“Negative calorie?” These are the words I read as I was asked to sample a new drink product on the market called Celsius. Out of sheer curiosity, I agreed to try the new beverage to see if it truly lived up to its tag line: “Your Ultimate Fitness Partner.”
Celsius claims to be a ‘negative calorie drink.’ And is also very clear not to call itself an energy drink, which have been linked to numerous adverse effects. Celsius markets itself as a drink that has been clinically shown to burn calories, provide long-lasting energy, and when combined with exercise, reduce body fat and energize metabolism.
Claims about the drink’s functions are backed by seven clinical studies, all of which were conducted at various locations to test individual claims of the product.
Celsius claims that their studies show moderate exercise combined with the drink can burn 100 calories per each 10 calorie, 12 ounce can. Additionally, Celsius claims to increase metabolism, provide energy, help reduce body fat, and improve endurance. All of these results can be expected when the drink is used as a pre-workout supplement, and the company claims the “MetaPlus” ingredient is where the power lies.
MetaPlus is a formula containing green tea with EGCG, ginger, guarana, caffeine, calcium, chromium, B vitamins and vitamin C. Celsius is proud that their drink does not contain sugar, artificial preservatives or flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and is also low in sodium.
The drink comes in many flavors including sparkling orange, wild berry and cola, as well as non-carbonated options like their green tea raspberry acai, lemon iced tea, strawberry-kiwi, and outrageous orange. Each flavor contains as much caffeine as two cups of coffee – about 200 milligrams.
Knowing all of this information before trying the drink, I was excited to test out Celsius before my workout. I drank up and then hit my bike for an hour of spinning. Within 15 minutes, I felt the “lasting energy,” Celsius boasts about. However, in my first experience, that energy was too intense and lasted a very long time. I was jittery for several hours after I drank it.
I was discouraged because I liked what I’d read. I even spoke with the Celsius representative who had sent me the samples, and she asked if I was sensitive to caffeine. While I can’t drink too much, I typically drink one coffee and/or one to two sodas a day – well over the amount found in Celsius.
She encouraged me to try just half a can as the product does warn that those who are caffeine sensitive should drink lightly. My second attempt was great. I recognized my energy elevating but not in a hyper way, such as with too much caffeine or sugar. I felt more awake and better able to power through the hour of cardio I was enduring. After the workout I had pep, but not any jitters. I was excited to try another flavor and get the boost for my next day’s workout.
Celsius is a fairly new product, but is now available in many grocery stores, convenience stores, and supplement stores nationwide. Give one a try for yourself – it may just be the boost you need to get through your next intense workout.
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