Do you feel like you just don’t have enough time or energy to make it through your lengthy to-do list? Do you need an energy boost?
Amy Bowen, dietitian at WakeMed Cary Hospital, asserts that energy drinks are not the answer.
Aside from calories and added sugars, many of the 5-hour energy drinks contain caffeine and caffeine derivatives like taurine and B vitamins, which some sources claim boost energy. However, the science behind amino acid taurine and the B vitamins as energy boosters is limited.
If you want to reap the benefits of real energy, focus on balanced portions of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in your diet. Make it a point to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, and try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Another good tactic is to decrease energy zappers in your diet. These energy zappers include:
- Trans fats and saturated fats
- Added sugars (see Amy’s previous blog on sugar)
- Any grain that isn’t 100 % whole grain
Save the money you would have spent on expensive energy drinks and treat yourself to an energy-boosting healthy snack instead.
Amy Bowen RD, LDN is a clinical dietitian at WakeMed Cary Hospital. Learn more about WakeMed’s nutrition services, and take charge of your health today.
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