Sports Drinks - They're Not What You Think

After a good workout, many people reach for a beverage that will quench their thirst fast. However, many of these people guzzle down Gatorade, Powerade or some other sugary drink advertised for athletes and folks dedicated to fitness.

What these commercials featuring famous celeb athletes gulping down a Gatorade don’t tell you is that these drinks are loaded with extra sugar and calories, and many don’t have any nutritional value at all. In fact, the amount of sugar can have lasting effects on the body if consumed daily.

To break it down a bit - a 32 oz. bottle of Gatorade has 36 grams of sugar. A serving size of Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream equals out to about 19 grams of sugar. You wouldn't eat ice cream following a workout to rehydrate. So, why would you chug 36 grams of sugar?

So then, what’s the best drink of choice for hydration?

Water. Water is an accessible drink and offers loads of benefits.

Keep reading to find out why you should reach for H20 over sugar-loaded power drinks.

You Feel Energized

Drinking water throughout the day and after a workout will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Drinks packed with sugar can give you a boost, but then quickly leave you feeling drained and crashing. With water as your main drink choice, you’ll feel more alert and able to concentrate throughout the day.

Water Promotes Weight Loss

Because water contains no calories or sugar, you have the ability to lose weight just by simply choosing water over any other drink. Water in-take can reduce hunger and helps raise your metabolism - two factors to lose weight.

Flush Out Pesky Toxins

Water is so beneficial to the body that it literally can help flush out toxins from the body. Through sweat and urination, your water in-take helps the body remove waste and reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Prevents Cramps and Sprains

If you’re an active individual, regularly drinking water can help you prevent muscle cramps and sprains. This is because proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so joint pain is less likely.

You Can Enhance Water Naturally

If you don’t like the taste of plain ol’ water, there are ways to naturally enhance the taste of water. Try adding a slice of lemon to your water bottle for a more fresh taste. Other fruits that are great to add to water are strawberries, cucumbers and any berry! There are loads of ways to make water tasty enough for you to increase your water intake.

Other benefits of water include improved circulation, it helps maintain body temperature, aids in digestion, protects and cushions organs and so much more.

The amount of water one should drink varies depending on age and weight. If you’re unsure of how much or if you have concerns, it’s best to speak with a fitness coach or healthcare provider for more information.