Prevention Magazine recently described the value of a number of drinks, bars, and gels. Some under-produce on their claims, others just have too many calories.
Energy drinks such as Red Bull are caffeine and sugar cocktails. The grams of sugar can be exceedingly higher than a cup of coffee and teaspoon or two of sugar.
Energy gels such as “GU” are common during prolonged physical activities such as marathons but are full of unnecessary calories during most workouts.
Energy bars can predominately be protein, carbohydrate, or fiber based. They can have up 300-400 calories similar to candy bars. Ideally, they should be under 200 calories with fiber or protein supplements.
(Did You Know? A favorite supplement of mine is made by combining 2 cups of peanut butter, 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder, one extra ripe banana, and 2 tablespoons of flaxseed. Form into balls and refrigerate.)
Reading labels is the message from this email. Decide what your goals are from a particular energy supplement. Is it protein, fiber, caffeine, or calories? All may be appropriate at the right time and circumstances. Additional calories ingested during a marathon are essential. Protein around the time of exercising and weight lifting helps to build muscle. Me, I like a couple of cups of joe to get me going in the morning, make them black.