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 lose 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.