Sports drinks are an easy way to consume electrolytes, calories, and water, but are they better than drinking water? This depends on your workouts, your sweat rate, sodium needs, and calorie requirements. Here’s a general guide for when to drink sports drinks and which ones to consume.
When to Use Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are convenient as they allow you to hydrate, get calories, and replenish electrolytes, all at one time. They’re also tastier, which can help you drink water if you struggle to consume enough while training. Sports drinks can also help boost your energy for short trainings. Finally, if you have a sensitive stomach, drinking sports drinks can help you get the energy and calories you need from drinks instead of trying to digest solid foods.
What Sports Drinks to Use
Next time you buy a sports drink, get one that has a low-to-moderate carbohydrate mix which will keep your energy levels consistent and high throughout your training. Make sure you’re still eating well throughout the day, as these drinks are only a supplement to other sources of nutrition and energy. Also, try and get ones that are high in electrolytes, because during intense workouts you lose sodium from sweat, and losing too much sodium can cause puffiness, gastric distress, cramps, and confusion.
