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?

It is important for you to understand the differences between products and how that affects your health regardless of the convincing claims made by advertisers. Energy drinks & bars have become a three billion dollar business in the US, and are popular around the world. However, that does not mean that they are all created equal.

SPORTS DRINKS:

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are created for athletes to replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates, because water alone cannot provide these nutrients to hard working bodies. These additions, along with added flavor enhancement to encourage 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 like Guarana, 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 are high in sugar and rely on caffeine as a stimulant. While this may give you an initial boost it will also lead to sharp drops in blood sugar levels which will create a cycle of dependency. The caffeine can also lead to addiction - which is a danger, especially to children who may regularly choose energy drinks without understanding the health risks of caffeine.

Meal replacement drinks can improve energy in that they provide optimum nutrients which may otherwise be lacking in the diet and causing fatigue. However, meal replacement drinks are meant to replace meals as they are high in calories and will actually increase your calorie intake per day if added to a regular diet instead of being used as intended.

ENERGY BARS & MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS: 

Energy bars seem like a smart choice when you are hungry and just don’t have time for a proper meal. Just remember that 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 not very good for you - especially hydrogenated oils and sugar. Bars that have soft textures are more likely to have high levels of hydrogenated oils.

Choosing a bar that is harder in texture, with whole grains and fruits, is more likely to give you the proper source of energy producing carbs that you want without the less desirable additions.

Again remember that meal replacement bars are just that - designed as a full meal replacement for weight loss or calorie restriction.

If you eat a meal replacement bar in addition to your regular diet, you will only increase the amount of calories you take in which will not provide you with the energy you desire.

Adding the right choice of energy drinks or bars to an already balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy body and energy levels even when you are on the go.

Including energy drinks & bars as a part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle will provide you the most health benefits.