SPORTS DRINKS

When you are exerting yourself your body needs to be replenished.  The hotter the temperature or the greater the exertion, the more important it is.  Typically we drink water but most everyone knows the story behind the invention of Gatorade:

 

The first iteration of Gatorade was formulated in 1965 by a team of researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine, including Robert Cade, Dana Shires, Harry James Free, and Alejandro de Quesada.^[6] It was created following a request from Florida Gators football head coach Ray Graves to aid athletes by acting as a hydrating replacement for body fluids lost during physical exertion in hot weather. The earliest versions of the beverage consisted of a mixture of water, sodium, sugar, potassium, phosphate, and lemon juice.^[7] Ten players on the University of Florida football team tested the first version of Gatorade during practices and games in 1965, and the tests were deemed successful. The football team credited Gatorade as having contributed to their first Orange Bowl win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in 1967, at which point the drink gained traction within the athletic community. Yellow Jackets coach Bobby Dodd, when asked why his team lost, replied: "We didn't have Gatorade. That made the difference."^[8]

Turns out that the scientists realized that our bodies recover more quickly when we replenish the combination of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that we lose during workouts.  Now days there are seemingly countless choices in the sports drink category including Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water and on and on.

I've been a pretty aggressive label reader to see if there are great differences in ingredients.  I've come to the conclusion that they are now pretty much the same.  So for me it comes down to taste, calories and price.  There are now basically three distinct choices: There is a sugar free zero calorie choice, a reduced calorie (like 20 calories per 8 oz. serving) choice and regular (which is usually 80 calories per 8 oz. serving).  I watch my caloric intake so I go for the zero calorie or 20 calorie options.  If you drink a 32 oz. bottle at 80 calories per serving that is 320 calories.  Do you really need that many calories while seeking replenishment? 

Sometimes if I drink too much water when it is hot I just feel full and sluggish but not replenished.  So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... pay close attention to what your body is telling you while engaging in physical activity.  Staying hydrated is so critical and replenishing your body is key to your optimal performance.  So I think there is a place and reason for sports drinks.  But at the same time, be mindful of your caloric intake so that you stay on the course that will help you meet your health and fitness goals.

Enjoy life!