Energy Drinks

Long story short, I'm hooked on caffeine, (typically Rockstars). What are the thoughts and facts on these things and what are some of my fellow caffeine addicts using as a suitable substitute? I have one pretty much every morning, as I'm not a coffee drinker, on top of my pre-workout supplement (in the evening) 4-5 times a week.
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Replies

  • SleepyEquus
    SleepyEquus Posts: 6 Member
    I myself drink the Double Shot w Protein that Starbucks created. I figure once in a while will not hurt and 20g of protein is an added bonus :). I use to drink DND butter pecan and Monster drinks...then I MFP looked it up and dropped the habit quickly due to all the sugar and not so good additives!!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    cut down.
    if you feel like you need to.
    i primarily use black coffee i brew as my caffiene vehicle
  • cee134
    cee134 Posts: 33,711 Member
    I wasn't a coffee drinker either until I realized I could make good tasting coffee without sugar or milk. It's also the cheapest way to drink caffeine. Plus most energy drinks only have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. It may be worth looking into. It's also very healthy.
  • AlabamaMama224
    AlabamaMama224 Posts: 137 Member
    I drink black coffee. I like the caffeine. I see no reason to stop. Is there a reason you want to give up caffeine, or is it just the sugary drink you are looking to replace?
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Medical sources consider up to 400 mg of caffeine a day safe for most people. If you are goin over thst may want to back off

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
  • BigJes37
    BigJes37 Posts: 82 Member
    Honestly if it's the caffeine you need like me and don't drink coffee go buy a bottle of caffeine pills. It's very cheap way to get your boost. Drink with water that's the healthier way or I drink true lemon packets with my water. Any other questions hit me up.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited August 2016
    Meh. I drink two cups of coffee in the morning, and a Monster Ultra Zero (zero calories) every afternoon. Unless you have medical issues, I don't see a problem.

    I do give up caffeine every January just to prove I can! :p
  • SisypheanWorkout
    SisypheanWorkout Posts: 105 Member
    All good thoughts. I typically won't have one with more than 15 calories per can. So many people tell me they're "poison" though I'm not sure why. I've tried coffee several different ways and I just can't get it in me. I do think I'll give the caffeine pills a shot though, since water is always the cleanest option.

    Thanks
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    fatguy3382 wrote: »
    All good thoughts. I typically won't have one with more than 15 calories per can. So many people tell me they're "poison" though I'm not sure why. I've tried coffee several different ways and I just can't get it in me. I do think I'll give the caffeine pills a shot though, since water is always the cleanest option.

    Thanks

    People often feel the need to demonize things so they either have something to blame if they use it, or they can feel superior if they don't. As long as the caffeine doesn't make you jittery, you haven't been advised to avoid caffeine by your doctor, and it doesn't keep you up when you should be sleeping, there's no problem IMHO.
  • SisypheanWorkout
    SisypheanWorkout Posts: 105 Member
    People often feel the need to demonize things so they either have something to blame if they use it, or they can feel superior if they don't. As long as the caffeine doesn't make you jittery, you haven't been advised to avoid caffeine by your doctor, and it doesn't keep you up when you should be sleeping, there's no problem IMHO.[/quote]

    That's kind of how I felt too, but I'm no medical expert. I like (and some mornings and work outs need) the little bump it gives. I've not had any negative side effects when I've remained within a healthy dose.
  • BigJes37
    BigJes37 Posts: 82 Member
    The less ingredients the better all around. I'm no expert on energy drinks but unless you've researche'd all those ingredients in them you really dont know. I like to just find a healthier option I like to drink and for the boost take the caffeine when needed ;)
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    fatguy3382 wrote: »
    People often feel the need to demonize things so they either have something to blame if they use it, or they can feel superior if they don't. As long as the caffeine doesn't make you jittery, you haven't been advised to avoid caffeine by your doctor, and it doesn't keep you up when you should be sleeping, there's no problem IMHO.

    That's kind of how I felt too, but I'm no medical expert. I like (and some mornings and work outs need) the little bump it gives. I've not had any negative side effects when I've remained within a healthy dose.[/quote]

    If you think you need a little bump, why not fix the root cause (poor diet/sleep, health issues) instead of looking at a supplement?
  • SisypheanWorkout
    SisypheanWorkout Posts: 105 Member
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    fatguy3382 wrote: »
    People often feel the need to demonize things so they either have something to blame if they use it, or they can feel superior if they don't. As long as the caffeine doesn't make you jittery, you haven't been advised to avoid caffeine by your doctor, and it doesn't keep you up when you should be sleeping, there's no problem IMHO.

    That's kind of how I felt too, but I'm no medical expert. I like (and some mornings and work outs need) the little bump it gives. I've not had any negative side effects when I've remained within a healthy dose.

    If you think you need a little bump, why not fix the root cause (poor diet/sleep, health issues) instead of looking at a supplement?[/quote]

    Well I'm working on the diet and health (mainly weight) issues. As far as sleep goes, there just aren't enough hours in the day for the things I have to do. But you are right. It's just a matter of making it happen.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    edited August 2016
    fatguy3382 wrote: »

    Well I'm working on the diet and health (mainly weight) issues. As far as sleep goes, there just aren't enough hours in the day for the things I have to do. But you are right. It's just a matter of making it happen.

    Meh. If you were relying on caffeine all day to stay awake or something, that would be one thing. But one caffeinated drink every morning is a pretty minor vice. Not all of us have found ways to make real life conform to our ideal sleep patterns!
  • CaptainJoy
    CaptainJoy Posts: 257 Member
    I like Hydrive Energy Water but can't find them in my area. I've ordered them through their website.
    http://hydriveenergy.com/
    Don't order through Amazon unless you want to pay nearly double. I like the black cherry best and they're a refreshing caffeinated 30 calorie per about 15.5 oz bottle.
  • purple18194
    purple18194 Posts: 52 Member
    i take a b100 complex everyday that REALLY helps with my energy, but i'm also pretty much a self-confessed coffee addict. green and black teas are great for caffeine as well. every once in awhile i'll drink an energy drink, but then it's always a sugar free one (i like rockstar, too)
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited August 2016
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    The less ingredients the better all around. I'm no expert on energy drinks but unless you've researche'd all those ingredients in them you really dont know. I like to just find a healthier option I like to drink and for the boost take the caffeine when needed ;)

    I did research every ingredient in my daily Monster - guess what? They are all vitamins and naturally occurring flavors or preservatives... Yay, me!
  • BigJes37
    BigJes37 Posts: 82 Member
    Nice try. Artificial sweeter? Naturally occurring flavors? Something man made? Recreated?
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Nice try. Artificial sweeter? Naturally occurring flavors? Something man made? Recreated?

    I looked every one of them up. Feel free to do so yourself. And I'm not a-scared of aspertame...
  • BigJes37
    BigJes37 Posts: 82 Member
    Was only trying to say there's healthier alternatives the to trick your body into thinking there's a sugar source coming that the body would naturally turn into energy hence a crash possibly. When doing this often enough your body learns not to use real sugar properly therefore creating less energy effect whichin turn you here people saying they don't work for me anymore or they have to consume alot of them. Also I've seen the effects of that much caffeine and b vitamins in one shot on an ultra sound of the heart after drinking one of these from a teenager.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Was only trying to say there's healthier alternatives the to trick your body into thinking there's a sugar source coming that the body would naturally turn into energy hence a crash possibly. When doing this often enough your body learns not to use real sugar properly therefore creating less energy effect whichin turn you here people saying they don't work for me anymore or they have to consume alot of them. Also I've seen the effects of that much caffeine and b vitamins in one shot on an ultra sound of the heart after drinking one of these from a teenager.

    I'm definitely NOT a teenager. ;)
  • merryward13
    merryward13 Posts: 1,662 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Was only trying to say there's healthier alternatives the to trick your body into thinking there's a sugar source coming that the body would naturally turn into energy hence a crash possibly. When doing this often enough your body learns not to use real sugar properly therefore creating less energy effect whichin turn you here people saying they don't work for me anymore or they have to consume alot of them. Also I've seen the effects of that much caffeine and b vitamins in one shot on an ultra sound of the heart after drinking one of these from a teenager.

    I'm definitely NOT a teenager. ;)

    Yes. I'm a much more experienced caffeine consumer
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Nice try. Artificial sweeter? Naturally occurring flavors? Something man made? Recreated?

    I looked every one of them up. Feel free to do so yourself. And I'm not a-scared of aspertame...

    There's nothing to fear regarding aspartame. It doesn't trick me, I trick me.
  • BigJes37
    BigJes37 Posts: 82 Member
    Yes I know. Has nothing to do with that. A good friend of mine had same test on his 25 year daughter. Energy drink aside research high dose of caffeine and b vitamins mixed together and taking at one time and the effects on heart.
    I respect your input but seems your focus is on the anti energy drink part then all the other details I've posted. Sorry if i might have offended you. We all have a certain level of experience and knowledge in fitness/dieting.
  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Yes I know. Has nothing to do with that. A good friend of mine had same test on his 25 year daughter. Energy drink aside research high dose of caffeine and b vitamins mixed together and taking at one time and the effects on heart.
    I respect your input but seems your focus is on the anti energy drink part then all the other details I've posted. Sorry if i might have offended you. We all have a certain level of experience and knowledge in fitness/dieting.

    Energy drinks have barely more caffeine than a cup of black coffee. So where's that high dose?
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    BigJes37 wrote: »
    Yes I know. Has nothing to do with that. A good friend of mine had same test on his 25 year daughter. Energy drink aside research high dose of caffeine and b vitamins mixed together and taking at one time and the effects on heart.
    I respect your input but seems your focus is on the anti energy drink part then all the other details I've posted. Sorry if i might have offended you. We all have a certain level of experience and knowledge in fitness/dieting.

    Energy drinks have barely more caffeine than a cup of black coffee. So where's that high dose?

    That depends on the energy drink:

    Caffeine levels per serving ranged from about 6 milligrams to 242 milligrams per serving—and some containers have more than one serving. The highest level was in 5-hour Energy Extra Strength; the lowest in the seemingly oxymoronic 5-hour Energy Decaf. (The company says it’s for people who want to limit caffeine but still get a blend of nutrients that provides “an energy boost and a sustained feeling of alertness.”) By comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams; a 16-ounce Starbucks Grande, 330 milligrams.

    Complete article:
    http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/12/the-buzz-on-energy-drink-caffeine/index.htm?loginMethod=auto
  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    I went with 500 ml (=16 oz) Monster. 165 mg.
  • mdonsbach
    mdonsbach Posts: 102 Member
    It's odd how some people "need" the fix and others don't. I hate coffee and can't stand the stuff unless it is loaded down with other stuff. Outside of the occasional soda I don't drink caffeine at all and I don't have a problem with my energy levels or getting up at 5:30 every morning to go to work.

    The body is an amazing and perplexing thing.
  • Spencerport
    Spencerport Posts: 270 Member
    I prefer Monster Rehab. 20 calories for the whole can. Also 5 Hour Energy work great for me, those are 4 calories, but they taste disgusting. 5 Hour is what I drink before a long gym session or when I go kayaking/standup paddleboarding.
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    We all have a 100% of dying, so I'ma continue with my morning coffee and afternoon Monster Ultra. Kthnx.