When I see a fat guy holding an energy drink, I get sick to my stomach. I really can’t be too harsh because that used to be me. I was that fat guy. I know huge multimillion dollar marketing and advertising budgets go to extremes to convince us that we will see increased performance and sharper concentration benefits and not to mention the “coolness” factor, but seriously, how gullible are we really?
All it takes is a quick look at the nutrition label to resolve that these drinks have absolutely no business in your body. This is especially true if you have any concern about your health and your weight.
The number one reason to stay away from energy drinks is that they contain absurd amounts of sugar. Your typical Rockstar energy drink has 102 grams of sugar in just one can. According to the USDA, the recommended daily amount of sugar you are to consume is based on the total calories you consume during the day. For instance, if you are on a 1600 calorie diet daily, you are to consume no more than 22 grams of sugar per day. Ouch! A Rockstar will put you 4 times over the recommended daily amount… and that’s just for a single drink. And if you are concerned about your weight, put this equation into your head. More sugar equals more weight.
The second reason you should avoid energy drinks is because of the stimulants manufactures add to give you that “boost in energy”. Typically you will find guaranine, taurine, caffeine, and/or ginseng added to these drinks, in addition to sugar. All these ingredients have been know to cause: insomnia, high blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), difficulty breathing, seizures, anxiety, arrhythmia ( irregular heart beat ), heart palpations, and various allergic reactions. Oh yeah, did I mention that each of these stimulants is extremely addictive?
Although energy drinks are wildly popular here in the US, other countries aren’t so keen on them. Did you know Red Bull was banned in France after an 18 year old athlete died from drinking 4 cans? Since Red Bull exceeds the amount of caffeine French laws allow in a consumable product, they have banned the drink. Denmark and Norway have also followed suit and also ban the drink.
The third and final reason you should put down the energy drink is because it is a diuretic. What this means is it causes fluid loss. In fact most nutritionists are most concerned with this side effect because the typical American doesn’t drink nearly enough water as it is. Only 34% of Americans drink the 64 ounces of water per day recommended by the USDA. However any nutritionists will tell you that you actually need much more water than that.
I can’t imagine any successful athlete who needs his or her body to perform at its top level week after week would result to drinking energy drinks as a source of energy. Yet if you watch some of these energy drink commercials, that’s exactly what you are lead to believe. After researching energy drinks, you’ll realize that they are especially dangerous to drink if you are exercising because the combination of sweating with the diuretic effects can easily lead to severe dehydration.
Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend energy drinks to anyone, but I would especially advise those concerned about health and in particular weight gain to steer clear. Instead simply purchase a water bottle and carry that around with you. You’ll feel more energized, better rested, and healthier. In short you’ll look and feel great!
As a personal diet consultant and an energy expert, I wouldn’t recommend energy drinks to anyone. This is only more so true if you are trying to gain more energy, become healthier, or lose weight. Instead I would recommend picking up a bottle of water, you will feel much better.
James Richardsen is a memeber of myadrenalfatigue.com,a site that specializes in helping those suffering from low energy and fatigue. MyAdrenalFatigue.com helps you to increase your energy levels through natural techniques by focusing on your fitness physically,mentally,emotionally,and spiritually. All 4 areas have tremendous energy consequences.