Many of you read my article last week on my concern with a "snack schedule" for my daughter's soccer games. She's had 2 games so far and the snacks have been what I have expected: cookies, fruit snacks, and juice drinks.
Included in today's snack was a Powerade juice drink and I paused to read the label and nutritional information. This product is marketed and sold as something necessary and beneficial to you after exercise or when you need energy. While they are some vitamins and electrolytes included in this drink, the rest of the ingredients are far from beneficial.
After the water, the main ingredient in this drink is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). I try to limit my children's intake of sugar in general, and especially ones that are as highly refined as HFCS. A product who's primary ingredient is refined sugar cannot hold much nutritional value.
Add in the artificial color & a few more additives and there isn't much to praise about this product.
What also caught my eye was the way they listed the calories in the nutritional information. Instead of just calories, followed by a number representing the number of calories, they included the word "energy" in parentheses:
Calories (Energy)....80
My immediate thought was that they are trying to make the calories from this product seem positive since it gives you energy. Yes, sugar does give you energy, but it's immediate and not a sustained release that other carbohydrates create.
Powerade is not the only offender. Similar products like Red Bull, Gatorade, and juice products most likely have similar properties.
Ultimately, my concern is the marketing of this production and the assumption by most that this is good for you. It's not, plain and simple. Sugar is not a healthy food choice! I know I can't change everyone's mind, but I do get concerned with the acceptance these drinks have in our culture. I just hope my guidance for my children in regards to these products stick.
Very true Meg and this is why I have stayed away from energy drinks, just very leery overall. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteWell said! My daughter is a competitive swimmer and her coach is forever advocating water over any of the energy drinks available.
ReplyDeleteKate x
Kate at Home
Great to hear!
DeleteI totally agree. Sports drinks are full of crap!!! I'm doing a link up this Thursday April 11. Show me your favorite spring trend. Woudl love it if you joined. I'm also giving away a $300 gift card to Gap. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Oh yes, I will drop by! Be sure to link up on our Bloglovin Hop on Thursday, too.
DeleteExcellent to know, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Mommy Mondays. We are doing all we can to cut out HFCs from our diets as well. It is scary how much stuff it is in and all the health problems they are starting to associate with it
ReplyDeleteWe stay far away from these kind of drinks. Scary how they try to market them ("energy")!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kate Coleman (her kids coach)...stick with water.
ReplyDeleteThe only person in my house that sometime drinks them would by husband, he takes them to work.
ReplyDeleteI don't like energy drinks and I don't think children should drink them. Unfortunately a lot of preteens and teens do because they don't get enough sleep at night or they sort of binge on it as you would alcohol.
ReplyDelete