10 Best Sports Drinks Without Sugar
How many sugar-filled sports drinks have you had during your workout? The sugar gives you the boost of energy you need to power through your workout and increases the likelihood that you’ll feel fatigued and possibly even nauseous by the end of it. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are plenty of great options out there that don’t contain sugar. Here are 10 best sports drinks without sugar!
What is sports drink?
Sports drinks are a common accompaniment to exercise—and for good reason. They replenish lost electrolytes, which help your body regulate hydration levels and keep you from cramping during workouts. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Sports drinks should be used in conjunction with water or another non-caffeinated drink—not as a replacement for them.
How does it work?
During exercise, your body breaks down glycogen for energy. In doing so, by-products known as lactic acid are formed. When you’re in a resting state, your body naturally removes lactic acid from your blood and converts it back into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. But when you’re training hard and pushing yourself physically, your body has trouble keeping up with gluconeogenesis demands. That’s when sports drinks can help out by supplying critical nutrients like sodium and carbohydrates to help offset fatigue during workouts; they also replenish water and electrolytes lost through sweat (which is why they need to be consumed before or after activity—not during). Of course, that doesn’t mean all sports drinks are created equal.
Why you need it?
Sports drinks are essential for everyone during strenuous exercise, but they shouldn’t be used as a daily supplement. If you need to drink something during your fitness regimen, water is always your best bet. Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar and calories that can quickly add up to unhealthy amounts in a day if you aren’t careful—especially if you have more than one per day. When choosing a sports drink, look for one with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving and no artificial sweeteners.
When to consume sports drinks?
You’re going to need some kind of electrolyte replacement after a hard workout, and sports drinks are a great way to meet that need. Just make sure they don’t contain any added sugar – if you’re trying to lose weight, you should avoid consuming excess calories from beverages. Excess sugars can also damage your teeth, so drinking water is best for oral health.
Water Vs Sports Drink
Sports drinks are advertised as a must-have for any athlete, whether they’re training or not. But is there really such a thing as a no-sugar sports drink? And do you even need one in order to lose weight? Let’s take a look at some of the best no sugar sports drinks on today’s market.
How much should I consume?
The best option for athletes who are trying to lose weight is plain water. There’s no sugar or calories, and it will rehydrate you in no time. If you do want a sports drink, go with one that has minimal amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
What are the ingredients in it?
The best sports drinks typically have four main ingredients: water, electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein. These are used to replenish your body after you’ve expended a lot of energy—whether it be during a game or in other forms of physical activity. If you’re going to be playing sports often and for an extended period of time, make sure that your drink has nutrients that will help with muscle repair.
Which are the most popular sports drinks?
As you’ve likely figured out, many sports drinks are filled with sugar, so it’s important to know which ones are going to give you a great taste without all of that added sugar. Most of these drinks will be found in just about any market or sporting goods store, but if you can’t find them locally, Amazon is your best bet for tracking them down and getting your hands on them quickly.
Are there any Side Effects?
Sports drinks are a healthy way to keep your body hydrated, but it is important to be aware of any potential side effects that may result from using them. There has been some debate as to whether sports drinks can cause dehydration or weight gain in people who use them on a regular basis. It is true that sports drinks contain sugar, which might make you feel full and prevent you from eating when you’re thirsty; however, other ingredients such as salt can cause water retention and bloating if consumed in excess.
Are they all good for me?
Of course, many of us don’t know what we should be drinking to stay healthy. Gatorade, Powerade and other sports drinks are chock-full of sugar (in fact, a 20-ounce bottle of Powerade contains as much sugar as a soda), which means they might not be your best option if you’re watching your waistline. Opt for a drink with fewer than 10 grams of sugar per serving to save yourself from unnecessary calories.