Celsius: It’s not an addiction. It’s a lifestyle. (OPINION)

I’m afraid we may have an epidemic on our hands, ladies and gents.

What begins with “C”, and may pose an imminent threat on our impressionable youth? (No, not the Coronavirus. The other “C” word.) Celsius Fitness Drinks. 

In the midst of gym closures and increased personal time, efforts to develop one’s physique surged (re WFH: workouts from home). Fitfluencers (re: Chloe Ting, MadFit, and Blogilates) became our personal trainers, and Celsius beverages became our fitness partners. Or lifeline rather (re: our perpetual inability to shed week-old sweats and lace a pair of sneaks). 

Touted as an organic thermogenic (metabolic stimulant), Celsius enhances one’s ability to sustain energy and burn fat via its green tea and ginger root extracts (and several other ingredients you’ll find here). Both of which are naturally-grown flora. 

Celsius flaunts 12 original flavors— nine of which are sparkling for those who prefer carbonated beverages. Surely, all consumers will find a Celsius flavor suitable for their liking. For example, I favor Peach Mango Green Tea, whereas my parents enjoy Sparkling Grapefruit; my brother, Berry; and Maeve Miller (‘22), Watermelon.

Ok @CelsiusOfficial, the results are in. My favorite is the Sparkling Watermelon.

I see y’all have a Sparkling Cola and Sparkling Strawberry Guava! Might try those next. ?

— julio ? (@julio_codes) March 26, 2021

In terms of dietary supplements, Celsius is comparatively kosher. As opposed to its counterparts, the product is without preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

“Celsius is really good because it has no sugar and still tastes great. My favorite flavors are Fuji Apple and Kiwi Guava,” says Reagan Miller (‘24). 

Of course, Celsius is not without its faults.

Its sole issue. A singular Celsius (whether it be canned or packaged) contains 200 mg of caffeine. For reference: an eight-ounce serving of coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine.

If one were to consume a mere 24 ounces of Celsius each day (as many Academy students are prone to do), they’d surpass the FDA’s recommended caffeine intake. 

“The main issue I have seen [with Celsius] is when a student-athlete who is sensitive to caffeine consumes multiple energy drinks in a day or a single energy drink in a short period of time. This sensitivity and overconsumption of caffeine can result in anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, increased heart rate, and headaches,” says athletic trainer Donald Schaffer. 

In an effort to ensure maximum output, a number of Academy athletes guzzle several Celsiuses prior to sports games and practices, often unaware of the perverse repercussions excessive caffeine consumption may induce.

“There is evidence out there to support the use of energy drinks to increase physical and mental performance in healthy adults, but they can also exacerbate an underlying cardiovascular problem, especially when coupled with overconsumption. It is important to educate yourself on the adverse effects and ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to consume an energy drink. The risk may not be worth the reward for some individuals,” says Schaffer. 

With that in mind, students and athletes alike ought to consider lessening caffeine intake— if only to one Celsius per day. 

Please note, I do not intend to “knock” the consumption of Celsius, merely shed light on growing concerns held by healthcare professionals. 

I myself am a Celsius junkie— often consuming a can a day. 

(To preserve just an ounce of my dignity, I’d like to not I am an incredibly active individual and consume Celsius solely for athletic purposes. Mostly.)

You see, I, like many of those within my age demographic, am depleted. Emotionally. Physically. And, frankly, in any other facet of my life to which I can add an “-ally”. 

Each day consists of a similar routine. I spend hours at school only to return home and spend several more hours on schoolwork. With blatant monotony, days merge into weeks and shortly thereafter to months. 

Lacking much-needed sleep and ambition, Celsius is my sole liberator. And, it would appear I am not the only one to find themselves in such a predicament. 

“I like to drink Celsius in the morning before school because it gives me that extra boost to get through the day. I like to drink them on days when I don’t get that much sleep and am feeling super tired,” says Reagan.

Alas, teenage burnout is not a valid enough excuse to sign away my years to poor health. 

Celsius is certainly a choice beverage, though I do not need to consume said beverage quite as regularly as I presently do. 

I suppose it’s about time I consider a Celsius detox… 

Or perhaps I’ll save my considerations for another day. 

After all, it’s not an addiction. It’s a lifestyle.