I see lots of people drinking sports drinks like they are water. I think it’s a bit funny that people that workout for 45-60 mins then drink a sports drink after their session.

But really, the only people that should be drinking these drinks are people that have been working out at high intensities for extended periods of time – like 90 mins + (think half marathon, marathon, Olympic distance triathlons and above).

When you are exercising at this level you need to replace your lost fluids and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), quickly.

Let me start by letting you know what is in a Sport Drink (you know the ones); sugar (about 6-8%), electrolytes, minerals and sometimes added vitamins and in most cases added colours.

They are designed to help athletes top up their blood sugar levels with the carbohydrates (sugars), which can help to delay fatigue – but again, this will only be effective if working at high intensity for long periods of time.

If you are doing a regular workout, you are way better off drinking water to hydrate yourself and to replace any fluids you lost through sweating.

If you are one of the ones drinking a sports drink after your 60 min workout, it might be time to try something else. You don’t want to waste all your hard work by drinking sugar water (which will turn to fat). The sodium in sport drinks will actually make you thirstier, so that you drink more – more sugar!

If I am working out for longer than 90 mins – it might be a triathlon training session or race, or a long run, I still won’t reach for the sport drinks. I prefer the most natural electrolyte drink coconut water.

Coconut water is a drink that is creating a buzz in the health food market and even with celebrities. It isn’t just thirst quenching, it’s rehydrating and therapeutic.

Coconut water is the liquid found inside fresh young green coconuts, which are harvested when their nutritional levels are at their highest.

Coconut water is full of natural goodness. It contains natural vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, antioxidants and potassium. It’s because of this combination of nutrients that it provides a range of healing properties.

Coconut water is a great alternative to sports drinks and soft drinks. It’s virtually fat free, very low in sugar, cholesterol free and packed full of natural electrolytes. And one more benefit – it can help to increase the body’s metabolism naturally! Bonus!

Coconut water is also great to add to green smoothies too!

So next time you workout, make sure you grab a water to rehydrate, unless you are exercising at a high intensity for a longer period of time. You don’t want to waste all your hard work!

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