Low Cal sport drinks, I am confused by this - JP Fitness Forums

cward76 · 03-25-2006, 06:16 PM

I just saw a comericail for a low calorie sport drink. I always thought calories are a measure of energy that food contains. One of the main reasons I supplement my diet with sports drinks during activity is I believed they were a quick way to get the calories that I needed. I have thought that if you were going to be physically activite that you should keep a carlorie intake that can support that.

Based on this comerical, I don't need calories during physical activity thus I don't need the sport drink, I can just drink water to stay hydrated. Is this right, Or is it a really stupid market ploy to take advantage of all of the people trying to lose weight by excercising while on a calorie restricted diet?

Lost Dog · 03-25-2006, 06:30 PM

Not a stupid marketing ploy. A brilliant one. But, hopefully, it will make those 30 minute cardio people stop drinking all that Gatorade.

Sports drinks are fine for those who need the calories and electrolytes during long boughts of exercise. I find it hard to believe that a situation could arise where one needs the electolytes and not the calories. It takes a lot of sweating to lose a lot of electrolytes.

Not an expert, but I doubt if there's a problem with getting extra electrolytes even when you don't actually need them.

I'd say a person either needs water or a sports drink, these low cal ones are just good tasting, flavored water. Technically, there more than that, but that about all the value they have.

I kinda like Propel, but I'm not sure that it's marketed as a sport drink. It's tasty.

Marykaa · 03-25-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cward76

Based on this comerical, I don't need calories during physical activity thus I don't need the sport drink, I can just drink water to stay hydrated. Is this right, Or is it a really stupid market ploy to take advantage of all of the people trying to lose weight by excercising while on a calorie restricted diet?

If you're not doing long periods.. (2+ hours) just water is fine. Those drinks must be for people who either don't like water or think it looks cool to drink a "sports drink". and are willing to pay more for that.

emartin10 · 03-26-2006, 08:29 AM

I agree with both the above statements. What they really need now is a caffeine free sports drink. In prepping and hydrating for my triathlons, sports drinks are great to sip on, except that some of them contain caffeine, like Gatorade, to give you a boost during your workout, but when taken prior to activity work to actually dehydrate you. But I don't think there's a big market for that, so I'm left wanting...Ho hum...

E

Lost Dog · 03-26-2006, 08:32 AM

Does Gatorade in Australia contain caffeine? I don't think it does here.

Buk · 03-26-2006, 10:53 AM

Does Gatorade contain caffeine? Why not?

Gatorade does not contain caffeine for two important reasons: 1) caffeine is a drug, not a nutrient, and 2) caffeine is a diuretic, increasing urine production and adding to dehydration. That's one reason why rehydration is much better with Gatorade than with caffeinated colas.

That is why care must be taken anytime Gatorade powder is mixed. Adding too much or too little water to the mix will adversely affect Gatorade efficacy.