There are 9 tsp of sugar in one 20 oz bottle of gatorade. This amount of extra sugar is useless to most except maybe the elite athlete.
Are sports drinks needed in some cases?
When you are sweating, sweating a lot from exercise, you need to replenish both electrolytes and water. Sweat contains electrolytes as well as water (thus the salty taste of sweat). Generally, a typical person who exercise 30-60 minutes a day does not need added electrolytes from sports drinks but rather can acquire them from their food (fruit, vegetables, beans), in addition to hydrating with water. Marketing has misled some to believe that sports drinks are the only way to replenish lost electrolytes. Drinking water and eating a balanced diet is sufficient in most cases. Hydrating is important. The body will tell you when it is thirsty with symptoms such as a dry mouth. Listen and drink water during physical activity.
Are there healthier options to gatorade and sugary sports drinks?
Here are a few options to replenish electrolytes and water during a strenuous workout:
- Orange juice with a pinch of sea salt
- Coconut water
- Water, pinch of sea salt and healthy fruit snacks
- Ultimate Replenisher (contains corn)
- Emergency Electromix (contains corn)