Energy Drinks and energy level throughout the day

Question
Hello,

Do energy drinks actually provide energy?  I am looking for an energy drink to provide a couple hours of energy to get me through my mid-morning exercises.  I know some of them are filled with sugar and calories.  Any ideas on a good energy drink?

Answer
Michael,

First of all, energy drinks are soft drinks, so many of them contain a lot of sugar and in most of them, the major ingredient is caffeine (about 80 mg per a cup) -- in the pure chemical form or contained in herbs such as Guarana or Yerba Mate. It is thought that combined effects of glucose and caffeine is responsible for the energy surge after energy drink intake.

However, the details of the energy-elevating effects of carbohydrate intake without caffein are currently emerged. In the long run, just the opposite seem to be true: habitual consumption of low-carb, high-fat foods provide higher subjective energy in the morning even before any food is eaten and an even energy level throughout the day.

More information:

Mood effects of carbohydrates
http://atkinszone.com/low-carb/2008/09/mood-effects-of-low-carb-diets.html

Soft Drinks Linked to Increased Risk of Insulin Resistance
http://atkinszone.com/did-you-know/2007/10/soft-drinks-linked-to-increased-risk-...

A glance at a meal
http://bantadiet.com/banta/?page_id=43

Is skipping breakfasts always bad?
http://atkinszone.com/faq/2008/09/skipping-breakfasts-not-that-simple.html

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