Make your own sports drink

by Chris Sparling (Subscribe to Chris Sparling's posts)
Jun 6th 2008 7:39PM

Categories: Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

For years, Gatorade has been promoting its electrolyte-based drink as the athlete's choice. When we exercise, we lose a great deal of these body salts in our sweat, making their replenishment almost equally important as fluids. This is where Gatorade (and in recent years, Powerade) has excelled over other so-called sports drinks, and probably why most football coaches don't have tubs of Ensure dumped over their heads.

But in an ever-changing economy, many people find their disposable income to be less and less worth spending on things like sports drinks (that's assuming there's any disposable income to speak of at all). So, if you'd prefer to tuck your money away for what you consider to be more worthwhile things than electrolyte-replacing sports drinks, you can always make your own version of it at home.

Men's Health magazine suggests the following DIY recipe for a Gatorade-like, isotonic drink:

3 cups water
1 cup orange juice
2 tsp sugar
1 large pinch of salt

While it may not taste as good as Fierce Berry or Frost Glacier Freeze Gatorade, it should still provide you with approximately the same replenishment as those more expensive drinks.

Source

Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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zach 6-07-2008 @ 11:02AM

Dear Chris Please better use full web address. Could not find the original adress in mens health

Janet Weddle 6-07-2008 @ 9:22PM

I think our nation is hooked on sugar, so when I found an electrolyte solution you can make at home, I left the sugar out. I take this to replace electrolytes when I'm exercising, out in the sun, or if I feel weak from diarrhea. In fact, I take it if I'm weak and don't know why, and I feel better.

1 part baking soda
1 part No-Salt salt substitute (potassium chloride)
2 parts natural sea salt or rock salt

Mix in a jar. Add 1/2 tsp. to a half glass of water.

PureSport 6-15-2008 @ 2:04PM

Homemade sports drinks can replace fluids but if you are exercising on a regular basis or competing in events, you need to ensure you get the following key ingredients:

Whey Protein Isolate is rich in essential amino acids and provides quick muscle recovery

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate for long-lasting, sustained energy

Sodium replenishes losses due to perspiration

Magnesium aids in protein synthesis that helps prevent muscle breakdown

Potassium helps keeps body fluids in balance

Consuming a workout drink before and during activity will help keep you hydrated, maintain energy, and slow down muscle breakdown. Immediately after exercise or as soon as possible consume a recovery drink, to help replenish muscle glycogen stores, slow down cortisol release, and to rebuild muscles.

Michael Phelps and other top swimmers train with PureSport Workout and PureSport Recovery sports drinks to ensure they recover quickly from each workout and are ready to train hard the next day.

http://www.puresport.us