Sports Drinks - The Natural Way!

Fall sports are starting up around here and there is one big thing i've noticed runs in common with all sports, even from when I was in high school. Gatorade, Powerade...etc. SPORTS DRINKS.  The majority of people believe that sports drinks are the best alternative to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes when exercising. However this isn't the case. Many sports drinks contain as much as two-thirds the sugar of sodas and can contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors and food coloring, none of which contribute to optimal health.

Consuming sugar after exercise will negatively affect both your insulin sensitivity and your human growth hormone (HGH) production. Ironically, while these drinks are often referred to as “energy” drinks, in the long run the sugar they contain does just the opposite. After causing a quick explosion of energy, your energy plummets as your pancreas and other glands do all they can to balance out the toxic stimulation to your blood sugar.

 

Most also contain high amounts of sodium (processed salt), which is meant to replenish the electrolytes you lose while sweating. However, a far better option is to simply add a small amount of natural, unprocessed sea salt to your water. Contrary to processed salt, this natural salt contains 84 different minerals and trace minerals that your body needs for optimal function.

 

Here are some other Alternatives:

An excellent option when you’re sweating profusely is pure coconut water. It’s one of the highest sources of electrolytes known to man. Some remote areas of the world even use coconut juice intravenously, short-term, to help hydrate critically ill patients and in emergency situations.

And, if your sports drink is low-calorie and sugar-free, be warned that it likely contains an artificial sweetener, which is even worse for you than fructose.

 

I can't take credit for these recipes below. I found them on awsome blogs that I follow. :-)

 

1.



Author: Wellness Mama

Recipe type: Drink

Serves: 1

 

Ingredients

• 1 quart of liquid (options: green tea, herbal teas, coconut water, plain water, etc)
• ⅛-1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt (regular table salt will work, but it doesn't have all the trace minerals)
• ¼ to ½ tsp crushed Calcium magnesium tablets or powder (optional)
• ¼ cup or more of juice (optional. Can use grape, apple, lemon, lime, pineapple, etc)
• 1-2 TBSP sweetener (optional)- can use honey, stevia, etc. I suggest brewing stevia leaf into the base liquid for the most natural option.

Instructions

1. Brew tea if using or slightly warm base liquid
2. Add sea salt and calcium magnesium (if using)
3. Add juice and mix or shake well
4. Cool and store in fridge until ready to use

Notes

[As an example, my normal recipe includes 1 quart of tea (brewed with Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa, Nettle and Stevia), ¼ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp calcium magnesium powder (about 1,000 mg), and ¼ cup grape or apple juice]

 

2.



 

Lay-Low Recipe

-1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
-1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
-1 ½ to 2 cups fresh water, depending on how strong you want the flavor
-1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
-2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey, to taste

Directions

Toss everything into a food blender and blend until the honey is dissolved, or just use some elbow grease and blend it by hand. Pour yourself a tall glass, drop in a few ice cubes, and enjoy.


You can find other recpies from her here.

 

 3.

 

Watermelon and Coconut water! Find the recpie here.

 

 

4.

 

Strawberry-infused Sports Drink

-3 C hot water
-1/2 C orange juice
-juice of 1 lemon
-2 T honey + stevia to taste
-1/4 t salt
-1/2 container of strawberries (or any berry of choice), sliced
Mix well and chill in the fridge overnight. Strain to remove the berries, or enjoy them as a little snack with your drink

You can find this recpie here


As I said previously I can't take credit for any of these recpies. I didn't make them up, but I have tried them and loved them and it's WAY better for you and your kids!! We all want what's best for us and our futures.

In health and wellness, xoxo

Nikki