While there are some stimulants such as caffeine in zip fizz and zenergize, there is no sugar, and a whole lot of other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal blends, which although not necessarily proven beneficial seem to me to have some subtle effects. I too try to avoid sugary sports drinks, and the Red Bull type energy drinks were preferable in Baghdad, but not in my every day life here.

Check the labels on these that I've suggested, and I think you'll find them more akin to taking a multi-vitamin than to gatorade. In any case, the B-complex are what I am after as a stimulant beyond the initial caffeine hit. B vitamins are more durable, and have the added effect of turning your body into a bug repellent.

As with all things, moderation is still preferable. I used to drink two pots of coffee a day, until I developed an ulcer and had to cut back to two cups a day now.

I used to watch the boys and girls going out on rat patrol in the morning from Steel Dragon toting half a dozen cans of Red Bull out of the chow hall. They would have them all emptied by 10:00 am or so. When I got the nerve to inquire about it, their response was they wanted to be alert while out on patrol. Makes sense I guess. Half a dozen Red Bulls a day can't be too healthy though. Then again, neither was the chow that KBR served us and them.