No Salt, No Gains
The workout world is full of lies that profit from our confusion, but we won’t let that happen to you today. Hold our hands as we walk you to your next favorite post-workout beverage, and then show you which ones you’re better off avoiding. Read on to learn more.
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1. Local Weather
Local Weather describes itself as a “premium” sports drink, as it’s believed to be healthier for people and the planet alike. The drink contains only 6g of natural sugar, includes nootropics for mental performance, and comes in a 100% recyclable aluminum bottle.
2. Elite Electrolyte Hydration Drops
This small bottle is an electrolyte-only supplement, so it sadly won’t help you with your energy stores. However, these drops are completely tasteless, so you can put them into any drink you’d like. It’s also informed sports certified, making it a great option for competitive athletes.
3. Nooma
Nooma’s sport drinks are described as “fast, clean hydration,” and they say they have no added sugar or other artificial ingredients. Several of their drinks are also plant-based, making this line of sports drinks an excellent choice for vegans.
4. HOIST
Hoist says their science-backed drinks match how the body naturally absorbs carbs, electrolytes, and other fluids. Because of this formula, HOIST drinks will absorb quickly into your body, removing the need for digestion.
5. Cadence
Cadence’s products are designed to work together, and the company offers bundle items of their sports drinks and recovery powders in a way that works for your body. Their electrolyte drinks come in a sleek can, similar to that of a vodka soda, and are offered in three flavours: Cream soda, melonberry, and watermelon mojito.
6. Unwell
This line of sports drinks does a one-two punch of filling up those energy stores and providing you with some much-needed protein. Each bottle has 10g of whey protein, only 2 grams of sugar, and is 60 calories total.
7. Biosteel
Biosteel prides itself on being plant-based with no sugar or caffeine in its beverages, but does contain the “five essential electrolytes," aka sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Their sports drinks come in a variety of colors, so you’ll find something in there to enjoy.
8. Roar
Roar is a spunky sports drink company that says its sports drinks are all-natural, keto-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, with no GMOs. If that sounds pretty good to you, you can also feel good about supporting a company that is actively working towards reducing plastic pollution.
9. Rivita
Rivita is an all-natural energy drink that uses organic honey, fruit juice, and caffeine from tea leaves. Revita products come in eco-friendly flexible pouches, and they have a variety of flavors to choose from.
10. Homemade Options
Of course, the best thing you could put in your body is likely not something from a company, especially when you can make an energy drink concoction so easily at home. Incorporate coconut water, regular water, salt, maple syrup (or another sweetener), and any fruits or protein powders you’d like to include.
1. Powerade
Powerade is considered one of the worst sports drinks out there, containing a high amount of calories, artificial sweeteners and chemicals, and too much salt! A little salt after a workout is good, but you should never overdo it.
2. Gatorade
Gatorade isn’t as bad as Powerade, but it’s still not great. Gatorade uses artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1, which could have potential behavioral issues in children. Furthermore, Gatorade also has a high sugar and salt content.
3. Vitaminwater
Honestly, we shouldn’t even put this one on the list. Vitaminwater doesn’t contain the necessary electrolytes to replenish you after a hard workout, but they also never claimed to. However, the popular drink is still not the best when it comes to general health drinks, as the high sugar content can lead to a whack of other issues.
4. Pedialyte Sport
Pedialyte has always been a tried and true option for replenishing anything lost during an illness, and the same can be said for its sports line. However, the drink does lack carbs and contains artificial sweeteners and colors.
5. BodyArmor LYTE
An alternative to their SuperDrink line, BodyArmor LYTE is low in calories, contains antioxidants and vitamins, and, of course, you need electrolytes. It may not be the healthiest option on this list, but there are certainly worse ones out there.
6. Ready Sports Drink
This popular sports drink is unfortunately full of unnecessary sugar, sodium, and calories. Yes, it will get the job done in regard to replenishing your body, but it could make you feel bloated or give you a sugar crash later in the day.
7. Ghost Hydration
Ghost Hydration boasts a sports drink that is low in calories, zero sugars, no caffeine, and transparent liquid. While vegan-friendly and gluten-free, it does contain artificial sweeteners.
8. Electrolit
Electrolit has been providing hydration powders and drinks for over 70 years. However, the company says that its drinks can be useful even when not exercising. Due to the bottles having a high sodium and sugar content, it would not be recommended to drink these casually.
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9. Bodyarmor SuperDrink
As previously stated, the Bodyarmor drinks are not the unhealthiest in the world, but that doesn’t mean you should drink them whenever. These drinks do have a high sugar content, and the company has had previous issues with over-fortifying its drinks, causing other health issues.
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10. Walmart’s Great Value Sport
Possibly unsurprisingly, the no-name brand is not the healthiest option on this list. The Great Value Sport drinks are incredibly high in sugar and sodium, and are also full of empty calories. However, it’s definitely the cheapest option on this list, so if you really need it, it’s available.
