Article #22: Energy Drinks and Sugary Snacks
Did You Know? Energy drinks contain a lot of sugar, in addition to all of that caffeine! That is a big sugar rush, followed by a big crash. On the back of every drink is the amount of sugar in each serving.
If 4.2 grams equal roughly a teaspoon of sugar, how much sugar can one energy drink contain?
a. 2 teaspoons
b. 6 teaspoons
c. 8 teaspoons
d. 12 teaspoons (1/4 cup)
When user selects the answer: Just looking at 1/4 cup of sugar is enough to make you think twice about reaching for an energy drink. (Source:
http://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/content/infosheets/EnergyDrinks.pdf)
An intense energy boost to keep you going. Never slow down. The manufacturers of energy drinks and sugar-filled snacks make them sound hard to pass up. But the truth is, the way your body reacts to drinks with high sugar content, and in many cases caffeine, is an all-too short boost that’s also likely to produce these side effects:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart beat
- Increased blood pressure
And, before you know it, you’re crashing – hard. Your blood sugar falls and you feel woozy, often accompanied by a headache. Then you’re not even back where you started. You feel even worse. But don’t fear – there are better ways to boost your energy. Ways that can make you feel good for longer and longer stretches.
1. Feed the Engine: Eat well and your body will more efficiently convert that food into energy. Between meals, line up snacks that contain both carbs and proteins (for example, grapes and string cheese; turkey slice and carrots; peanut butter and apple). You’ll find that you feel better for longer – and without the jitters and crashes.
2. Rest Well: Set a goal to get nine hours of sleep a night, and schedule short naps (no more than 30 minutes,) to make up any deficit, and to help make you feel more refreshed.
3. Move It: Exercise has two benefits that don’t seem obvious. The more exercise you get, the more relaxed you feel. And, over time, you’ll feel you have more overall energy. The CDC suggests at least an hour of physical activity a day, with at least three days with more intense exercise (think playing full court basketball, versus just shooting around), mixed in.
If your looking for an energy boost, it’s not in some flashy packaging or some loud commercial – it’s within you. Take charge of what goes in your body and get the most out of it.
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