Healthy Choices for Boosting Energy
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: December 27, 2012
JOPLIN, MO-- While energy drinks are a popular beverage, some question the potential side effects. So, a look at a few healthy alternatives.
"Energy drinks, first of all, are very dehydrating for the body. When you've got that much caffeine going in, it causes your body to flush all those fluids so dehydration is a major concern for energy drinks. And it also increases your heart rate, it increases your blood pressure. There's just a lot of things going on inside the body due to energy drinks." But Freeman Nurse Shelby Allen says you can offset the need for that energy boost by starting your day with a healthy breakfast. "I would recommend some toast with peanut butter on it. Some applesauce. A little bit of juice. Some things like that."
She adds drinking plenty of water will also help you stay alert. "Every cell in your body, every single one runs off of water. So we have to put water in for everything to run smoothly and to keep our energy levels up." Snacking during the day can also ensure your body gets the calories it needs to maintain energy levels. "A variety of nuts, whether they're walnuts, cashews, almonds. An apple, a banana, an orange. A cheese stick. Some peanut butter packs to go."
