We see sports drinks when we walk through the refreshments aisle at any convenience store or supermarket, and we are tricked into thinking that these sports drinks are healthy. If they involve sports or being active, they must be healthy, right? Unfortunately, many of the sports drinks you see in stores are far from healthy, and are packed with sugar and other harmful ingredients.
One 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade or Powerade contains 200 calories and 52.5 grams of sugar. One 20-ounce bottle of Coca Cola contains 65 grams of sugar and 240 calories, which is not far off from the contents of Gatorade or Powerade. If you’re only a moderate athlete, you are probably consuming more calories than you are burning off! Plus, these sports drinks contain sodium which can cause high blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
Aside from the sugar and sodium content, Powerade and Gatorade also contain high fructose corn syrup, which is known to cause a series of health problems.
If you tend to drink Vitamin Water, you may be surprised to know that one 20-ounce bottle of Vitamin Water contains 33 grams of sugar and 125 calories. While it’s a better option than Gatorade or Powerade, it’s still not the best option.
While these drinks do contain electrolytes, the sugar content actually cancels out their health benefits. A healthy diet is a better option than relying on sports drinks before, during, or after your workouts. Instead, grab a bottle of coconut water. An 8.5-ounce serving of Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water contains 30 milligrams of sodium and 15 grams of carbohydrates, compared to approximately 200 milligrams of sodium in an 8-ounce serving of Gatorade.
Raisins, bananas, and rice are other great foods to consume after a workout. Even a cup of coffee or tea can be beneficial. Some people even choose to make their own homemade sports drinks. Try making your own with water, chia seeds, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
Remember to pay close attention to your water consumption. Each person should aim to drink around 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. When you become thirsty, it’s actually a sign that you are already dehydrated. Start your day by drinking 2, 8-ounce glasses of water and aim to drink 6 more throughout the day.
If you would like additional nutritional advice for the New Year ahead, please contact Premier Health Chiropractors. Schedule an appointment with our experienced chiropractors and see what chiropractic care can do to help you and your family.