Zero Calorie Sports Drink- is it a waste?

maurapie

In general, I drink water with everything, and unless it's a special occasion, it's pretty rare that you'd find me drinking anything but water (or my shakeology- yummy). Today, though I did an Insanity workout with a coworker and decided to try Powerade Zero to give me some energy before the workout and help replenish my body afterwords.

My question is whether a zero calorie sports drink will still be as, or at least close to as effective as a regular sports or recovery drink, or if I should just stick with water..

Jess21684

hmm no idea haha i think it still has vitamins and electrolytes in it tho so it should replenish you well after a workout idk! haha but I do love me some powerade zero!!

darkrider42

In general, I drink water with everything, and unless it's a special occasion, it's pretty rare that you'd find me drinking anything but water (or my shakeology- yummy). Today, though I did an Insanity workout with a coworker and decided to try Powerade Zero to give me some energy before the workout and help replenish my body afterwords.

My question is whether a zero calorie sports drink will still be as, or at least close to as effective as a regular sports or recovery drink, or if I should just stick with water..

I would think* by definition, a zero-calorie drink would give you zero additional energy. What it would provide, however, is hydration and electrolytes.

JeninBelgium

it will give you water and some electrolytes but not any "energy" per se as it has no calories (which is energy) - I drink these sometimes when I work out and want some flavour- "they" (the running professionals I have been following a training program through) say that you only need to start adding sugar or other calories into your workout once you go over 20kms (12.5 miles) of training- but I find for me that anything more than an hour to an hour and a half I need something- listen to your body- if you are feeling low on energy perhaps it is time to start using a sports drink :-) good luck

mursey

I agree w/darkrider. I love Propel Zero, and I mainly drink it because I noticed I will keep myself hydrated so much better if there's Propel around. . just because I like the taste so much and it goes down easier than water for me. Plus the electrolytes can't hurt when I'm very active.

I was pissed to notice that Vitamin Water Zero has carbs though. I read "zero calories" but never noticed it still had some carbs. boo!

gameovergt

good for about taste only!

maurapie

Thanks for all your input!