Do Energy Drinks Fit into Your Carnivore Diet?

Seb here again, with another exciting episode in my carnivore diet chronicles! 🥩 So, we've been doing some experimenting and discovering together, haven't we? But wait, did someone say "energy drinks"? 🚀 Oh yeah, let's dive into this rabbit hole. Are they a carnivore's best friend or just a frenemy in disguise? Buckle up because we're about to find out!

The Energy-Boosting Reality Check

We've all been there - that midday slump when the only thing that keeps us going is a good old kick of caffeine. Energy drinks promise the world, but hey, let's be honest – are they the elixir of life? I'm all about the energy, but I also care about what I put into my temple, aka my body.

Energy Drinks on a Carnivore Diet? 🤔

So, here I am, rocking the carnivore diet, and I must confess, I feel like a caveman out on a hunt! But is it a good idea to guzzle down cans of Red Bull or Monster? Most energy drinks are loaded with sugar, and that's a big no-no on our carnivore diet. Plus, do we really need artificial colors and flavors? Our ancestors certainly didn't. However, there are sugar-free options. Aspartame, anyone? But wait, isn't that the sweetener that some people claim causes everything from headaches to world hunger^[1]? I jest, but really, some people are wary of it.

Zero Sugar – A Safer Bet?

Alright, so what about the energy drinks labeled "zero sugar"? These bad boys are sweetened with stuff like aspartame or sucralose. I feel like a lab rat with all those artificial sweeteners. In moderation, some experts say they're okay ^[2]. Maybe don't go replacing water with them. By the way, have you ever tried water? I hear it's pretty popular.

Natural Alternatives - Carnivore's Energy Shots

Now, if you really need that extra oomph but want to keep it more natural, here's a thought – why not go for some black coffee? I personally dig black coffee. Milk just makes those croissants seem too tempting. Check out my article on coffee in a carnivore diet for some brewing inspiration^[3].

Another idea is to guzzle down bone broth. Though it might not have the caffeine, it's loaded with nutrients that will make you feel like a beast!

The Expert's Take

While I might not be an expert, we should at least see what they have to say. According to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, consuming energy drinks can improve physical performance. Still, they warn about the sugar content and recommend moderation^[4].

My Final Two Cents

Okay, gang, so here's my final take. Energy drinks on a carnivore diet? If you must, opt for the sugar-free versions, but don't go overboard. And remember, nothing beats natural alternatives like water or black coffee. Keep rocking the carnivore way!

Hungry for more juicy carnivore diet content? Check out my previous article on drinks in a carnivore diet, where I delve into water, bone broth, and all the thirst-quenching goodness^[5].

References:

Bellisle, F., Drewnowski, A. (2007). Intense sweeteners, energy intake and the control of body weight. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Link to Study ↩︎

Nielsen, S. Meat and Brew: The Lowdown on Coffee in a Carnivore Diet. Link to Article ↩︎

Campbell, B., Wilborn, C., La Bounty, P., Taylor, L., Nelson, M. T., Greenwood, M., ... & Schmitz, S. (2013). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 1. Link to Study ↩︎

Nielsen, S. Carnivore Quenchers: What Can You Drink on a Carnivore Diet? Link to Article ↩︎