CheekyChicago

Q: I’ve been seeing and hearing more about those little energy drinks you’ve talked about. But I’m still afraid to try them – I’m worried they’ll make me feel jittery or super tired. Plus, there are so many different kinds, I don’t know which to try.

KZ: Let me guess: you’ve tried Red Bull, Monster, espresso and Mountain Dew, but none of these drinks makes you feel amazing. Most likely they give you a quick high that leads to a sleepy crash a few hours later.

Until 2004, most products lacked the key ingredients: B vitamins and Niacin. Pause, don’t freak out – Niacin is a good thing. 5-Hour Energy drinks contain 30 milligrams, which is over 100 percent of what docs recommend you have. Plus, Niacin aids with digestion and helps your skin. This is also what makes your face flush for about 15 minutes when you drink the mini-bottle.

B Vitamins have been all the rage since we heard Madonna injected a B-12 shot into JT’s booty for some pre-show energy. These little guys pack a mean punch of both B6 (40 milligrams, or 2,000 percent daily value) and B12 (500 micrograms or 8,333 percent daily value). It’s possible to OD on Vitamin B which can lead to nerve toxicity – this messes with your muscle coordination and can make you clumsier than usual, or even paralyzed. To avoid this, don’t chug more than two bottles a day. As for caffeine – a bottle has about the same amount as a 12 ounce of your normal java, but it won’t stain your teeth or give you stale coffee breath.

A product I am loving right now is called “allday energy” (available at both Bally Total Fitness and XSport Fitness). It is a 2 ounce product that contains L-Carnitine (fat buster), L-Arginine (boosts lean muscle) and D-Ribose (aids with recovery and cramping). This is the ONLY product I’ve found that’s calorie and sugar-free and you can feel the effects in as little as 15 minutes. Perfect during the “do-I-go-to-the-gym?” mental battle you have each day, a bottle of this always gets me to the gym. I even keep one by my bed for when my alarm goes off!

Q: I am addicted to chocolate, but am trying to lose weight. What’s “safe” (and not gross)?

KZ: My name is Kelli and I am addicted to chocolate. Now that it’s out, let me share some of my tips for enjoying the good stuff without “cheating”:

Fiber One Bars – With only 140 calories, 4 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber, these little guys taste like a candy bar but have enough fiber to keep things moving and tide you over.

Silken Tofu (chocolate flavor) – Holy Jamoley, this is my new obsession. You can find it at most grocery stores with the regular tofu and mix it into smoothies with granola or Fage Greek yogurt. Trust.

Jello Puddin’ Pops – These old school treats still hit the spot, and at only 80 calories, you can enjoy a couple guilt-free.

KZ’s Bite of the Week: Einstein Bros. new under 400 calorie menu featuring the Egg White Square. Half a whole wheat wrap with egg whites, spinach and mushrooms. Ask for it sans cream cheese and sub a side of hummus to make it even healthier – yet still awesome.