No matter how much sleep he gets, my dad has always struggled with low energy. This can come as a surprise to people who know him professionally—he’s an ordained minister who hosts events and gives charismatic speeches and sermons as he paces behind a pulpit. A few years ago, when an out of town pastor friend was visiting, my father eyed him sipping on a bright orange beverage. He had to know what it was.The pastor friend said it was an energy drink made by AdvoCare called Spark.
My dad had to give a speech at the church that night, so he asked to try it out for himself. He was allured by the concept of a drink giving him the vigor he’d always lacked. So he decided to try it again. After his second or third serving, he started noticing an increase in his energy. He ordered a three-month supply from the pastor and found that Spark not only boosted his energy, but he liked the taste so much that he sometimes drank two glasses back to back. The habit would eventually resulting in headaches and a buzzed, alert feeling that lasted well into the evening.
If you haven’t heard of AdvoCare, you’ve probably heard of some of the company’s spokespeople, the likes of Drew Brees, former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, and NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne. Brees, his cohort of pro athletes, and, most surprisingly, a large large network of pastors and religious leaders like my dad’s seminary buddy, hawk the supplements, powders, meal replacement shakes, and capsules AdvoCare has had on the market since 1993.
Headquartered in Plano, Texas, AdvoCare was founded by Charles E. Ragus, the OG pyramid scheme operator behind Herbalife and Omnitrition. There was a class-action lawsuit brought against AdvoCare and other multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) like Herbalife in 2016. The latest: A bill called The Anti-Promotional Pyramid Scheme Act was introduced in July 2017; it aims to better outline the boundaries of what is a true MLM vs. a pyramid scheme.
Lawsuit notwithstanding, AdvoCare’s cult-like superfan base hasn’t seemed to mind or even notice the bad publicity. Despite all the controversy surrounding AdvoCare in recent years, at the time of publishing, the “physical and financial wellness” company boasts over 618,000 active accounts, according to Lindsay Bomar, Senior Communications Manager at AdvoCare. That doesn’t factor in all of the buyers who might purchase AdvoCare products through one of their tiered sellers—MLMs, by nature of their multi-level business model, make it difficult to track these numbers—so the true number of users is likely much higher.
The brand sells a complete range of wellness products, but their most popular are Spark, a powdered drink energy supplement promising “enhanced mental focus”; Trim, a weight loss program made up of multiple appetite-suppressing supplements, vitamins, and meal-replacement shakes; as well as pre-and post-workout protein shakes; and Performance Elite, performance enhancing supplements which claim to help increase muscle gain, enhance workouts, and help athletes recover more efficiently.
“Supplements are, for most people totally unnecessary.”
But in the end, for all their promises, Advocare’s products still occupy that murky sub-category of nutrition: Supplements. In a 2018 statement in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, titled “IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete,” the authors agreed that, because performance-enhancing supplements in particular are not well enough researched yet, “Decisions on supplement use therefore need to consider both the context of use and the specific protocol employed.” They also reported that in the US, in 2015, approximately 23,000 emergency department visits annually were reported to be associated with dietary supplement use.
Dr. Dan Benardot, an RD/LD who works with Olympic athletes says, “Supplements are, for most people totally unnecessary.” Even so, he says, “Most people don’t understand how to take them. Most people think that if a little bit of a nutrient is good for you, more must be better, and nothing could be further from the truth.”
If their business practices have been proven questionable at best, what about the product itself? People remain diehard loyalists to the stuff. (My own father was a regular Spark drinker for several years.) Yet no definitive studies have ever shown that AdvoCare products are effective. And because the company recommends that users combine product-use with an overall healthier lifestyle—a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise—it’s hard to know if it’s the supplement that’s doing the work, or if a user would be seeing results regardless.
ADVOCARE FOR WEIGHT LOSS
AdvoCare’s weight loss program, Trim, is a Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS). AdvoCare claims it “combines an essential mix of ingredients and phytochemical herbs to increase energy levels and enhance your body’s ability to burn off excess body fat.” The MNS provides “vital nutrients as well as supports for sustaining a healthy weight.” The program features three main products, each targeting a different area: appetite suppression, optimum nutrition, and energy.
There are no published studies on the effectiveness of AdvoCare in spurring weight loss or improving athletic performance, but there have been scientific reviews showing AdvoCare ingredients to be either ineffective or to have potentially adverse effects.
One ingredient brought into question is garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit often found in weight-loss supplements, because it’s thought to curb appetite and block the body’s ability to make fat. Lisa R. Young, a nutritionist and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim” said that it’s entirely possible that there can be negative side effects from taking a product containing garcinia cambogia. “As I tell clients—why take a supplement like this if there is the potential for side effects,” she said.
“It may not be good for health. So why risk it?”
Trim products also contain crystalline fructose, green coffee extract, and sucralose—all ingredients that seem counterintuitive for weight loss. Young said that crystalline fructose is an added sugar that contributes calories, and in excess, can even cause weight gain. Sucralose, a zero-calorie sweetener often marketed as being good for weight loss, doesn’t seem to have any major effects on weight, according to Young, and “It also may not be good for health. So why risk it?”
On green coffee extract, Young said, “Potential side effects I’ve read about are—insomnia, nervousness, upset stomach, nausea, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, headaches, anxiety.”
Overall, Young isn’t a huge fan of such products. “Some of these ingredients may be potentially harmful and more research is needed,” she says.
ADVOCARE FOR ENERGY
The ingredient list for AdvoCare’s energy supplement called Spark, is somewhat interminable, but standouts include a hefty dose of caffeine (120mg), as well as copper (the exact dosage is not listed on the product’s website).
Caffeine caution is nothing new, but despite eliminating ephedra in their products in 2002, before the FDA even banned the ingredient, AdvoCare still pumps up products like Spark with a lot of heart-racing caffeine—enough that the wife of the pastor who got my dad hooked on the product once rushed herself to the emergency room, panicking because the drink made her think she was having a heart attack.
The IOC consensus said, “The ‘more is better’ philosophy, when applied to caffeine, may result in side effects, including nausea, anxiety, accelerated heart rate, and insomnia, that outweigh the performance benefits. Unwanted outcomes become more common with caffeine doses ≥9 mg/kg body mass, but maximal benefits are usually achieved with intakes of 3–6 mg/kg.
On copper, Dr. Benardot, though unable to speak to AdvoCare products specifically, said that consuming any supplement containing the metal, is dangerous. “Copper is needed in very small amounts. It has one basic function and that is part of the transfer of a protein called ceruloplasmin, which transfers iron to transferrin, which is the transport of the blood into hemoglobin, to make hemoglobin for red blood cells,” he says. “What are you gonna do if you have all the ceruloplasmin you need and you intake copper? What’s your body supposed to do with it? It’s a heavy toxic metal.”
AdvoCare’s Director of Research Development and Scientific Operations, Michael Hartman, disputed that a person could possibly have enough copper in their system without the help of a supplement, citing an Institute of Medicine study that says “only 20% of the population receives the amount of copper they need through daily meals. They have to consume it from dietary or supplemental resources. The copper in AdvoCare is at 10% of the daily value.” He added, “The great advantage to supplements, is that you know exactly how much copper you’re getting in. If you’re only getting it from food sources, you don’t know how much copper you’re ingesting.”
Several studies and Dr. Benardot cautioned against using any dietary supplements unless recommended by a doctor for a biological deficit, but AdvoCare would not comment on those opinions. Hartman said, “We’re very proud of our products and the ingredients we use. As we review the literature and review the recommended dosage, we’re confident in the efficacy of our product. … Using as directed, there is very low safety risk.”
Garcinia Market Research Report includes various topics like total Market Size, Key Market Drivers, Challenges, Growth Opportunities, Industry Share, Growth, Demand, Outlook etc. Furthermore, it covers key market updates, the impact of regulations and technological updates in. The report addresses the need to stay updated in this competitive market conditions and this provides and comprehensive data for making strategies and decision to stimulate the market growth and profitability.
Market Analysis:
Garcinia is a fruit, majorly found in India and Southeast Asia. It contains a chemical, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is considered as a source to prevent fat storage, control appetite, and increase exercise endurance. It can be extracted into powder and liquid form and is applicable in the food beverage industry, functional foods, and dietary supplements. Increasing health conscious population and inclination of consumers towards food supplements is boosting the growth of garcinia market. Moreover, continuous increase in health issues among the growing population has created opportunity for the players in garcinia market to enter into the market and generate revenue. However, stringent government laws and regulations for application of garcinia in the products may hamper the growth of the market.
Rising consumers’ awareness about garcinia supplements and health advantages associated with it is identified to be increasing the sales of garcinia in the global platform. The growth has been driven by the increased acceptance of natural health supporting ingredients among the consumers. Increasing prevalence of diseases such as obesity has increased the application of garcinia in various industries including in supplements, pharmaceuticals, functional food beverages, and others. Garcinia serves as a source in prevention from factors which leads to obesity and other body weight related disorders. Continuously increasing obesity and other body weight related issues across the globe has turned up an opportunity for supplements, functional food and beverage industry to include garcinia in their products, which is driving the growth of the global garcinia market. Garcinia helps in reducing and managing body weight and prevents conditions like obesity and unnecessary body fat deposition.
With the entry of new industrial players in the weight loss products, established players are continuously involved in product improvisations and constantly keep adding new products to their offerings. With companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing in terms of quality and creating product differentiation to gain consumers attention. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing RD investments in the optimal strategies.
With strategic expansions, market players can focus on penetrating into the developing economies to expand their business portfolio. Consumers in developing countries are keen on exploring new product range offered to them and form a large consumer base. Establishing market in these emerging economies is profitable based on relatively low set-up costs, ease of doing business, and further lower variable cost to be incurred.
The key players profiled in Garcinia are Guangdong Hybribio Biotech Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong), Hunan Nutramax Inc. (China), Hunan Huacheng Biotech Inc. (China), Nuvaria Ingredients (U.S.), Ambe Phytoextracts Private Ltd. (India), Indfrag Limited (India), Honson Pharmatech Group Ltd. (Canada), Xi’an Lyphar Biotech Co., Ltd. (China), Sia Fruits Serviss, and Zeon Health UK Ltd. (U.K)
Latest Industry Updates:
May 2017 TLS Weight Loss Solution has launched two of the hottest ingredients for weight loss in the name of Green Coffee Bean Extract and Garcinia Cambogia. Green Coffee Extract, is the most clinically researched brand of green coffee bean extract, which has been shown superior to its competitors in promoting healthy weight management and helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Dec 2016 Pure Nutrition has launched its flagship e-commerce portal in Dubai with a bid to explore the natural formulations market with its expanded range of products including Garcinia for weight management.
Nov 2016 Garcinia Cambogia Fusion Burn Fat Burner has been officially launched on Amazon.com. The product is enhanced with weight-loss formula which is natural, safe, and sustainable
Market Segments:
The Global Garcinia Market has been divided into Form, Application and Region.
Based on Form: Powder, Liquid, and Others
Based on Application: Foods Beverages, Functional Foods Dietary Supplements and Others
Based on Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and ROW
Garcinia Market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW). Asia Pacific region is dominating the market followed by Europe. Indonesia is the major producer of garcinia in the global market. Inclination towards body weight management among the consumers is driving the garcinia market in the Europe. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is witnessed to be the fastest growing region over the forecast period. Increasing obese population and growing health awareness in developing countries like India and China is boosting the growth of Asia Pacific market. Furthermore, rising demand for natural products in U.S. is likely to attract players to penetrate the North American market and increase the sales of their product.
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The report namely Global Garcinia Cambogia Extract Market 2018 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 focuses on emerging market trends and provides emerging opportunities in the market and the future impact of major drivers and challenges. It supports decision makers in making cost-effective business decisions. The report will help players in developing effective strategies to optimize their effective positions. Current and future trends are outlined to determine the overall attractiveness and gain a stronger foothold in the Garcinia Cambogia Extract industry. Further future industry supply, market demand, value, competition and its analysis of key player with industry forecast from 2018 to 2023 is covered in the report.
According to the report, the Garcinia Cambogia Extract market is projected to accomplish a very fortunate valuation portfolio by the end of the estimated duration. Additionally, the study summarizes that this vertical will register a highly noteworthy growth rate over the forecast timeframe. Further, key aspects including advertise drivers, challenges, openings, future guide, key patterns, player profiles, procedures, and esteem chain are empowered in the report.
The report is a crucial source for each market fan, policymaker, speculator, and other players. Complete information of these manufacturers and their market share by various regions, with the company and product introduction, is included in the report. It considers the market expanse, trade share, evolution, crucial areas, CAGR, and respective key drivers. The report includes relevant factors of participants such as product/service contributions, manufacturing process, capacity, income details, business synopsis, new product launches, acquisitions, and partnership. Numerous prominent companies cited in the report are
Xi’an Lyphar Biotech
Shaanxi Fuheng (FH) Biotechnology
Shaanxi Guanjie Technology
Wuhan Vanz Pharm
Hunan Kanerga Pharmaceutical Sales
TWO BLUE DIAMONDS
MARUTI FUTURISTIC PHARMA
KINAL GLOBAL CARE
NUTRA GRACE
Research Methodology:
The Garcinia Cambogia Extract market analysis is held using a standard and the tailored research methodology approach. The market gauges and estimates were determined through a mix of crucial and optional research. The varied sources used for integrates technical journals, paid data sources, annual reports, company websites, and other industry distributions.
To pursue the regional and international market, all the predictions of the industry report were quantity-wise as well as quality-wise considered. Geographically, this report is split into some important regions, together with production, consumption, revenue (USD), along with a market share in those regions, by 2013 to 2023, covering
North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)
Reasons For buying Garcinia Cambogia Extract Market Report:
Detailed description before changing Garcinia Cambogia Extract elements that are focused is given by this report.
The report has determined how the international market will grow during the anticipated period.
It helps in the analysis of shifting competition aspects and keeps you facing of challenges.
The report has mentioned elements limiting or producing Garcinia Cambogia Extract market progress
It assists in to recognize the various segments as well as their potential.
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A new Natures Aid supplement could be the answer. Natures Aid 3-in-1 contains 3 key ingredients associated with weight control. It contains Green Coffee Extract which provides 45% Chloregenic Acid, Garcinia Cambogia providing 60% Hydroxycritic Acid (HCA), and Green Tea Extract.
Green Coffee extract are from coffee beans that haven’t been roasted. These beans contain a higher level of a chemical called chloregenic acid. This chemical improves how the body handles blood sugar; it appears to slow the production of glucose in the body after a meal, which in turn will reduce the production of new fat cells.
Some studies suggest that chloregenic acid can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, which lowers blood sugar and insulin spikes. It reduces the amount of fat absorbed from the diet and the amount of fat stored in the liver, and improves the function of fat burning hormones.
Garcinia Cambogia is well known for its ability to boost fat-burning. Another claim is that it can help you feel full. Many customers have used Garcinia on its own to help them maintain weight so it’s nice to see it in a combination with added benefits.
Green Tea Extract is also well known for its ability to burn fat. It contains antioxidants called catechins which can boost metabolism by increasing the effect of fat burning hormones which tell the fat cells to break down fat. It can also help reduce appetite, and is said to help burn calories even when at rest. However, it’s even more effective burning fat when taken before exercise.
Several studies on green tea catechins show that although the weight loss effects are modest, a significant percentage of fat lost is the harmful visceral fat. A reduction in this fat can reduce the risk of many of the major diseases down the line.
So if you’re looking for a supplement to give you a kick start to shedding a few pounds then it’s worth a try. You will still need to do some exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. Make sure to check with your doctor if you’re on any medication before taking the supplement.
Garcinia Cambogia a small, sweet tropical tree fruit also known as Malabar tamarind. Other names for Garcinia Cambogia are Assam Fruit, Gorakkapulli, Panampulli, Manda Huli, Goraka Pulli, Mangosteen, and Vadakkan Puli. Garcinia Cambogia is obtained in different colors depending on the spices such as yellow, green and red. Garcinia Cambogia extract is a hub of vitamins B, Thiamin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Manganese, Potassium and Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). Hydroxycitric Acid in Garcinia Cambogia Extract is appetite suppressant which reduces cravings and decrease the urge to consume calories. Hydroxycitric Acid also helps in managing stress hormones, increase serotonin level, speed up metabolism leading to better mood sleep and reduce belly fat. Garcinia Cambogia Extract not only improves your overall health, but also prohibits the conversion of calories into fat. Hydroxycitric Acid inhibits the production of an enzyme that slows down the metabolism rate of the body. Because of this, the body converts the extra calories into glycogen. Garcinia Cambogia extract also helps the body to build more muscles.
Garcinia Cambogia Extractmarket is segment on the basis of form, distribution channel and region. On the basis of form market is segmented into powder, capsule and liquid.Garcinia Cambogia Extract come in different forms but the most popular form is the powdered form. Weight loss has become a common desire for many people these days and with huge rage of alternatives available it becomes quite difficult task for consumers to select one which they want for themselves. Exactly what makes garcinia cambogia extract powder hugely popular is the fact that it is natural, safe to consume and has proven positive results for weight loss. Garcinia cambogia extract powder with 100% HCA is probably the best remedies for weight loss. On the basis of distribution channel the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, medical stores and online stores. Online Stores is expected to hold a relatively high share in the garcinia cambogia extract market. Medical stores have also contributed significantly to the growth of Garcinia cambogia extract market over the forecast period. On the basis of region garcinia cambogia extractmarket is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA and Japan.
Market Regional Outlook:
Regional segment for the market of asparagus is divided into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA and Japan. Among these segment Asia Pacific is expected to have the major market share globally, as it is the largest consumer of garcinia cambogia extract. In Asia Pacific region the India is generating the major revenue. In terms of revenue Africa is the second prominent contributor in the garcinia cambogia extractmarket.
Market Drivers:
The rise in demand for weight loosing supplement is expected to drive the growth of global garcinia cambogia extract market. Garcinia cambogia extract is not only used as a supplement for weight reduction but it also exhibits some special properties such as it helps to reduce the cortisol level, reduce risk of heart disease, reduce risk of ulcer and improve lipid profile. It also helps in maintaining better metabolism and better cardiovascular health. The versatile properties of garcinia cambogia extracthas defiantly attracted the pharmaceutical companies which will drive the garcinia cambogia extract market to a greater extent.Moreover, the market is also driven by the increasing awareness among the consumers about the health benefits associated with garcinia cambogia extract.
Some of the key players in garcinia cambogia extractmarket are Power up health, BioGanix, Nature wise, Naturabest, NOW Foods, Top Secret Nutrition, Natrol, Global Health Ideas, Quality Encapsulations, shape organics,Search Results, Potent Organics, St.Botanica, Healthawin, Whole Body Research, NutriRise, PureNutria, Gaia Science? and Morpheme Remedies among others.
NEW ORLEANS — If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you’ve probably turned to the latest product on the market for help, like supplements, drinks and devices.
But this is the first time we’ve looked at a chewing gum.
Her career has taken her from a hit TV dance show in the late 70s, to movies in the 80s, like ‘Staying Alive,’ ‘A Chorus Line,’ ‘Flamingo Kid’ and ‘American Anthem.’ And when she married ice hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, the ceremony was broadcast live across Canada. Janet Jones is known for her in-shape body and physical fitness. When it comes to her physique, she admits, at 5 feet 9 inches tall, she has been genetically blessed and exercises and eats right, but there have been times even she wanted to shed some pounds.
“I’m 58-years-old and I’ve birthed five children and so weight hasn’t always been perfect for myself either,” she said. “I’ve wanted, after having a child, you want to lose that unnecessary weight on your body.”
And then something caught her attention called OMG for Overeating Management Gum.
“More importantly, I believed in it. I tried it and I was like, ‘This is a great product, and this works,'” she said.
So, not long ago, she brought it to the attention of fitness and nutrition expert Mackie Shilstone.
“And of course, I’m very suspect until I start doing the research and I see the leading researchers behind it,” Shilstone said.
Mackie says the active ingredient, Hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, is a chemical that is found in the rinds of garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit from Indonesia.
It’s been a popular weight-loss supplement for years. People say it helps lower your appetite and blocks your body’s ability to make fat. Other claims are that it could help keep cholesterol levels and blood sugar in range. So, after doing his due diligence on the effectiveness of OMG, Mackie decided to add it to his GNC inventory.
“You really need to take it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, thus they came up with the idea of the gum, because one of the most effective ways to absorb is under the tongue or through the saliva,” he explained.
So, he asked Newman School kindergarten teacher Marie Summitt to try the gum.
“I eat lunch very early with my class at 10:45 a.m. I get really hungry between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. And if there’s anything in the teachers’ lounge, like king cake or birthday cup cake, I might go in there and have a bite to eat,” Summitt said about her daily routine.
She has a weight loss goal in mind. Her daughter’s wedding is in October and she wants to take off 10 lbs. for the special day.
“Just so I would look my best and feel better too, and also I thought this was a good opportunity for me to just try and change my eating habits a little bit,” she said.
Marie already walks every weekday morning and plays tennis for hours on weekends, but it’s those afternoons, when she is planning her next day’s lessons, where she needs the boost. So every day for a week, she’s been trying OMG, chewing it 30 minutes before a meal and drinking a glass of water.
“It’s been great. I may have lost a pound, not too much, but I think it takes a couple of weeks. It has helped me realize I don’t need a cupcake at 3:45 in the afternoon. I can just do without until dinner time,” Summitt said.
When it comes to garcinia cambogia and weight loss the Journal Obesity reports people using it in studies lost about two pounds more than people who didn’t take it.
A nutrition scientist at LSU Health Sciences Center, Dr. Henry Nuss, doesn’t feel the research is convincing.
When asked if it can help suppress appetite, Dr. Nuss said “It can, but probably not to the degree that most people would like it to. They’ve been able to show in laboratory settings that this substance does affect lipid metabolism in the sense that it can prevent the body from storing fat, but again, not to the extent that we would consider as an effective weight loss mechanism.”
“What they’re finding is that you’re not eating as much,” Shilstone said. “Now, I have to be clear. If you think you can chew this gum and go eat everything, forget it. It’s part of a comprehensive program.”
Janet attributes the gum to helping her husband, Wayne Gretzky, drop weight.
“He finally said, ‘OK, I’m going to try this. I’m going to give it a shot, and he started chewing three-to-six pieces a day and over probably, a six-to-eight-week period, he lost 35 lbs.,” she said.
While Marie Summitt is helping her bride-to-be daughter pick out bridesmaids dresses and go to all the food tastings to pick a caterer, she says knowing that she is going chew the gum before a meal is making her more mindful of her portion sizes.
“I’m starting off with less and realizing that’s all I need,” Summitt said.
Doctors warn that people taking medication for diabetes, high cholesterol or blood thinners should not use any products with garcinia cambogia in them. It can also interact negatively with medications for pain, asthma and psychiatric conditions and it should also not be used by people with kidney or liver problems.
Version 5.1 of WordPress, named “Betty” in honour of acclaimed jazz vocalist Betty Carter, is available for download or update in your WordPress dashboard.
Following WordPress 5.0 — a major release which introduced the new block editor — 5.1 focuses on polish, in particular by improving the overall performance of the editor. In addition, this release paves the way for a better, faster, and more secure WordPress with some essential tools for site administrators and developers.
Site Health
With security and speed in mind, this release introduces WordPress’s first Site Health features. WordPress will start showing notices to administrators of sites that run long-outdated versions of PHP, which is the programming language that powers WordPress.
When you install new plugins, WordPress’s Site Health features will check them against the version of PHP you’re running. If the plugin requires a version that won’t work with your site, WordPress will keep you from installing that plugin.
Editor Performance
Introduced in WordPress 5.0, the new block editor continues to improve. Most significantly, WordPress 5.1 includes solid performance improvements within the editor. The editor should feel a little quicker to start, and typing should feel smoother.
Expect more performance improvements in the next couple of releases.
5.1 introduces a new database table to store metadata associated with sites and allows for the storage of arbitrary site data relevant in a multisite / network context.
The Cron API has been updated with new functions to assist with returning data and includes new filters for modifying cron storage. Other changes in behavior affect cron spawning on servers running FastCGI and PHP-FPM versions 7.0.16 and above.
New test config file constant in the test suite, new plugin action hooks
Short-circuit filters for wp_unique_post_slug(), WP_User_Query, and count_users()
A new human_readable_duration function
Improved taxonomy metabox sanitization
Limited LIKE support for meta keys when using WP_Meta_Query
A new “doing it wrong” notice when registering REST API endpoints
…and more!
The Squad
This release was led by Matt Mullenweg, along with Gary Pendergast as Senior Code Reshuffler and Poet. They received wonderful assistance from the following 561 contributors for this release, 231 of whom were making their first ever contribution! Pull up some Betty Carter on your music service of choice, and check out some of their profiles:
Finally, thanks to all the community translators who worked on WordPress 5.1. Their efforts bring WordPress 5.1 fully translated to 34 languages at release time, with more on the way.
Success as a freelance web designer is a double-edged sword. While it’s great to be busy and make money, it can also lead to being overwhelmed with work.
It’s a good problem to have, but still a problem nonetheless. One of the most difficult decisions you’ll need to make is determining just how much is too much. At what point do you say “That’s enough”?
While the answer will vary from person to person, the considerations regarding such a move are universal. Before you come to a decision, think carefully about the following questions.
Sometimes, we can get ourselves into situations without fully realizing the consequences. If you just faced a slow period where revenue was sparse, you might be eager to pick up every new project that comes along. Before you know it, you’re swimming in work.
Still, you may not even think that you’re trying to do too much. In design and development, it’s easy to get so engrossed in our work that we are oblivious to our own condition. So, it’s important to look for signs of distress.
In my case, I’ve found that I start to get very hypervigilant. I try to cross things off my to-do list in short order. If something disrupts my flow, I get upset. It feels like my brain is in overdrive.
The signs will be different for everybody. But once you pick up on them, you can then take a step back and breathe. Assess your predicament and think of ways to improve it.
How Long Will This Last?
We’ve all had those moments when we feel like we are literally drowning in projects. The situation can get to the point where you aren’t sure that you’ll ever get through it all. Meanwhile, clients are asking for status reports and hoping to launch sooner rather than later.
I’ve faced this situation many times over the years. But the thing is, it’s not (usually) permanent. Quite often, it’s because several projects that were on indefinite hold ended up converging all at once. All of the sudden, everyone’s in a hurry. And it is stressful, to say the least.
Being in this type of position can make you consider simply telling prospective clients that you’re too busy and can’t accept any new projects. However, this could be very short-sighted. Instead, it may be more appropriate to explain that you’ll be otherwise occupied for the next month or two.
For projects that aren’t necessarily a rush job, that may well work out for you. Your schedule may have some holes open up during that time.
Likewise, if you’ve signed on for a longer-term project, it may be wise to slow things down until you have a better idea of what’s in store. Once you get your feet wet, you can decide on the best path forward.
What’s the Root Cause?
Before you slam the brakes on acquiring new clients, it’s worthwhile to take a look at your business as a whole. It could lead you to discover that your current overload may have been avoidable. Or, perhaps you’ll find that other factors are involved.
Aside from the aforementioned “everything hits at once” situation, the cause might be something deeper. For instance, you might be so busy because you haven’t managed your schedule very well. There is also the possibility you’re (seriously) not charging enough.
On that last point, think about the value of your time. If you’re constantly scrambling to get things done, maybe it’s not a matter of forgoing new projects for a while. Maybe it’s more about raising the low end of your pricing threshold.
When clients pay you more for your time, you’ll sift out those who won’t. So, while you may remain steadily busy, you can better avoid becoming overwhelmed with too many projects (for not enough money, I might add).
The idea is that the issues you face in business are often more than meets the eye. Only by giving your situation a proper analysis can you find the true source of a problem.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Workload?
There really is a sweet spot when it comes to workload. For me, it’s when I have a few projects to work on without tight deadlines. It’s there that I can take the time to experiment with different techniques or explore new ideas without feeling rushed.
But the reality of freelance life can take us far away from that type of comfort level. When you have bills to pay, setting up your ideal workload usually takes a backseat to other priorities.
That doesn’t mean we can’t try, though. If we can gain a better understanding about what it is that we like, we can find a way to get there more often.
