Better Brands
There are a few brands that include natural ingredients in their sports products and do not use high-fructose corn syrup, food dyes or artificial sweeteners. Look for these sport product lines:
More: Avoid Junk Fitness Foods for Weight Loss
Make Your Own!
Get in the kitchen and be creative! You can make your own sport drink with the best quality juices, water and sea salt. Completely natural, tasty and you’ll save a buck! Test it out to make sure it is palatable at various temperatures and doesn’t cause any stomach upset. Here are couple recipes to start with:
Tart Cherry Sport Drink
Tart cherries help to reduce inflammation associated with exercise.
- 32 ounces water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 24 ounces Knudsen Tart Cherry Juice (if this is too tart for you use regular cherry juice instead)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Makes seven 8-ounce servings
60 calories, 177 mg sodium, 186 mg potassium, 15 grams carbohydrate
Pina Colada Sport Drink
The coconut water gives a light flavor, a few carbohydrates and tons of potassium.
- 12 ounces water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 32 ounces O.N.E. Coconut water
- 12 ounces 100% pineapple juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Makes seven 8-ounce servings
60 calories, 194 mg sodium, 352 mg potassium, 15 grams carbohydrate
Directions for making your own sport drink:
Bring the tap or bottled water to a boil. Dissolve the salt in the water. Mix in juice and coconut water (if using). Chill and consume.
More: How to Fuel Your Body For Energy
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