Do Energy Shots Work?

Promising hours of energy, no "crash" and few calories, products like 5-Hour ENERGY and Red Bull Energy Shots seem like a dancer's dream come tnie. But do they actually work? Unfortunately, not really. "The energy sensation you get is a pharmacological central nervous system stimulation from the caffeine, which is not the same Type of energy that you would çiet from eating real food- which is usually the kind dancers need." says Ashley DoyleLucas. PhD. a nutrition specialist and former dancer, lhe Overall effect is fairly temporary and could lead to light-headedness, heart palpitations and decreased performance. The shots also act as a diuretic, a significant danger since dancers are typically a dehydrated group of athletes." A better option? Grab a yogurt and piece of fruit or half of a whole wheat bagel with turkey- and a large glass of water.