Sport Alternatives to Gatorade?

Sport Fitness
J

jibril

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I cycle (recumbent, stationary) sometimes for 6 hours and my muscles give way sometimes, where I have to get up and stop.

Up to now, I was just drinking water or tea but it just isn't doing it for me anymore, but Gatorade has HFCS that I would rather avoid. Right now I'm planning to dilute 2 parts water to 1 part orange juice.

Is this a decent or stupid plan? Any other suggestions?
 
Wait.. you cycle 6 hours in a day? Why?
 
I usually don't, just 45 minutes a day. On some days off work, I try to go all out.

I spent my summers in Germany. And back then, I would ride up and along these sets of mountains via the road for yes, 6-8-10 hours back then. I'm going back this fall, and I want to be in shape to do that again.

Now to get my question answered:)
 
Good for you for avoiding HFCS. Most cyclists I know don't drink Gatorade as it is too high in sugar and, quite frankly, unless you are sweating buckets for hours you can get by just fine on water.

My suggestion: for sessions of 2 hours or less, just go with water. If you do sessions of 2 hours or more, especially at hot temperatures, go with Accelerade, Cytomax or another non-sweet drink with electrolytes.

Tea is a diuretic and will dessicate you, so be careful.
 
have you looked at G2 version of Gatorade? as I recall it didn't have HFCS, and is far lower in calories.
doesn't taste bad either.
 
johnalpha said:
does this mean G2 is different that Gatorade? I'd just assumed it was new marketing.
Click to expand...

It is basically Gatorade with half the sugars / calories of the regular version. Presumably for someone who wants the electrolytes and water but with less sugars / calories. (Mixing Gatorade with an equal amount of water also gives you half the sugars / calories, but also only half the electrolytes for a given amount of liquid, whereas G2 gives full electrolytes.)
 
Cool.

(sorry to ask more but..) do the electrolytes include the salt you lose when you sweat? I know its important to replace the body's salt which is why I use nutrient rich sea salt on my food (in moderation)
 
One other alternative might be Vega Sport - has anyone tried this? You add it to water. I bought a few sample packets and found that it completely perked me up mid-work out, and without too many calories.
 
I've used Vega as a natural protein but haven't tried the Sport version. I know that various athletes on the Canadian triathlon team use it and like it though.

Berry is great but don't get the plain...
 
jibril said:
I cycle (recumbent, stationary) sometimes for 6 hours and my muscles give way sometimes, where I have to get up and stop.

Up to now, I was just drinking water or tea but it just isn't doing it for me anymore, but Gatorade has HFCS that I would rather avoid. Right now I'm planning to dilute 2 parts water to 1 part orange juice.

Is this a decent or stupid plan? Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Im also a big fan of the water and tea for riding. Like many have said electrolytes in plain water work good too. For really long (epic rides) i will use a supplement that has it seems to help with muscle failure and lack of energy when im to my breaking point. It has helped me to get over the wall i hit typically on those half day adventures!
 
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You should try Coconut Water. It's sold at Whole Foods & other places like it.

This from the Vita Water site:

Why is all natural Vita Coco not your average beverage?

It has...

* the 5 essential electrolytes: potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous
* more potassium than a banana (don't tell the monkeys) & 15 times more potassium than the leading sports drink
* potassium which helps regulate blood pressure, heart function and enhances the hydration process
* properties which promote smoother more hydrated skin
* no artificial sweetners and is low in carbohydrates

There a few different brands, but I like the Vita Coconut Water. I get the cartoons and add 8 oz to my water.
 
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