Workout Fuel – Make Your Own!

After trying sports drink after sports drink and finding few that make me feel energized AND don’t wreak havoc on my digestive system, I came across this DIY concotion from an old Women’s Health mag. The verdict: It contains no fake sugars, has a light taste and kept my fuel tank full throughout a 45-minute strength workout. The best part? It didn’t make my stomach do somersaults! I’ll try quenching my thirst with it on my run tomorrow, too!

Try it:

Pre-Workout Punch

This juice has just enough carbs to keep you fueled, and the water-sodium combo enhances hydration.

1/4 c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 c hot water

In the bottom of a pitcher, dissolve sugar and salt in the hot water.

Add the following:

1/4 c orange juice (not concentrate)

2 Tbsp lemon juice

3 1/2 c cold water

Chill for 30 minutes.

Chug!

Makes 4 servings. Per 8 oz serving: 50 cal, 12g carbs, 110mg sodium

Pre-Workout Punch

I’m Sorta-Kinda-Really-Crazy About…

Vita Coco! What the heck is Vita Coco, you ask? It’s pure, delectable coconut juice and it’s the BEST hydration tool for a long cardio session, run, or intense strength workout that leaves you feeling insanely parched and thirsty. It’s all-natural – I swear – check it out on the ingredients list if you don’t believe me and you’ll see it: “100% Coconut Water.” Yayyyyyyyyy!!!

Okay so it’s yummy, you’ve got that by now right? It also doesn’t wreak havoc on your sugar-sensitive tastebuds (be sure to chill it in the fridge before drinking, by the way). Plus, it’s packed with all the electrolytes you need to restore your body after a sweat-session: potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous. What does that actually mean? It means it will go the extra-hydration distance, where water simply cannot, and you’ll feel replenished – at least I do – after just a juice box-like sized serving of this stuff! Ohohoh! And it only has 60 (natural) calories.

So you can tell I’m stoked and I speak from experience because I first heard about this in my Women’s Health and wanted to check it out before I was sold on the idea. So I ordered it on Amazon for $22 (pack of 12) and planned to open one up after a long run. Three syllables: RE-FRESH-ING. Tired of me rambling on about it and want to know more specifics? Check it out on the company’s web site at www.vitacoco.com. And remember, I only rave because I care, not because I get paid to (but that would be nice)!

Don't tell the monkeys!