Zero Calorie Sports Drink- is it a waste?

maurapie
maurapie Posts: 48 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
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..

Replies

  • Jess21684
    Jess21684 Posts: 202 Member
    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
    darkrider42 Posts: 5,457 Member
    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
    JeninBelgium Posts: 804 Member
    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
    mursey Posts: 191 Member
    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
    gameovergt Posts: 502
    good for about taste only!
  • maurapie
    maurapie Posts: 48 Member
    Thanks for all your input!
This discussion has been closed.

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