Energy Drinks - Should I Worry?

[TreeThenAnother]

DH is in his 40s. He’s fit and healthy, goes to the gym three times a week and is generally active. He eats healthily, avoids sugar and UPFs on a day-to-day basis (although will have something occasionally). His weight is normal and under control.

My problem is energy drinks. Maybe 2-3 times a month, he will have a large can of energy drink, the sugar free one. He generally does this if he’s been working particularly late the night before to meet a deadline, or we’ve had a difficult night with DD, so he’s not had much sleep.

I think they’re awful and total rubbish. His argument is he hardly ever has them, he doesn’t have the full sugar version, and it’s no different to him having a double espresso to perk him up. He says it just gets him through some mornings when he would otherwise struggle and (rightly) points out that his diet is otherwise really good.

Is it right? Or am I overreacting?

Gosh I thought you were going to say 2 or 3 a week or even a day.
I really wouldn’t worry about it on this scale.

2-3 times a month!
I thought you were going to say daily.

No, don't worry.

I hate them but I don't think a few times a month matters.

Yeah overreacting, I would understand if he was having them everyday but he's not.

Overreacting. I thought you were going to say 2-3 daily.

Avoiding UPF's and sugar on a daily basis is impressive!

You are massively overreacting. He’s a grown man consuming 2 or 3 energy drinks per month. It’s pretty much just caffeine. He’s not even having sugary ones! He is absolutely right that it’s no different from having strong coffees to keep awake.

Yeah, he’s not religious about it but does put a lot of effort in. He tends to be a more relaxed on a weekend but in the week is pretty strict.

I also thought you were going to say daily.
2-3 a month is fine, worth bearing in mind a lot of deaths reported include other substances being used alongside. Eg, crushed caffeine pills.

Would you worry if it was alcohol? Relax, that's nothing especially as he's so health conscious

What the fuck does a grown man’s consumption of anything at all have to do with you?
I cannot fathom why I’m the first person to ask this either🤔

I don't like them and dont think they are needed. But as they exist, he's actually using them in the way the producers would say they should be ie occasionally when you are tired and need a quick boost. You sound a bit controlling and over anxious. Perhaps he has some secret chocolate too.

Like she was going to make him stop😂. I'd laugh my dp out the door if he was to rule what I was eating/drink

Regular and sugar-free Red Bull contain 75–80 mg of caffeine per 248-ml can.

Meanwhile, coffee contains around 96 mg per cup 240 ml.

If anything your DH is being duped by marketing.

Thanks all. I’m reassured. I was worried that it might escalate and become a crutch but that’s me finding a problem when there isn’t one!

Looks like it! Although he doesn’t like coffee, hence why he goes for them (I think).

2-3 times a month?! What else do you monitor?

Well she is married to the man, he's not a complete randomer 😳 whilst I completely agree with the other people that 2-3 times per month is absolutely nothing to worry about, if he was consuming something to an unhealthy degree, she is within her rights to be concerned!!

Please do share your DH's diet and meal plan for non-UPF inspiration @TreeThenAnother !

@TreeThenAnother

"Looks like it! Although he doesn’t like coffee, hence why he goes for them (I think)."

Imagine the responses if you had posted you were worried that your DH drank 2-3 cups of coffee a month or for that matter every day?

Honestly even if he is using it as a crutch then there are a lot worse habits out there!

To all of those who are saying OP is over-reacting I absolutely disagree!! Energy drinks are extremely dangerous and killed my brother when he was 23. These things should be banned and OP should definitely be worried about her OH

I think energy drinks are extremely unhealthy but I don't think that's excessive.

I thought his consumption will be in the same range as my ex boyfriend's. He drank at least 6 cans (if not even more) per day every day.😱

It's not the same as having espresso at all. It's a UPF and full of chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and absolute rubbish.

A few a month aren't going to hurt him of course, but it's not a particularly good habit either. Using it as a crutch like this when working late etc can be how people start the spiral of having more and more.

This is the best review that I've heard on the benefits and risks of energy drinks :

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001h4cd