Zero Sugar Energy Drinks
RedPowder
Posts: 44 Member
Hello everyone,
So a big part of me putting weight on was Energy drinks the other part just not eating right at all but anyways do you have any suggestions on what can give me just as much energy as a can ? Are these suger free energy drinks just as bad as the regular ones? Well besides the surgers.
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
So a big part of me putting weight on was Energy drinks the other part just not eating right at all but anyways do you have any suggestions on what can give me just as much energy as a can ? Are these suger free energy drinks just as bad as the regular ones? Well besides the surgers.
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
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Replies
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'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?1
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TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
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There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.3
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janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
See I wasn’t sure because I hear a lot of people saying their just as bad and people shouldn’t be drinking diet soda/pop or energy drinks for one reason or another.
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TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
Because they don't like the taste? (I think they taste repulsive).
Because they are sensitive to caffeine?
Because they don't want to spend the money?
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TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
Cost. No need/desire for or a sensitivity to the added caffeine or other ingredients (B vitamins, guarana, taurine, etc.) They taste like *kitten*. Perfectly satisfied with water. Prefer sweets in the form of chocolate. And so on
But if you like them and want to continue drinking them, sugar free is a fine option.3 -
janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
See I wasn’t sure because I hear a lot of people saying their just as bad and people shouldn’t be drinking diet soda/pop or energy drinks for one reason or another.
There's tons of fearmongering out there about various foods. I would just tune it out unless it is advice from your doctor or someone providing medical care based on your specific situation. It doesn't seem like this is the case, as you were drinking the regular version before and presumably it wasn't causing you any problems (except for the excess calories that contributed to weight gain).
A sugar-free energy drink is mostly water -- if energy drinks are part of your diet it seems like this is a really easy swap you could make to reduce calories.
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I drink 1-3 sugar free energy drinks a day. I've lost and kept off nearly 60 pounds and have yet to drop dead at my desk from the caffeine and/or additives.
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TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
A lot of people buy into the fear-mongering by "lifestyle bloggers" who don't understand how science works
Seriously, they are fine. Obviously, some people need to watch how much caffeine they get, and some people's digestive systems are bothered by too much carbonation.
I prefer coffee with low cal creamer or a Coke Zero, I find the energy drinks are a little too much of a jolt for me and I'm not a big fan of the taste. But if you like them, there's nothing wrong with them in moderation, just like pretty much everything else :drinker:12 -
That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.29 -
That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
If OP is in a calorie deficit (and his other post indicates that he is), his body won't create and store fat. It's impossible. If you're in a deficit, you're going to be burning fat. Sucralose doesn't transform your body into a machine that can run on no energy. That's nonsense.12 -
janejellyroll wrote: »That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
If OP is in a calorie deficit (and his other post indicates that he is), his body won't create and store fat. It's impossible. If you're in a deficit, you're going to be burning fat. Sucralose doesn't transform your body into a machine that can run on no energy. That's nonsense.
I agree and insulin can raise with protein intake as well. a rise in insulin is a normal body response, but some spikes may not be good for those with diabetes or other issues.2 -
That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
No-calorie sweeteners do not spike your insulin "like actual sugar". There are literally millions of diabetics around the world carefully monitoring their levels, with no data to support artificial sweetener insulin spikes.15 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
If OP is in a calorie deficit (and his other post indicates that he is), his body won't create and store fat. It's impossible. If you're in a deficit, you're going to be burning fat. Sucralose doesn't transform your body into a machine that can run on no energy. That's nonsense.
I agree and insulin can raise with protein intake as well. a rise in insulin is a normal body response, but some spikes may not be good for those with diabetes or other issues.
I don't believe OP is diabetic. He was previously drinking regular energy drinks with presumably no issues (other than weight gain due to excess calories).2 -
TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
I drink energy (sports energy drinks such as Powerade or Lucozade) when I'm cycling and I actively want the sugary (mostly glucose) varieties because I want/need the calories.
Some people avoid the artificially sweetened varieties because of ignorant beliefs about how "bad" they are - despite being passed as safe for human consumption by every food standards agency in the world....
Some people just dislike the taste of artificial sweeteners, or dislike sugary/sweet drinks.
Some people just dislike the taste of some energy drinks whether they have calories or not. Red Bull and the like are revolting to me.
Some people want to moderate their caffeine intake, some people want to boost it.
I don't have cravings for sweet tasting things though, just don't have a sweet tooth.0 -
That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) 1 because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the 2 sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, 3 which creates body fat and also 4 keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
No, no, no and no. Sucralose does not cause an insulin spike, insulin does not cause fat storage in and of itself - in fact, if you are in a calorie deficit it is physically impossible to have a net gain of fat - and your body is storing and using fat all the time - it is the way that body works. Most of the food that you eat gets stored either as glycogen in the muscles and liver or as fat, less the amount that is needed for immediate energy needs.
As for the tiredness that you were feeling, the body gets used to caffeine and requires more and more to produce the same 'energetic effect' that it used to produce.
Back to the original post, if you enjoy the energy drinks, go for it as long as they are not getting in the way of you eating the foods that you need to remain healthy.7 -
That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
if sucralose caused insulin to spike and kept fat from being burned I would have never lost weight at all. people are against them because drinking too many in a day can cause issuess for some people and those with heart issues are told to avoid them because of the caffeine and other ingredients. body fat is created from excess calories. I gained weight because I ate too much. I wasnt consumin sucralose or anything like that when I gained weight. as for adrenal system disruptors it says it can have an effect on childrens brains but otherwise https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674721/1 -
janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.
I didn't realize energy drinks had that much sodium in them! Maybe that's why so many people talk about soft drinks being high sodium.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.
I don't know if OP is hypertensive or not. If he is, that's something he should take into account when planning his diet. That consuming several of them would be not good for people with certain medical conditions doesn't make them "bad." With any food or drink, the amount consumed is going to be a factor as well as an individual's lifestyle and health conditions.
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I would ask your physician his/her opinion about the energy drinks. Cardiologists hate them. Taken in excess, they can cause heart rhythm disturbances, anxiety, sleep issues, and a rise in blood pressure. My personal opinion is that if you're trying to lose weight and live a cleaner lifestyle, find something that's better for you. Iced green tea sweetened with stevia? Not as much caffeine and green tea has some health benefits at least.
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TavistockToad wrote: »'Bad' in what way? It's just caffeine?
Additives? Caffeine ? Why do more people not drink them if they’re just craving something sweet?
When I think 'sweet' I don't think energy drink personally... I drink them when I'm tired, not when I want to eat chocolate.
If I want chocolate, I eat chocolate.2 -
janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
See I wasn’t sure because I hear a lot of people saying their just as bad and people shouldn’t be drinking diet soda/pop or energy drinks for one reason or another.
'They' say a lot of things.... :huh:5 -
janejellyroll wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.
I don't know if OP is hypertensive or not. If he is, that's something he should take into account when planning his diet. That consuming several of them would be not good for people with certain medical conditions doesn't make them "bad." With any food or drink, the amount consumed is going to be a factor as well as an individual's lifestyle and health conditions.janejellyroll wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »That's been my drug of choice, I love Monster Ultra. But some people are against sucralose(or any other no calories sweeteners) because our bodies don't see it any differently that actual sugar. No calories, obviously, but the sucralose will still cause your insulin to spike, which creates body fat and also keeps the body from burning fat. And they also can f&ck with your adrenal system if you drink them enough. That's why some people are against them.
Personally, I was drinking one a day usually during the week. After my weight loss stalled and I was feeling tired all the time, I decided to stop drinking them for a while to see what happened. I have now lost a couple more pounds and also don't feel that lack of energy. So who knows, could be a coincidence, or could be something to it.
You gotta do you.
If OP is in a calorie deficit (and his other post indicates that he is), his body won't create and store fat. It's impossible. If you're in a deficit, you're going to be burning fat. Sucralose doesn't transform your body into a machine that can run on no energy. That's nonsense.
I agree and insulin can raise with protein intake as well. a rise in insulin is a normal body response, but some spikes may not be good for those with diabetes or other issues.
I don't believe OP is diabetic. He was previously drinking regular energy drinks with presumably no issues (other than weight gain due to excess calories).
Thank you everyone for the advice and the great discussion that is going on. Just because people was asking I’m not hypertensive or diabetic I’m generally in very good health for a person that’s overweight. I walk a lot do to my job so overall pretty active. I put on a lot of my weight by drinking mass amounts of sugar drinks and eating things of mass abundance. I can also say that I had no idea how much calories are in things that I didn’t even think about such as mayo I put that on everything and now I’ve stopped completely.
I know I’ll never be “skinny” but everything I do I want it to be that bit healthier including what I drink. I’ve got over a 170lbs that I need to lose so as of now these small changes make a big difference.6 -
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If you are looking for a calorie-free energy drink that doesn't taste like blech...try the Zevia ones. They taste delicious and have 150mg of caffeine...a good jolt
https://www.zevia.com/products/energy1 -
chunky_pinup wrote: »If you are looking for a calorie-free energy drink that doesn't taste like blech...try the Zevia ones. They taste delicious and have 150mg of caffeine...a good jolt
https://www.zevia.com/products/energy
Are they better than the Zevia pop because most of those don't taste veey good.2 -
janejellyroll wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.
I don't know if OP is hypertensive or not. If he is, that's something he should take into account when planning his diet. That consuming several of them would be not good for people with certain medical conditions doesn't make them "bad." With any food or drink, the amount consumed is going to be a factor as well as an individual's lifestyle and health conditions.
Sure, but I'm not arguing that they're bad (it good). I'm trying to answer why some people are telling the OP they're unhealthy, since he asked why he keeps hearing that.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »There's nothing "bad" at all about energy drinks, you just have to account for the calories in them. If you don't want to use your calories on energy drinks, sugar-free ones would be a good choice.
From the pic in the OP, we're talking about 400 mg of sodium per drink. Most people seem to have more than one in a day. That's great if you've been exercising in the heat and sweating a lot. But it's not so great if you have hypertension. I'm not trying to get moralistic about food and drinks, I'm suggesting another reason why some people might consider these "bad" and tell other people about their opinion. Well, that and people like talking.
To the OP, look into Nuun tablets. They're about 5 calories per serving and also high in sodium, as well as potassium and magnesium.
I don't know if OP is hypertensive or not. If he is, that's something he should take into account when planning his diet. That consuming several of them would be not good for people with certain medical conditions doesn't make them "bad." With any food or drink, the amount consumed is going to be a factor as well as an individual's lifestyle and health conditions.
Sure, but I'm not arguing that they're bad (it good). I'm trying to answer why some people are telling the OP they're unhealthy, since he asked why he keeps hearing that.
Got it, I misunderstood you. Thanks for clarifying!2 -
Honestly, this place has changed my thinking a bit when it comes to food. People have a natural tenancy to divide things into good and bad, and it's real tempting to do that with food too. Most foods are a mixed bag, not purely good or bad, and I realized the important thing is how does this food (or drink) fit my calories and my macros? And when you look at it in that context, and in light of what people are willing to do, I think zero calorie drinks (of any kind) are a good, healthy choice for people who struggled with their weight and decided to lose some. I also personally think people who aren't hypertensive shouldn't worry about salt.6
This discussion has been closed.
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