Okay, so this is a very important topic that I think is WAY too overlooked. I hear people talk about healthy eating, nutrients, and the importance of eating organic. But there is one thing that we do not discuss all that often.
Drinks are fun! They are a social tool, they bring people together. Think about it. You see a friend you haven't seen in ages. What do you say ? 'Let's go out for coffee' ! Or 'the hockey game is on... we need beer!'
Now I have no problem with flavored drinks or the like. But we need to face reality.. and I am sorry for this... haha.
If we really think about what we consume when we get a large mocha or a slurpy or down a can of coke, I think we would be pretty shocked. One of the biggest hurdles for me when I gave up crappy food was sugar drinks and soda.
When I did consume pop I would consume on average 2 or 3 a day. Thats crazy... I know.
So what do these drinks do to our bodies? Why are they bad? The easiest place to start when talking about drinks is the sugar. Not only are they loaded with processed white sugar, but also HFCS ( high fructose corn syrup ). These processed sugars are used because they are cheap. Any company who only cares about their ingredients being cheap is not worth buying from or supporting.
My new pet peeve with drinks is the label ' No Sugar Added' when in fact they have added sugar. Only it is labeled as splenda. Splenda, ladies and gentlemen is SUGAR! don't let labels fool you.
Many drinks especially energy drinks claim to have 'natural' active ingredients. I am sorry friends. The 'natural' ingredients such as ginko and creatine, ( I suggest you read up on those), are such low doses that they have little no effect on the body. Its a marketing ploy. The only thing that is affecting you is ... yes.. you guessed it. The sugar. Some, if not all of these drinks also contain caffein. No matter the argument for caffein.. don't drink it. Please do not fall for the marketing of these drinks. Its nothing but a really clever way of masking up a can full of junky, bubbling sugar!
If it is indeed energy you are looking for, you will be much better off if you drank more water, ate whole foods and rested more. You wouldn't only have more energy but you would also feel great. We do not need to rely on 'energy' drinks to provide us with the energy we need to get out of bed. If we are indeed out of energy, we need to address the cause and not treat the symptoms.
* please note, that while an energy drink may give you temporary energy, the energy it gives is artificial. Want real energy? Put the drink down... start with the basics. Drink more water.
Watch this video of top ten worst drinks to consume. its a goody. Thanks to Natalie for providing us with a great resource.
More on energy drinks to come!
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