest foods will help to promote digestion, especially when combined with plenty of water. The digestive problems that shift workers encounter can be balanced by smart meal planning with the right nutrients, helping one to sleep when they need to sleep and be alert when it matters.
Regular exercise and an active lifestyle also promote better sleep cycles. While staying active is not a problem for many hard-working nurses and healthcare staff, long periods behind the wheel or sitting at a desk won’t help with getting sleep when it's needed.
PilotsFriend was created by NATO pilots to help them stay alert and healthy in high-stress situations. As we explained earlier, too much caffeine can lead to shakiness and anxiety, which can result in the pilot being grounded. As such, our story begins when a group of pilots sought a group of European bio-scientists and nutritionists to create a tonic that would give the perfect amounts of caffeine, while also offering other health benefits.
One can of PilotsFriend offers less than ⅓ of the amount of caffeine found in the average cup of coffee, which provides a subtle boost to any workday without any of the negative side effects or the dreaded crash.
Crafted with great yellow gentian, ginger, and cardamom, PilotsFriend also contains properties to promote healthy digestion for anyone on a long shift. It also contains quinine and black carrot, providing anti-inflammatories to help sore muscles and tired joints.
PilotsFriend also gives a serious immunity boost, via the antioxidants and vitamins present in apple, lemon, orange, cane sugar, acerola, and chokeberry. In the era of COVID, especially in the healthcare sector, it has never been more vital to have a strong defense against getting sick.
If you’re grinding away on night shifts and feel like making a healthy change, give PilotsFriend a try. It’s formulated for health and performance and is available in stores and online across Canada.
At the beginning of every calendar year, we take stock of our lives and look to find ways to improve them. Is there a bad habit we want to shake? Is there a new practice or activity that we want to take up?
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At the beginning of every calendar year, we take stock of our lives and look to find ways to improve them. Is there a bad habit we want to shake? Is there a new practice or activity that we want to take up?
For many of us, the changes we want to make are directly focused on our health. At PilotsFriend, we are founded on the concept that simple changes to our lives can have huge payoffs down the road. So if you’re looking to make healthier decisions in 2021, we’ve got 5 ways PilotsFriend can help you reach your goals.
Let’s be honest, these days our immune systems can use all of the help they can get. We hope you’re taking your vitamins and eating your fruits and vegetables, but PilotsFriend also comes packed with immune boosters and antioxidants like apple, lemon, orange, and chokeberry. Can your cup of coffee or can of pop fight off illness? Grab a PilotsFriend instead!
We hope you have a great year to come. The team at PilotsFriend is focused on helping you to crush your goals, stay active, maintain your health, and improve your life, which means that your success is OUR success! We will gladly ride shotgun on your journey this year, so if you’re looking for a new power-up or substitute for a not-so-healthy beverage, we’ve got you covered. Check out where you can find us in your neighborhood, or order your stash online today.
]]>Tips for the Holiday Season
One great way to reduce the stress of the holiday season is to plan ahead! If you know you will be getting gifts for friends and family, start brainstorming now so you don’t feel rushed to come up with a good idea last minute. If you can purchase your gifts beforehand too, that’s even better! You’ll be able to rest easy knowing you have it all ready to go. One good way to reduce gift waste is to purchase a roll of wrapping paper that will work for all your gifts, and to collect gift bags as you receive them so you can reuse them when you give gifts! Additionally, energy is going to be your most important resource when it comes to the holiday season. Make sure to order a pack of PilotsFriend to give yourself naturally occurring caffeine that will make you feel energized and ready for anything the holidays throw your way! PilotsFriend also makes a great gift for any family members or friends that you believe are hard workers and could use a push to get them through their days!
Holidays During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s holiday season is unique compared to previous years. Unfortunately, in order to stay safe and practice social distancing, we may not be able to have large gatherings to celebrate the holidays we love. However, there are ways we can still get the most out of the holiday season! One way to ensure the least amount of contact is to have virtual dinners! Even if you can't be with your loved ones in person for a holiday dinner, you can sit down with them via Zoom or Facetime and talk with them as if you were in person sharing dinner. Another way to spread some holiday cheer during this not-so-traditional holiday season is to send your loved ones gifts, or even food! If you don’t live too far away, you can use insulated packaging and send perishable/food items through the mail, that way you can exchange your favorite holiday food staples! If you won’t be coming into contact with the people who you’d normally spend the holidays with this year, arrange a holiday gift exchange and send each other gifts! That way you can put a smile on eachothers faces, just from a distance.
The Perfect Holiday Mocktail
Another great way to make the holidays more exciting is to make a fun drink recipe for you and your friends and family to enjoy! Here is a delicious mocktail recipe that goes perfectly with the winter holidays.
True North
150 ml of PilotsFriend
100 ml of Cola
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
Mix, add ice if desired, and top with cream. See more great mocktail recipes here!
Happy Holidays!
We hope you are able to spend the holidays with friends and family this year, and that you found these tips useful for your holiday experience this year. Don’t forget to relax, spread the cheer with your friends and family, and order a pack of PilotsFriend to get the most out of your holiday season!
What is Thanksgiving About?
Similar to our American neighbors, Thanksgiving is generally considered to be a holiday for spending time with your family and loved ones, and for giving thanks for all that you are grateful for. Additionally, It is a celebration of the harvest that comes every fall, and a celebration of the food that we receive from it each year. That’s why it’s a tradition to eat a large meal each Thanksgiving, with harvest foods such as sweet potatoes and squash.
How Did Thanksgiving in Canada Originate?
Both Native Americans and Indigenous Canadians have long celebrated the fall harvest, while settlers followed suit as they settled on the Canadian mainland. The first national Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in the Province of Canada in 1859, the day was established as a national day of “public and solemn recognition of God.” However, the first Thanksgiving after the dominion of Canada was formed was observed as a national civic holiday rather than a religious one.
The day the holiday would be celebrated was not set in stone for quite some time. It wasn’t until 1957 that the parliament proclaimed the observance of Thanksgiving to be the second Monday in October as a “day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”
How is Thanksgiving in Canada Different?
Although the meaning and celebration of the holiday are similar in both the United States and Canada, there are a few key differences that set them apart. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November to honor the day the pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts on the Mayflower. In Canada however, Thanksgiving is celebrated much earlier each year, on the second Monday in October.
The tradition is actually much older in Canada than it is in the United States. It stems from the 16th century, when Sir Martin Frobisher sailed from England and his crew arrived in Nunavut (One of Canada’s northern territories). He and his crew gathered, ate, and celebrated the day. Thanksgiving in Canada and the United States do have some differences, but they both include well-loved food staples such as turkey and pumpkin pie!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We hope you are able to spend the day with friends and family this year. Share a Thanksgiving dinner and impress them with all you now know about Thanksgiving in Canada! Don’t forget to be thankful for all that you are grateful for. PilotsFriend wishes you a happy Thanksgiving this year!
]]>#1 Invest in a Planner or Calendar
Planners and calendars are great for helping you feel organized as you go through the school year. You can easily jot down something quickly, a test, quiz, assignment, anything! That way you’ll never miss an assignment and you’ll be able to see everything you need to have finished each day or week. Additionally, planners and calendars are usually very cost efficient and worth the investment to help you stay organized. Find some great options here.
#2 Make a Weekly Schedule
It can be difficult to look ahead and know how much time you’ll need each day to get your work and assignments done. One way to make this much easier on yourself is to make a plan for the week ahead of time, and schedule out time for yourself each day to do your work. This way you won’t be pressed for time, and you may even find that if you finish early you have extra time for other things!
#3 Make Note-Taking Fun
We’ve all had classes where we struggle to pay attention and take notes. It can be difficult to keep the same level of focus throughout the school day, especially when you have to juggle multiple classes in one day! This is why we recommend finding a way to make note-taking more enjoyable for yourself, whether it be by typing them using different fonts and text sizes, writing them by hand, or using different colored pens and markers to keep things organized. Whatever works for you is the best option, changing up your note-taking style can be a huge help in helping you do well in your classes!
#4 Keep Your Focus with PilotsFriend
We all get low on energy after a long day, and sometimes we need an energy boost to help us push us through to the finish line. That’s why we recommend ordering a pack of PilotsFriend to keep you energized while you work! PilotsFriend is the perfect companion for any class or study session where you need to hold your focus. We use all natural ingredients to prevent you from crashing and feeling sluggish. The caffeine we use is naturally occurring in guarana and cola nut, which are both ingredients we use in PilotsFriend. The caffeine is released over a longer period of time, keeping you feeling energized for longer but avoiding the crash, making it the ideal drink for any college student!
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Have you always wanted to be a pilot? When did you realize you wanted to be one?
“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, but never thought I actually would. I worked as a flight attendant for Emirates Airline and would hear unique stories from pilots on the flight deck. After hearing so many of these stories and having more conversations with pilots, that’s when I knew. It was halfway through my career as a flight attendant that I realized I wanted to be a pilot.” Allison stated that females from The Ninety-Nines, which is an international organization of women pilots, pushed her to follow her dreams. Last July she resigned from her previous position as a flight attendant and came to Toronto to pursue her career as a pilot.
Can you walk us through an average day of flight training?
“It’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m doing a full-time program that is very intense. It starts off with a 2 hour drive to the airport, then I fly for 2 hours upon arriving there. I get an hour break in between my training. Then, I have classes for 4 hours. Flight training is every day of the week, except I had today off which never happens!” Flight training requires extensive amounts of time, patience, and determination. You have to be extremely passionate about flying to complete this and dedicate yourself to learning the ins and outs of the entire industry.
What’s the most difficult part of your flight training?
“There’s a two part answer to this question. To start, the weather. Living in Canada – the weather gets pretty harsh during the winter. Half of the year is terrible flying weather as you have to deal with the cold, snow and ice. Second, the intensity of all of it is extremely difficult. It is a full-time, non-stop job as there is so much to learn within a short period of time.” The average temperature during a winter in Toronto is 2º Celsius or 37º Farenheit. Definitely not the easiest weather to train in due to extremely cold temperatures and low visibility. However, when you’re passionate about what you love you will do anything it takes to push through and succeed.
Being a pilot isn’t easy, yet it’s the passion for aviation and the people within the industry that push you to follow your dreams that make it all worth it. Allison is a prime example of the amazing people within the Pilot Industry and her willingness to expand her skills into a new career shows that if you love something – go after it! It was a pleasure speaking with Allison to better understand why people want to enter this industry and what it truly takes to become a pilot.
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If you like citrus, this one’s for you! This drink will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation, about to head down to the beach to enjoy a nice afternoon in the tropical sun. All you’re missing is that plane ticket!
The final step: Stir! Now you’re ready to sit back and enjoy your citrus infusion.
This energizing drink is perfect for watching the sunset from your porch or before heading to the airport. Mixing cranberry, orange, and lemon juice mixture not only resembles the color of a sunset, but makes for a revitalizing combination allowing you to feel more than prepared for your next adventure.
Stir or shake, depending on your preference!
Sensual. Mystical. Like from the 1001 nights. These summer nights can be scorching hot! Some PilotsFriend and black tea will cool you down. This one is an experience for all fans of special tea drinks.
Pour in hot black tea and add an equal amount of PilotsFriend. Fine-tune with a spoonful of cane sugar, or whatever suits you best. Let cool at room temperature then proceed to place it in the refrigerator until cold. Once it’s cold, add ice cubes and you’re set!
In the mood for something fruity with a mix of tart and sweet? This drink is made for you. Blackberry and limeade go well together, especially after a day in the sun. Not to mention, the color of this drink will leave you head over heels!
Blend the blackberries and water together in a blender until smooth. Then strain through a mesh strainer into a glass where you then mix the lime juice with the sugar. Add ice cubes and shake. Garnish your drink with lime wedges and fresh blackberries for that extra pizazz!
Personally, one of our favorite summertime drinks will transport you to your happy place. Guava is perfect for a hot summer day spent training in the sun or after hours spent studying to pass your recreational or private pilots exam.
Stir. Now you have made your revitalizing pilot go-go juice to give you enough energy to continue working into the night or to talk with your friends and family.
If you’re looking for something different and non-alcoholic, these summer cocktails will not disappoint. They’re fun drinks to whip up for yourself or when you’re expecting any guests over. Mocktails are always a summer hit and these ones will have people begging you for your recipes! You can thank us later.
]]>Get Active
If you’re looking for activities to keep you on your toes, we’ve got you covered. There’s tons of apps on your phone that can assist in motivating you to get active. Ever head of Strava? It’s a running app available on Iphone or Android that offers GPS tracking and also permits you to see a feed of your friend’s activities, allowing you to challenge them along the way. Try setting up a running competition between you and your friends to see who can run the farthest and fastest! In addition, a quick morning run around the neighborhood is always a good idea. It's the coolest in the morning and you won’t run into many people. If you’re not much of a runner, we suggest looking up at-home workouts or yoga classes on Youtube to get your blood flowing.
Stay Busy at Home
Tired of baking banana bread? Try discovering new recipes online and get out of your comfort zone! Half Baked Harvest has thousands of cooking and baking recipes to satisfy your inner chef. Looking to master a skill that will help further you in your career? Head to LinkedIn and use their learning platform to brush up on your Excel skills. Sometimes being at home can leave us feeling isolated and lonely. Text your friends and organize a virtual group hang out! It’s always good to catch up on each other’s lives and no touching is required. Happy hour is always better with friends and you can stay in your pajamas from the comfort of your own home – YAY! Also, now is the perfect time to catch up on all the movies you’ve been meaning to watch and TV shows you’ve been wanting to start. Looking for new drinks to quench your thirst while binging? Try mixing PilotsFriend in with fruit juices that are in-season, such as strawberry or mango.
Get Creative
Order some art supplies and start getting creative (little DIY home projects count as well)! This is a great way to work on something with your kids and bring the family closer together. Kids love competition, so we suggest making a competition between family members on who can paint the best and the winner will get their piece of art hung on a wall of their choice in the house! Another great way to stay creative at home is by knitting! Knitting is a great way to relieve stress, improve focus, and enhance self-esteem.
We hope you’ve been staying active, healthy, and happy during this time, and that these tips can help you switch up your routine! When you try out these tips and activities, be sure to let us know what you think on our social media channels. And remember - a can of PilotsFriend on top of everything will ensure you have ever-lasting energy to get all these activities checked off your list!
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Day-to-day activities can be extremely draining. Especially if you have a full day of activities ahead of you. PilotsFriend is crafted to perfection, because we care about your health and understand that sometimes we all need a little help with getting things done. We’re taking you through a day with Laura, the outdoor explorer and hard worker, to understand what it truly feels like to drink a natural stimulant!
Morning Routine
Laura starts her morning off with some meditation and yoga in her living room before making herself breakfast. For breakfast, she makes an egg white omelette and cracks open a can of PilotsFriend. She prefers PilotsFriend over a cup of coffee, because it provides natural energy – without the crash! Laura loves drinking PilotsFriend in the morning since it also helps with her digestion after a large breakfast. After breakfast, Laura is feeling energized and ready to take on the day! She leaves for one of the trials near her house to go on a quick run. When she returns, she wraps things up with a quick ab workout. She’s work-day ready!
Afternoon Routine
Still feeling energized from her can of PilotsFriend earlier, Laura gets to work on her laptop as she works from home. She loves the mental clarity the energy drink has given her and flies through her email inbox. Nothing can stop her when she feels motivated! Laura starts making a healthy lunch consisting of feta cheese, spinach, salmon, and orzo after finishing up her emails. She believes living a balanced and healthy lifestyle is the key to happiness. Craving another can of PilotsFriend, she runs to the fridge to grab a second. The crack of the can opening is one of the most satisfying sounds - she promises. The ginger in PilotsFriend helps with digestion after a big lunch, and she gets back to work. All thanks to PilotsFriend, she’s able to get through another productive day, without a dreaded caffeine crash at the end.
Energy, Delivered
PilotsFriend supplies anyone with the energy needed. Be the kind of person who knows that every result starts with making a choice, and that living your best life comes from making the healthiest ones. Our 100% natural ingredients leave you feeling great and energized – ready to take on anything. Long-lasting energy allows you to power through daily activities such as working from home and hiking. Laura drinks a can of PilotsFriend at least twice a week, because she loves how it tastes and leaves her feeling on top of the world!
Each year, CBC’s reality show Dragons’ Den lures hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their dreams to a panel of six Canadian venture capitalists in hopes of all-important exposure and investment. As the popular series wrapped up its 12th season in April, UCalgary alumnus Arash Hosseini and his partner, Ali Asghari, took their turn in the national spotlight.
More than 150 fans of Hosseini and Asghari gathered at Calgary’s Craft Beer HQ to watch the episode of Dragons’ Den in which the well-dressed duo extolled the virtues of their all-natural, organic energy drink, dubbed PilotsFriend. But, before the two had a chance to give their pitch, we first heard from the crafty, the hard-nosed, the bizarre and the ever-hopeful — about innovative de-icing chips made from a 4,000-year-old volcano; lightweight hammocks that guaranteed “no bad days;” a nifty dishwasher tray for Champagne flutes; and so forth. Huddled around three TV screens, glasses clinked, hoots were hollered and backs were slapped when Hosseini and Asghari finally strode onto the CBC stage in Toronto, where they’d filmed this pitch a year ago.
“I will never forget the call that came last May,” says Asghari. “It was a Tuesday night and somebody from CBC asked us if we could be in Toronto for a taping on Thursday. Of course, we said yes!”
How, in less than 48 hours, would they choreograph a two-minute pitch? What could they possibly do that would catapult them past the other 1,000-plus pitches they’d be up against? What would make this organic tonic — bottled in Europe and sourced from natural ingredients from 11 different countries — stand out in a market dominated by artificially caffeinated drinks like Red Bull? Obviously, they needed a catchy, sexy act — but what? The duo were headed to the Calgary airport when an idea was borne: they began calling bartenders in Toronto. By the time they’d landed in the Big Smoke, they’d sourced two bartenders, pilot’s uniforms, a non-slippery tray, glasses and a countertop.
“We’d also practised our pitch, oh, a good 150 times,” adds Hosseini, BComm’13, who currently works at Husky as a commodity risk analyst. “That said, it wasn’t easy stuffing history, the product, and its interesting story that began with a team of Italian pilots who needed to cut back on caffeine [which was giving them jitters], but still wanted an energy boost, into a two-minute act. Then, we had to ask ourselves, ‘Where do the bartenders come in . . . and how could we be sure they were entertaining, without being a distraction?’”
As though that wasn’t gruelling enough, five minutes before they were to meet the Dragons, the show’s producer asked them to run through their pitch. At the end, she said “Raise your ask; you can’t just want the publicity.”
Asghari began the mental math, crunching numbers while pacing in the CBC hallway. “In 2015, the energy drink category was worth $54 billion, globally,” he recalls. “One-third of that number is consumed in North America. In other words, we consume six times more than the rest of the world.” Asghari rehearsed the figures over and over again . . . well, as much as you can only two minutes before going in front of the cameras. They went in asking for $100,000, in exchange for five per cent equity.
Watching the drama unfold at the launch party a year later, it seemed that, just seconds after the two appeared on screen, Dragon Jim Treliving was throwing $100,000 at them for 10 per cent of their company. And then something that never happens on the show, happened. Dragons Manjit Minhas and Arlene Dickinson agreed with each other and slammed Treliving for his overly high evaluation. As partners, Minhas and Dickinson offered $100,000, with a 10-per cent slice of equity for each.
Asghari and Hosseini wanted all three offers for different reasons — marketing, exposure, expertise — and suggested a $100,000 deal, with a seven-per cent stake apiece.
Poof! All three Dragons raised their glasses of pink fizzy PilotsFriend and a deal was struck. Another season where the hopes and dreams of entrepreneurs are judged was officially over — but not for the North American distributors of PilotsFriend, whose flight had just left the runway.
Indeed, within less than 12 hours of the broadcast, Asghari and Hosseini had received 90 requests from individuals and curious companies, and had appeared on three different Calgary radio shows.
“We’ve been ensuring our website would hold up and that our warehouse was ready,” said Hosseini, the day after the launch, “but still, we’ve been completely overwhelmed. They say the exposure is a game-changer but until you’ve experienced it, you just don’t know.”
Watch our pitch on dragon's den]]>Stimulants are ingredients which kick your brain and central nervous system into high gear, sort of like a high horsepower car (https://www.britannica.com/science/stimulant) This process increases alertness, boosts your mood, and helps you feel more awake and who wouldn’t want that? The stimulants found in PilotsFriend are Kola Nut and Guarana Extract, which both include natural and easily digestible caffeine. With PilotsFriend, you can get that burst of energy to help you make it through your day in a balanced way.
Inflammation is a process or bodies undergo to protect ourselves after an injury or irritation. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids) However, this causes us to feel stiff and tender, which is where anti-inflammatory ingredients come in handy! The quinine extract, black carrot juice, and ginger found in PilotsFriend all help soothe and cleanse the body, which makes our tonic the perfect pre- and post-workout beverage.
A healthy digestive tract is important to ensure our bodies process the full nutrients needed to stay healthy. PilotsFriend uses ingredients like yellow gentian extract, black carrot juice, ginger, and cardamom extract to help aid natural digestion, and make this process as beneficial for your body as possible.
Keeping your immune system strong is key to living a happy and healthy life. Keeping a diet full of fruits and veggies helps to prevent sickness, and nobody likes being sick. With ingredients like chokeberry juice, lemon juice, orange extract, cane sugar, apple juice, acerola extract, and cardamom extract, your immune system is supported so your body is functioning to its fullest potential. Your stress gets relieved by supporting your immune system.
Give your body a boost and grab a pack of PilotsFriend today!
]]>Road trip snacks are a must, especially for longer drives where both energy and focus are essential. We all know that after several hours in the car, our bodies start to fatigue, our mind craves new scenery, and focusing on the road becomes exhausting. With 56 mg of caffeine per bottle of PilotsFriend, it’s easy to perk back up and focus on the road and destination ahead. Our fruit tonic beverage not only tastes delicious and is infused with natural fruit essences, but it has an abundance of natural caffeine that will help you get back your laser focus until you reach your destination.
Going on a hike is a fun, adventurous, and a great way to stay active! When packing a backpack for your next hike, make sure a chilled PilotsFriend makes it into your bag. PilotsFriend is the perfect 150 ml packable drink that contains “a finely balanced assortment of caffeine derived from cola nuts and Guarana seeds” (https://www.pilotsfriend.ca). The natural caffeine in PilotsFriend will keep your energy balanced throughout your entire hike and give you the boost you need to make it up the mountain. Once your down, know that muscle recovery is on its way! PilotsFriend contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that will help your body recover after physical activity.
Soaking up time in the great outdoors is one of the best ways to spend a weekend during the summer. However, packing up for a camping trip can be confusing and even daunting with gear, equipment, clothing, and food. With limited space and a full packing list, let PilotsFriend make your life just a little bit easier. Our small cans make for the ideal packable drink, and perfect morning coffee replacer. Next time you go camping, make sure to throw a few PilotsFriend fruit tonics into your cooler, for your new favorite morning, afternoon, or late night camping beverage!
To prepare for your next adventure, buy a pack of PilotsFriend by clicking here.
]]>Synthetic caffeine was developed during World War II by the Nazis. Between embargoes and nationalist sentiments, the Nazis were interested in only using German-produced goods, including stimulants like caffeine. Since then, synthetic caffeine has taken off as a cheap and easy way to mass produce what we all crave: that morning kick of energy. Because it is so readily available, many products are made with this synthetic version. However, due to its manufactured nature, synthetic caffeine is absorbed by the digestive system much more quickly, followed by an even more dramatic crash.
Natural caffeine is found in over 60 different plants, including cola nut and guarana. It exists alongside other nutrients in the plant which help to slow the release of caffeine into our system, providing a more steady stream of energy with a much smaller crash. The caffeine found in PilotsFriend comes from these natural sources. The guarana seed provides about 20mg of caffeine, and once that begins to wear down, caffeine from the cola nut begins to release, providing another 36mg. Our studies have shown that at any given time only 25-35 mg are needed for optimal performance, meaning that PilotsFriend is perfectly crafted to give you the boost you need without the jitters, anxiety, or stomach irritation.
Created by bio-scientists and nutritionists, Pilot’s Friend promotes optimal concentration, performance, and health without the negative side effects typically associated with energy drinks. And after over 10 years of success in Europe, Pilot’s Friend is now coming to Canada. Order yours here.
]]>It may seem obvious, but studies show that over 51% of adults worldwide don’t get enough sleep. However, a good night’s sleep is the key way we as humans recharge our internal “batteries” to make sure we’re ready to take on the next day. On average, humans need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night but if over half of the population isn’t hitting this marker, it’s no wonder that we live in a high-stress society. Sleep is crucial to success, to feeling like your best self, and to treating your body with kindness. So brew a hot cup of tea, grab a cozy blanket, and hit the hay a little bit earlier tonight.
Globally, one in four adults are not active enough. And although hitting the gym can seem like a chore at times, working out is more than just being active and getting your heart rate up. It’s about making time for yourself and providing consistent space to treat your body like the temple it is. A regular workout routine will in turn result in more energy and allow you to breeze through your day without a crash. It’s important to note that exercise isn’t about pushing yourself too hard, physically or mentally. Working out is a process of listening to your body and tending to it so that you can feel your best every day.
PilotsFriend is packed with natural and organic energy and has been crafted to perfection. If you haven’t already heard about our unique history, PilotsFriend was originally created by a team of bio-scientists and nutritionists for active duty jet pilots. We’ve since expanded our market after realizing it’s the perfect drink for just about anyone looking for a healthy and completely natural caffeine boost. Our fruit tonic promotes optimal concentration, performance, and health without the negative side effects of some of the synthetically caffeinated beverages on the market. PilotsFriend is the perfect diet addition to help you avoid the typical energy slump and keep you going throughout your day.
Help your body get through the day with ease and order your own case of PilotsFriend today!
]]>Autumn is a crazy time of the year. Colors are changing, the weather is getting colder, and school is in full motion. Approaching the middle of the season means one thing for students: midterms are coming up and they’re coming up fast. Some students are scrambling all of their notes and textbooks to get ready for their first round of tests, while other students know the drill all too well.
Whether you’re a new student just figuring out how this all works or a pro with the process on lock, a bit of brainpower and energy from PilotsFriend can benefit you! Traditional energy drinks and caffeine give you a harder crash after the boost is over. The sugar crash hits hard and not only hits your energy levels but also your overall body health. Excess sugar consumption can lead to headache tension, dehydration, and fatigue, and you can’t afford any sort of crash during vital study sessions. In addition to body exhaustion, the caffeine crash can hurt your brain’s level of productivity. Extreme tiredness, irritability, and concentration troubles are just a few of the symptoms and side effects with traditional caffeine and energy drinks. With PilotsFriend, these symptoms and problems are a thing of the past and you can focus on what you need to retain!
PilotsFriend is the energy tonic precision-crafted by bio-scientists and nutritionists. Every ingredient in PilotsFriend benefits your body and stimulates your mind for better concentration. PilotsFriend gets that sweet touch from the intentional, natural flavor. Real apple juice, orange extract, and a pinch of cane sugar gives PilotsFriend its balanced sweetness. With true flavor and real ingredients, there are no sugar crashes here! PilotsFriend uses organic cane sugar because of its naturally strong sweetness. That allows PitlotsFriend to contain less sugar than traditional energy drinks. Less sugar will have your body performing greater and you will avoid headaches and dehydration. With true flavor and real ingredients, there are no sugar crashes here! The energy boost you get from PilotsFriend comes from naturally derived caffeine sources. Kola Nut and Guarana extracts give you that natural spark and vibrant energy. Other ingredients like the quinine and gentian extract both inspire creativity and brain function.
Don’t be fooled, PilotsFriend is not just for pilots. PilotsFriend is for anyone who wants to make the best out of their lives! Everyone can use a boost of energy to keep up with life, that’s why PilotsFriend is here to help. Whether you’re a first-year engineering student that’s getting ready for that crazy physics test, a medical student preparing for that biology project, or a business major touching up that awesome presentation, count on PilotFriend to get you hyped up and ready to tackle any midterms coming your way!
]]>Daylight Savings Time was first implemented in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The original idea was to gain an hour of daylight during spring and summer. It gave more time after the usual work hours for activities and hobbies. For the winter season, adjusting the time one hour back makes light to an earlier sunrise, making more efficient commutes to work and school. Another prominent point to the history of daylight savings was for energy consumption. Gaining an hour of daylight would hypothetically save electricity and heat consumption. This has since been a controversial topic since the beginning of its implementation.
An hour of time difference seems insignificant, but it does disrupt our body’s circadian rhythm, even if it’s an hour gained. It will take a couple of days to adjust so don’t worry about changing your daily schedule. If you are feeling sluggish and slow to the adjustment, scientists recommend going to bed or waking up ten to fifteen minutes earlier than normal. This suggestion will help with the adapting to the time gained when daylight savings ends. Even though an hour of time is gained, there is an impact on our bodies. The disconnect between our internal clock and the actual local time has effects very similar to chronic jetlag. Feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, and inflammation are very common. The mismatch between body clocks and social clocks can lead our bodies to produce more inflammatory cells than normal throughout the adjustment period. To battle theses effects, drink lots of water, keep a balanced diet, and go to your natural and organic sources for energy. In this situation, PilotsFriend is the perfect drink to help you wake up and adapt to daylight savings.
If you are feeling sluggish from daylight savings time changes, PilotsFriend is the perfect morning pick-me-up! Waking up a couple of minutes earlier to adjust for the time can lead to a drowsy morning. Pick up a PilotsFriend to get your day started right! If you are feeling any inflammatory effects from the time change, we got you covered. PilotsFriend has anti-inflammatory ingredients ready to battle the impacts of daylight savings! Quinine, black carrot juice, and ginger will all help with inflammatory problems during the first couple of days of adjustment. And of course, all of our ingredients are organic, so they will restore and rebalance your natural energy!
Daylight savings has come to an end and we are all going to be feeling a little off for a couple of days. Mornings are going to be brighter and the nights will be longer. As our bodies adjust to the new time changes, follow these helpful tips to keep you feeling normal and full of energy. And as you adapt to the new time, PilotsFriend is here to help! Count on PilotsFriend to get you back on track and ready to tackle the day with a boost of naturally derived energy!
]]>It’s that time of year again when the leaves start changing, and the kiddos head back to school. The first few weeks or even months can feel like you’re drowning and cannot figure out a schedule to get yourself out the door on time. At PilotsFriend, we understand entirely, and we have three tips and tricks to make your mornings go a little smoother.
Packing your lunch and your kid’s lunch the night before will save you countless decisions and time during your busy morning! All you’ll have to do it grab their lunchbox from the fridge, and you’re good to go. No more stress out PB&J’s, you’ll have the time to put together a thought-out and nutritious meal.
When it comes to healthy, affordable, and quick breakfast choices, sometimes the options can be limited. Below is the perfect Overnight Oats recipe!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Although coffee is delicious, it can also be time-consuming to make! PilotsFriend is the perfect morning coffee-replacement that consists entirely of organic energy! PilotsFriend promotes optimal concentration, performance, and health without the adverse effects associated with caffeinated beverages and sugary energy drinks. All you have to do is throw a PilotsFriend into your fridge the night before, and this fruit tonic will help your energy last all day.
Click here to make your life even easier, and become a part of Pilots Friend’s subscription service to receive a monthly shipment, delivered right to your doorstep.
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