What to drink before, after, and during workouts is not as easy to figure out as it would seem. We all know water is best for us but water typically does not offer the energy boost and electrolytes we may want/need before and during workouts. It also may not be best for helping us to recover quickly from strenuous workouts. We may find ourselves reaching for something with a little more kick, but which drinks are best? What are our hydration options?
Water – Even though you might bring more than just plain water to the gym with you, it is good to have some basic H2O on hand. Drink some about an hour before you workout and take a few small sips all throughout the workout as well. You are likely losing water in great amounts as you work up a decent sweat and plain old water is in fact necessary. Drink up liberally after your workout as well and throughout the day. I also recommend using a water ionizer to make sure the pH of your water is alkaline. Our cells love to bathe in healthy alkaline conditions.
Water w/a Kick – There are numerous electrolyte products that can be added to plain old water to jazz it up and give us a boost in minerals and electrolytes so that we are performing at our best. Bonus if they also taste delicious. My two favorites are the lemon lime Vital Protein electrolyte packets paired with the strawberry lemonade Nuun tablets. They make for a fizzy, tasty drink with electrolytes AND collagen. There are lots of other options out there though.
Energy Drinks – There are numerous drinks out there in a can and in small bottles that supposedly boost energy and performance. I think most of them taste nasty so I do not partake but I am not opposed to energy candy so I cannot come out hard against these drinks. Just make sure to read the ingredient labels carefully to make sure you aren’t drinking some unsavory things that negate what you are trying to do by working out. And be careful while working out while hopped up on caffeine (which these drinks usually have in abundance). I ended up with a case of rhabdomyolysis doing this.
Protein Shakes – It is very common to see shaker bottles at the gym with some kind of protein concoction. They can help boost performance and help with building muscle but as before read ingredient labels closely and go for the highest quality you can afford. If it is a whey based product go for grassfed. Avoid soy based protein, which mimics estrogen and can cause and exacerbate thyroid issues. My favorite is Fairlife, either the chocolate or caramel mixed with a scoop of instant coffee. Yum!
Sports Drinks -Sadly most of these are filled with sugar, salt, and artificial dyes. Lately we have seen headlines that these sports drinks actually have flame retardants in them. IMO it is best to stay far away and really who needs them when we have more natural options like the ones above…
Coconut Water – This is a favorite beverage for working out. It is healthy, natural, and it has plenty of electrolytes. Also if you want to up the calorie content and give yourself an energy boost you can get a variety that has chunks of coconut pulp in it (those are my favorite). I also like chocolate flavored coconut water…delish!
What is your beverage of choice for workouts?
