|
Energy Drinks and Energy Bars - Are They a Good Idea
for You?
Are you trying to
live a healthy lifestyle? Do you hope that using energy
drinks and energy bars will help you stay alert, keep
active and loose weight?
While the claims made by advertisers
can be convincing it is important for you to understand
the differences between products and how that affects
your health.
ENERGY DRINKS, SPORTS DRINKS and
MEAL REPLACEMENTS
Energy drinks have become a three billion
dollar business in the US. However, the popularity of
these drinks does not mean that they are all created
equal.
Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are created
for athletes to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Water alone cannot provide these nutrients to hard working
bodies. These additions, along with flavor enhancement
which encourages more drinking, can help with rehydration
which will increase energy if lack of hydration is the
cause of fatigue.
Energy drinks that are advertising a
herbal energizer are not always using enough of the
herb to create any noticeable effect. On the contrary,
if too much of the potent herb is present it could even
cause adverse reactions with other medications.
Many of the marketed energy drinks rely
on caffeine as a stimulant. They are also very high
in sugar. While this may give you an initial boost it
will also lead to sharp drops in sugar levels which
will create a cycle of dependency. The caffeine can
also lead to addiction - a special danger to children
who may regularly choose energy drinks without understanding
the health risks of caffeine.
Meal replacement drinks can also improve
energy in that they provide optimum nutrients which
may otherwise be lacking in the diet and causing fatigue.
However, meal replacement drinks are high in calories
and will actually increase your calorie intake per day
if added to a regular diet instead of used in place
of a meal.
ENERGY BARS and MEAL REPLACEMENT
BARS
Energy bars seem like a smart choice
when a hungry guy or girl just doesn't have time for
a meal. However, choosing wisely will prevent you from
making unhealthy selections or adding unwanted calories
to your diet.
Energy bars have the same precautions
as energy drinks. While some may provide you with a
quick lift they may also be high in things which are
very good for you - like sugar and hydrogenated oils.
Soft textured bars are more likely to
have high levels of hydrogenated oils. Choosing a bar
with whole grains and fruits that is harder in texture
is more likely to give you the proper source of energy
producing carbs that you want without the less desirable
additions.
Again, meal replacement bars are just
that - designed as a full meal replacement for weight
loss or calorie restriction. Eating a meal replacement
bar in addition to your regular diet will only increase
the amount of calories you take in which will not provide
you with the energy you desire.
Adding the appropriate choice of energy
bars or drinks to a balanced diet will help you maintain
a healthy diet even when you are on the go. Including
them as a part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle
will provide you the most health benefits and greatest
energy.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
