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Popularity of Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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Popularity of Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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They are widely promoted that will increase energy levels and enhance mental alertness and physical performance.

Energy drinks are widely promoted as products that increase energy and enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Next to multivitamins, energy drinks are the most popular dietary supplement consumed by American teens and young adults. Men between the ages of 18 and 34 years consume the most energy drinks, and almost one-third of teens between 12 and 17 years drink them regularly.

There are two kinds of energy drink products. One is sold in containers similar in size to those of ordinary soft drinks, such as a 16-oz. bottle. The other kind, called “energy shots,” is sold in small containers holding 2 to 2½ oz. of concentrated liquid. Caffeine is a major ingredient in both types of energy drink products—at levels of 70 to 240 mg in a 16-oz. drink and 113 to 200 mg in an energy shot. (For comparison, a 12-oz. can of cola contains about 35 mg of caffeine, and an 8-oz. cup of coffee.

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This research (On popularity) looks very detailed and informative, well done. I feel this would be useful to include in any future presentations

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This research (On popularity) looks very detailed and informative, well done. I feel this would be useful to include in any future presentations

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Please comment on my view of popularity of Energy Drinks Above

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Please comment on my view of popularity of Energy Drinks Above

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Alternatives to Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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Alternatives to Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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Citrus fruit juices: Citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They can help boost your energy levels and keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and potassium. It can help replenish your body’s fluids and provide a natural energy boost.

Ginger tea: Ginger tea is a natural stimulant that can help improve your focus and concentration. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.

Black tea: Black tea contains caffeine and theanine, which can help improve your mental alertness and focus. It also has antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

Green tea: Green tea is a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants.

Please see link Coconut Water & Electrolytes: What You Should Know – Greater Than (drinkgt.com)

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Copyrights of Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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Copyrights of Energy Drinks - Julie Jones

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Copyright free images of energy drinks that you could use. Please see linlk below for copyright images copyright free images of energy drinks - Bing images

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Please comment on the Effects on Energy Drinks on young children

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Please comment on the Effects on Energy Drinks on young children

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The effects of energy drinks on young children is frightening and I am not sure that everybody knows this, so should be published somewhere for parents to read. It is great to see you have found something to highlight the issues with a great image. Well done. :)

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The effects of energy drinks on young children is frightening and I am not sure that everybody knows this, so should be published somewhere for parents to read. It is great to see you have found something to highlight the issues with a great image. Well done. :)

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Three Themes that we need to use, please can you think of one each?

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Three Themes that we need to use, please can you think of one each?

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My research - I found this link that you might like from a reputable source BBC. 

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My research - I found this link that you might like from a reputable source BBC. 

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BBC Two - Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Series 2, Episode 2 - Are energy drinks really bad for us?

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How much caffeine is really in energy drinks?

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Law in UK & ending the sale of energy drinks to children - Could be a theme to be considered.

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Law in UK & ending the sale of energy drinks to children - Could be a theme to be considered.

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Summary

The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on a proposed ban on selling energy drinks to children.

It also asks for views on:

what products should be included in any restrictions

what age limit a ban should apply to

whether sales of energy drinks from vending machines should be restricted

whether there are any changes that would be more appropriate than a ban on sales to children or that could be applied as well as a ban

We are hearing strong calls from parents, health professionals, teachers and some industry bodies and retailers for an end to sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to children.

Energy drinks are soft drinks that contain higher levels of caffeine than other soft drinks, and may also contain a lot of sugar. Evidence suggests that excessive consumption of energy drinks by children is linked to negative health outcomes such as headaches, sleeping problems, irritation and tiredness.

Many larger retailers and supermarkets have voluntarily stopped selling energy drinks to under-16s.

While we recognise the efforts of retailers who have already acted, there are still many retailers who continue to sell these drinks to children.

An equality assessment was carried out ahead of this consultation.

The government has also published the methodology of the DHSC calorie model.

Documents

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Ending the sale of energy drinks to children

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The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped.

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My opinion - these drinks are in bright and colourful packaging to attract the eye of youngsters, which I feel is wrong. I am glad there is something in place to restrict access to them but not all parents are necessarily aware of the negative impact so may still buy for their child. 

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My opinion - these drinks are in bright and colourful packaging to attract the eye of youngsters, which I feel is wrong. I am glad there is something in place to restrict access to them but not all parents are necessarily aware of the negative impact so may still buy for their child. 

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Here's one of the links I found on what happens to our body when we drink energy drinks. 

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Here's one of the links I found on what happens to our body when we drink energy drinks. 

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What do you think?

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From well-known brands like Red Bull, Monster and 5-Hour Energy to newcomers like Celsius and Prime, the energy drink market is booming so much it now takes up nearly a full aisle at some supermarkets.

More than 3 in 10 young adults (32.5%) regularly consume energy drinks, according to the latest estimates from Gitnux Market Data, and global sales are expected to grow 7% between 2021 and 2028. With growing interest in-and access to-an array of energy drinks, we couldn't help but wonder, "But are they healthy?"

Here at EatingWell, we're firm believers that there's room for every food and drink you enjoy (and aren't allergic or intolerant to) as part of a well-balanced eating pattern, but certain items are better thought of as a "sometimes" selection rather than a frequent habit.

But many energy drink users crave the kick of caffeine so much that they sip on one or more daily, and consider it as a coffee alternative. Ahead, we explain what happens if you opt for a can of energy instead of a cup of joe. (ICYMI, here are 5 legit health benefits of coffee.)

What Are Energy Drinks?

As we mentioned, there are hundreds of energy drink brands available-and a range of flavors and recipes for each-so it's tough to generalize what they are. Whether it's billed as "Watermelon Wave," "Razzle Berry" or "Rainbow Unicorn," as a general rule, energy drinks are beverages that are high in caffeine from sources like guarana, ginseng, taurine and carnitine.

Energy drink caffeine content ranges from about 80 to 200 milligrams per can. For reference, 8 ounces of regular brewed coffee clocks in at 92 milligrams, a 2-ounce espresso shot delivers 127 milligrams and a cup of cold-brewed coffee has 283 milligrams.

Some energy drinks are supplemented with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, adaptogens and/or amino acids, and most are sweetened with sugar or an artificial sweetener, explains Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian in the greater Washington, D.C., area who helps women stop dieting and find confidence with food.

Just like supplements, "energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA, so it's hard to know for certain if the ingredients listed on the label in their quantities are actually in that product," explains Roxana Ehsani, M.S., RD, CSSD, a Miami-based board-certified sports dietitian. (That said, the calories and macronutrients should be as accurate as any other drink.)

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Energy Drinks Every Day (or Nearly Every Day)

Every human is different, but here's what you might experience if you reach for an energy drink on the regular.

You May Feel More Alert and Athletic

Some research has linked the caffeine in energy drinks to improved alertness, elevated mood, more rapid reaction time and physical endurance, explains Ehsani.

"For this reason, they may be popular amongst active people or anyone looking for a brain boost to get them through a long day or energy boost before going out to train or work out," she says.

The impact varies widely by the individual and their caffeine tolerance, however, and the effects also fluctuate based on how much caffeine you've already consumed, as well as how sensitive you are to caffeine, adds Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a Dobbs Ferry, New York-based dietitian and author of the upcoming book Everyday Snack Tray.

You'll Likely Throw Your Nervous System for a Loop

While they might seem like innocent, enticingly marketed alternatives to the sodas, coffees and kombuchas they share shelf space with, energy drinks may be dangerous-especially those that contain high amounts of caffeine (or if you sip on several in a short time span).

Research published in May 2019 in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that "large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks may be harmful to the nervous system, such as increasing blood pressure, heart rate and breathing," explains Patricia Bannan, M.S., RDN, a dietitian based in Los Angeles and the author of From Burnout to Balance.

They can also trigger anxiety, jitters or lead to trouble sleeping. (And we all know how important it is to strive to score enough sleep!)

You'll Be Consuming an Uncertain Amount of Caffeine-and Might Become Dependent on It

Now that you know the potential collateral damage of high caffeine intake, it's important to note that "the FDA does not regulate the amount of caffeine in beverages, so the actual amount of caffeine in the beverage may be higher or lower than what's on the label," Bannan says.

A little bit of caffeine can help improve mental alertness, energy and mood, true, but you can certainly have too much of a good thing. Regularly consuming high levels of caffeine can cause dehydration (since caffeine is a diuretic), stomach problems or precipitate headaches from withdrawal.

"Becoming dependent on energy drinks to keep your energy levels up is a real concern if you find yourself reaching for them on the regular. You may find that you don't respond to moderate sources of caffeine like a cup of coffee and continue to need higher wattage of energy drinks to stay awake and alert," Thomason says.

If you notice these kinds of symptoms, gradually reduce your intake to reduce your reliance on it, Bannan recommends.

The recommended daily limit for caffeine is 400 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee. Many energy drinks meet this amount and you might exceed it if you have more than one drink each day.

You'll Probably Spike Your Added Sugar Intake for the Day

"The recommended daily allowance for added sugar is 24 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men. Most energy drinks meet the recommended daily allowance or significantly exceed it," Thomason confirms.

This can lead to a spike in blood sugar, followed by a rapid crash, which may leave you feeling even more fatigued than before you took your first sip, Largeman-Roth says-which is exactly the opposite goal of most individuals who use energy drinks.

"Looking for sugar-free options can help keep added sugars in check here," Thomason says.

Just keep in mind that sugar substitutes can alter flavor and come with their own set of health considerations.

You Should Definitely Avoid Energy Drinks If:

How to Choose the Healthiest Energy Drink

If you're still feeling inspired to crack open a can, Ehsani recommends studying up on the drink you're consuming. Analyze the label, and reach for an option that's fairly low in added sugars and contains a level of caffeine that's aligned with your personal tolerance level. Ideally, the energy drink's caffeine content will be far below the upper limit of 400 milligrams, since you may also be consuming some caffeine from other sources like coffee, tea, soda and chocolate.

"If you're unsure, seek advice about your drink of choice from a registered dietitian nutritionist. They can help determine if the drink you're choosing is safe to consume-and how much of it is appropriate," Ehsani adds. "Everyone is different in how they can tolerate caffeine and energy drinks, so it's really individual-based recommendations."

Always make sure you're drinking an equal quantity of water alongside your energy drink of choice, Largeman-Roth suggests, to even out the pee-inspiring effects of caffeine and work toward your hydration goals for the day. (In other words, even the healthiest energy drink should not be a replacement for plain ol' H2O.)

Healthier Energy Drink Alternatives

Yes, we know that "energy" is in the name of the beverage category, but there are plenty not-so-obvious options that can also perk you up.

Rather than downing an energy drink daily, Bannan recommends "focusing on other ways to improve energy, such as ways to optimize sleep, move your body throughout the day, hydrate and eat foods that support your physical and mental well-being."

Water, coffee, matcha tea (including Largeman-Roth's fave, Cure Energizing Green Tea Mix), smoothies and fresh fruit and veggie juices (Ehsani adores Pom Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice) all earn spots on our list of the six best drinks when you need an energy boost.

Here are six other strategies you can try for a sustainable energy boost:

Get outside. Science proves that just 20 minutes al fresco is enough to help decrease levels of the hormone cortisol and reduce energy-zapping stress.

Breathe deeply. Taking deep belly breaths, aka diaphragmatic breathing, can aid in regulating our nervous system and reduce our stress response. "Next time you feel stress draining your energy, place a hand on your belly and focus on deepening your breath," Bannan says.

Move it. Everything from 20 jumping jacks to a walk around the block to an intense kickboxing class can increase blood flow, helping you feel more awake.

Prioritize sleep. If you regularly don't sleep well or for long enough, there isn't an energy drink strong enough to "fix" your fatigue. Instead, try some of the strategies listed in our guide to "what I did for one week for better sleep."

Eat enough. "Some of my clients who rely on energy drinks forgo eating regular meals out of convenience, then try to rely on an energy drink in its place," Thomason says. Fueling your body with enough calories is not only the healthier route, but it will also keep your energy levels steady so you won't need as much caffeine. (Psst ...Here's how to determine how many calories you need each day.)

Use your nose. Lemon and fresh mint are both stimulating to your senses. Add either or both to a glass of water for an all-natural "energy drink."

The Bottom Line

Even though energy drinks are a booming multibillion-dollar industry, and many are marketed as "healthy energy drinks," that claim can definitely be a stretch, according to Bannan.

"While certain energy drinks in moderation may fit into a healthy diet for some people, I would not consider energy drinks healthy in and of themselves, and for most people the benefits do not outweigh the risks," she continues.

The main health benefit of consuming an energy drink is the caffeine for alertness. If you enjoy an energy drink as a pick-me-up from time to time, and you can fit the drink into your total daily added sugar intake and caffeine limits, it's probably A-OK to make it an occasional part of your lifestyle. However, if you find yourself relying on them daily or in specific scenarios like pre-workout or while conquering traffic on your daily commute, you might want to evaluate why you rely on these bottled jolts of energy, the dietitians we spoke to agree.

Up Next: 17 Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for a Healthy Boost

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What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Energy Drinks Every Day

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In this guide to the most popular energy drinks-and their health impact-we'll explain the pros and cons, and offer ideas for how to increase energy without

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Here are some alternatives to energy drinks. Do you think this site is good to use for our final resource?

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Here are some alternatives to energy drinks. Do you think this site is good to use for our final resource?

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Last Updated on April 23, 2023 by admin

You like the quick boost of alertness you get from an energy drink, but you despise the crash. Perhaps you're trying to cut down on your caffeine or you simply don't like the taste of energy beverages, so you'd like to try something else. What are your options for more energy without relying on energy drinks?
To increase your energy throughout the day, try drinking the following beverages:
Keep reading for more on each of these beverages, including how they'll get your energy levels soaring. If you're trying to quit energy drinks, then you're not going to want to miss this article!

4 Beverages for More Energy That Aren't Energy Drinks

Water

Now, we know what you're thinking. How can water possibly be on this list? Water doesn't have caffeine, so it's not raising your energy that way. It also lacks sugar, so you're not getting an artificial boost through the sweet stuff. So what gives?

The average energy drink contains a single 8-ounce cup of water, which is far too little. You're supposed to consume 8 cups of water a day, each cup 8 ounces, which would require you to ingest 8 energy drinks! No one's telling you to do that, trust us. The amount of caffeine you'd inundate yourself with would be very unhealthy.

When you consume water so sparingly, such as when having an energy drink, you're increasing your risk of dehydration. Besides feeling thirsty, dehydration can also make you tired since your brain isn't getting as much oxygen. Given that there's less of it to go around, as your heart pumps that oxygen, it strains more.

Once you hydrate yourself through water, you'll bounce back with some naturally-sourced energy. Try it!

Yerba Mate

If you've ever inspected the label of your favorite energy drink, then you've probably seen yerba mate on the list of ingredients, but what is this? Yerba mate is a type of plant that hails from South America. The scientific name for yerba mate is Ilex paraguariensis.

Yerba mate has many, many benefits. In this 2009 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a study involving 102 participants each consumed 330 milliliters or 11 ounces of yerba mate over 40 days. They were able to reduce their LDL cholesterol by anywhere from 8.6 percent to 13.1 percent.

Further, yerba mate could also lower blood sugar, bolster the immune system, and even control your appetite, at least according to animal studies like this one from Laboratory Animal Research. What about your energy?

A cup of steeped yerba mate leaves has 85 milligrams of caffeine, which is slightly less than what you'll find in an average cup of coffee (95 to 100 milligrams of caffeine). We discussed in our last article about how energy drinks energize you on what caffeine does to the body. It temporarily prevents adenosine, a chemical, from making you tired while triggering your fight or flight response.

This 2008 report in the journal Nutrition Bulletin discusses a variety of studies in which human participants all consumed yerba mate. They drank varying amounts of caffeine, between 37.5 and 450 milligrams. The participants reported faster reaction times, better short-term recall, and more alertness.

Green Tea

Another tea you can make when you feel like you're dragging through your day is green tea. Sourced from the Camelia sinensis plant like many other teas, the tea leaves go through moderate oxidation and withering to get that distinct green hue.

When you sip on green tea, a 230-milliliter or 8-ounce serving has up to 50 milligrams of caffeine. That's about half the caffeine content in an average cup of coffee. If you're trying to cut back on your caffeine, green tea is a smart beverage to start incorporating in your daily routine.

Since it does have caffeine in it, the same fight or flight reaction and adenosine-blocking properties found in yerba mate apply to green tea as well. Yet a second way that green tea can energize you is through the presence of L-theanine.

This amino acid can reach your blood-brain barrier, moderating dopamine and serotonin so you feel less anxious. As it alters the activity of your brain waves, L-theanine may also improve your selective attention and cognition, especially when taken as a supplement.

Further, L-theanine can prevent your body from absorbing caffeine so quickly, which may retain its effects longer. It typically takes about an hour to absorb caffeine, although it stays in your system for about 11 hours more.

Coffee

You shouldn't be surprised to see coffee on this list, as it's what most people rely on to get them out of bed and motoring through their morning. Although it can vary depending on the type of coffee you like and whether you make yours at home or buy it at Starbucks, coffee tends to contain about 100 milligrams of caffeine per cup, as we've said.

Energy drinks may have upwards of 300 milligrams of caffeine in a can. Considering you're supposed to limit your caffeine intake to 400 milligrams a day, it doesn't take many energy drinks to cross that threshold. Coffee is a better alternative by far.

Besides giving you more energy, coffee also delivers other health benefits. According to this 2011 publication of the American Journal of Epidemiology, you could reduce your stroke risk by as much as 20 percent if you drink coffee regularly. To come to that conclusion, the journal combed through research that went all the way back to 1966.

You could even reduce your cancer risk, including colorectal cancer and liver cancer. If you're prone to depression, drinking coffee can help there too. JAMA Internal Medicine data, also from 2011, reports on a study involving thousands of female coffee drinkers. The ones who drank four cups of coffee at least every day were found to have a decreased depression risk by as much as 20 percent.

Conclusion

Energy drinks can work in a pinch, but all that sugar and caffeine aren't super healthy. The next time you want a lower-caffeine alternative that will still give you energy, drink water, yerba mate, green tea, or coffee. Best of luck!

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You like the quick boost of alertness you get from an energy drink, but you despise the crash. Perhaps you're trying to cut down on your caffeine or you simply

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It's easy to overlook, but choosing healthier drinks is a key part of getting a balanced diet.
Many soft drinks, including instant powdered drinks and hot chocolate, are high in sugar.

Food and drinks that are high in sugar are often high in calories, and having too many calories can make you more likely to gain weight.

Some energy drinks are high in both sugar and caffeine. Checking the nutrition labels on soft drinks such as fruit juices and fizzy drinks can help you make healthier choices.

The Eatwell Guide says we should drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
Find out more about food labels

Drink plenty of water

Water is a healthy and cheap choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It has no calories and contains no sugars that can damage teeth.

Plain tea, fruit tea and coffee (without added sugar) can also be healthy.

If you do not like the taste of plain water, try sparkling water or add a slice of lemon or lime.

Or heat the water and infuse a tea bag, some coffee or a slice of lemon.

You could also add some no-added-sugar squash or fruit juice for flavour.

Drink semi-skimmed, 1% fat or skimmed milk

Milk is a good source of calcium, a mineral that helps build and maintain healthy bones.

Milk also contains protein, vitamins and other minerals, and does not cause tooth decay.

For a healthier choice, choose semi-skimmed, 1% fat or skimmed milk.

Limit your intake of flavoured milks, milkshakes, condensed milk and milk-based energy or malt drinks. These contain added sugar, which is bad for teeth.

Milk is particularly important for young children. They should drink whole milk until they're 2 years old because they may not get the calories they need from lower-fat milks.

Cows' milk should not be given as a drink until a baby is 1 year old because it does not contain the balance of nutrients a baby needs.

From the age of 2, children can gradually move to semi-skimmed milk as a main drink as long as they're eating a varied and balanced diet and growing well.
Find out more about drinks for babies and young children

Juices, smoothies and 5 A Day

Fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.

A 150ml glass of unsweetened fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie can count as a maximum of 1 portion of your recommended 5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables.

Limit the amount of fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie you have to no more than a combined total of 150ml a day (1 small glass).

Have other types of fruit and vegetables for the other 4 (or more) portions.

This is because the sugars in fruit and vegetables are released when they're juiced or blended, making them "free sugars".

Once released, these sugars can damage your teeth, especially if you drink juice or smoothies often.

The sugars found naturally in whole fruit and vegetables are less likely to cause tooth decay because the sugar is contained within the structure of the fruit.

It's best to drink juice or smoothies with a meal because this helps reduce harm to your teeth.

Fizzy drinks, flavoured waters, and squashes with added sugar

Fizzy drinks, squashes and juice drinks can contain lots of added sugar and very few nutrients, so keep them to a minimum. Children should avoid them completely.

Flavoured water drinks can also contain a surprisingly large amount of sugar, so check before you buy.

Also beware of "juice drinks" as they may not have enough fruit in them to count towards your 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

A high sugar content means a drink is also high in calories, which can contribute towards you becoming overweight.

Cutting down on these drinks is a good way of reducing the number of calories you consume while not missing out on any nutrients.

Likewise, getting children to drink fewer sugary drinks is a good way of limiting the amount of sugar they consume.

Children who drink a lot of sugary drinks are more likely to become overweight.

The added sugar in these drinks also means they can damage teeth.

If you do have sugary or fizzy drinks, drinking them with meals can help reduce the damage to teeth.

The best drinks to give children are water and milk.

If you or your children like fizzy drinks, try diluting fruit juice with sparkling water instead.

Remember to dilute squashes well to reduce the sugar content in the drink.

Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is a stimulant. Drinks containing caffeine can temporarily make us feel more alert or less drowsy.

Caffeine affects some people more than others, and the effect can depend on how much caffeine you normally consume.

Pregnant women should limit their intake of caffeinated drinks because of the caffeine content.

Caffeinated drinks are also unsuitable for toddlers and young children.

Drinks that contain high amounts of caffeine include coffee, tea, colas and energy drinks.

Tea and coffee

It's fine to drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet. Bear in mind, though, that caffeinated drinks can make the body produce urine more quickly.

Some people are more susceptible to this than others, but it also depends on how much caffeine you have and how often you have it.

If you have urinary incontinence, cutting down on caffeine by changing to low-caffeine tea and coffee, fruit or herbal teas, or other types of drinks can sometimes help.

If you drink tea or coffee with sugar or you have flavoured syrups in your coffee-shop drinks, you could be unwittingly damaging your teeth and adding unhelpful calories to your diet.

A wide variety of tablet or granular artificial sweeteners are available and are safe to consume in hot drinks.

But many people who choose to cut out sugar from their hot drinks soon become accustomed to the taste.

Energy drinks and caffeine

Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and are often high in sugar (calories).

They may also contain other stimulants, and sometimes vitamins and minerals or herbal substances.

The caffeine levels in these drinks vary, but there's often around 80mg of caffeine in a small 250ml can.

This is the same as 2 cans of cola or a small mug of coffee.

Caffeine during pregnancy

Pregnant women should have no more than 200mg of caffeine a day.

One mug of instant coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine.

High levels of caffeine can result in babies having a low birthweight, which can increase the risk of health problems in later life.

High caffeine levels might also cause miscarriage.

Check the labels of energy drinks as they often say the drink is not suitable for children or pregnant women.

For more information about how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy, see foods to avoid in pregnancy.

Sports drinks

Sports drinks can be useful when you're doing high-level endurance sports and need an energy boost.

But they're no different from any other sugary soft drinks, which means they're high in calories and contribute to tooth decay.

Unless you're taking part in high-level endurance sports, water is the healthier choice and the best way to replace fluids lost through exercise.

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It's easy to overlook, but choosing healthier drinks is a key part of getting a balanced diet. Many soft drinks, including instant powdered drinks and hot chocolate, are high in sugar. Food and drinks that are high in sugar are often high in calories, and having too many calories can make you more likely to gain weight.