What to Consume During Your Workout
It sure seems to make sense when you learn that our bodies are made up of about 60% water. It is important to stay hydrated for a variety of health reasons. Unfortunately many people are dehydrated before they even work out! Did you know that being hydrated can cause:
- Dry skin
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Dizziness or Lightheaded
- Irritability
- Energy Loss
- And more...
If water and electrolytes are not replaced, the body will compensate by borrowing from the bloodstream, which means the heart has to work harder, which may also lead to less energy, and long-term possibly progressive health issues. This is why water alone may not be the best choice for re-hydration.
Both water and electrolytes need to be replaced during your workout to maintain energy, prevent health issues, and give the proper fluid balance.
So hydrate strategically! The body can not absorb water as fast as it is capable of losing it. But drinking the right kind of fluid to maximize absorption will help. Choosing a drink that consists of a water/carbohydrate/electrolyte blend will provide the proper balance and absorption the muscles need to fuel the body, power your workout longer and, will be used more efficiently by the body than water alone.
Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink! Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
To power through your workouts:
When choosing your re-hydration drink, remember to look for a water/carbohydrate/electrolyte blend. In addition, there is NO need for artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings, or preservatives as they offer NO additional health benefit, and certainly NO athletic benefits!
I use Shaklee's Performance product for my hydration. It is available in both lemon-lime and orange. I do love the taste but mostly thrilled that it is natural and guaranteed to work!As a heads-up, there are many, but one example of an ingredient to avoid is BVO or Brominated Vegetable Oil-used as an emulsifier. This ingredient can be found in some pre-made sports drinks. Health concerns about BVO stem from the fact that it contains bromine, the element found in brominated flame retardants. YUCK! Read your labels!
Extra Boost:
Athletes have been using Resveratrol for years to combat inflammation and oxidative stress caused by prolonged exercise.
Although resveratrol itself is very good at relieving inflammation it will not, by itself, increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells nor increase their output. However, a product by Shaklee called, Vivix has been shown to do both. I've felt increased energy since adding Vivix to my daily regimen.Whether your exercise of choice is Jazzercise, Pilates, Spinning, Running, Triathlons, etc., regular use of Vivix will increase your energy output and make whatever you do to stay in shape more fun and productive. Putting a teaspoonful of Vivix in your water bottle during your chosen form of exercise will relieve exercise induced inflammation and will help you recover faster with less soreness. Want to learn more about Vivix: Click Here
If you'd like to learn more about re-hydration, carbohydrates, electrolytes, etc., use the following link to visit the American College of Sports Medicine page. It offers great info:
http://www.acsm.org/docs/brochures/selecting-and-effectively-using-sports-drinks-carbohydrate-gels-and-energy-bars.pdf
Blessings until next when I'll share what to eat AFTER your work-out -Bring on the sunshine :) Be well~
