As an athlete or just someone with a hectic schedule, you may notice that you experience a drop in energy, usually a few hours into any activity. Before you head to the vending machine or convenience store for an energy drink, consider the ingredients found in that food or drink. These energy supplements may give you a boost of energy to get the job done, but some are much more effective and safe than others.
Sports Drinks
It should be noted that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not recognize any drink for the sole purpose of providing extra energy to the consumer. The University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources says that the term "energy drink" was coined by the manufacturers of these drinks. Looking at the ingredients can give you a clue as to whether or not these drinks will work. Those that have guarana, a supplement which has a potency similar to caffeine, as well as caffeine, will give you a quick boost of what feels like energy, but it may also cause you to feel a crash soon after. Look for drinks that are high in carbohydrates for quick energy, and don't subscribe to any outlandish claims.
Energy Gels
A new cropping of products has recently come on the market that are not energy drinks, but a small amount of concentrate energy gel, that usually contain caffeine, guarana, green tea or other additives to help the user feel more energized. These gels are usually lower in calories than sports drinks and last about 30 to 60 minutes. Look for one that doesn't list honey as an ingredient, because it will actually slow the absorption of energy for you to use.
Energy Bars
Snacking on an energy bar may seem like a good way to sneak in a meal and get some much-needed energy, but look at the list of ingredients before you take a bite. Look for an energy bar that gives you plenty of protein, at least ten grams. This supplemented protein will help you to process the energy faster and to keep it in your system longer. The Washington State Dairy Council urges those who are looking for energy bars to choose one based on your activity. For longer workouts, choose one that is higher in calories, so the boost lasts longer.
Herbal Supplements
You needn't always use a gel, bar or drink to get energy supplements into your body. Although these seem to be the most popular way, energy supplements in capsule form can also be found at health food stores. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, green tea, caffeine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) blends---often found in pill form with two or more of these ingredients---have an energetic effect on subjects compared to a placebo. Just check with your doctor before starting an energy supplement daily regimen.
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