Health and Nutrition That Is AboveNBeyond

Well, for me, my preference is undoubtedly H30 Fitness Drink for more than just one reason. While I used to sell Herbalife, this is how I found this drink and when ever possible, I still use this drink. Now, I do have a second favorite fitness drink which is Poweraide Zero. When I don’t have H30, I use this. Now for those who have a head problem with “second best”, hey, they are both great drinks! Now for the facts on these two great drinks:

Poweraide Zero

Electrolytes:  55mg Sodium / 35mg Potassium

Advantage:  Zero Calories & available locally

H30 Fitness Drink

Electrolytes:  100mg Sodium / 100mg Potassium

Advantage:  Portable (Packettes or cannister)

Now, I admit that I am partial to both of these great fitness drinks, so of course, they are my top two favorites. If electrolytes are your main concern, then H30 is the way to go.  Whenever possible, I go with H30.  It’s rather neat, all I need is a bottle of water and a packet of H30.  This is cool especially if I am away somewhere.

Regardless which Fitness Drink is your favorite and it does not have to be these two, you need to make sure that you are getting enough electrolytes with your drink of choice.  If you are not, then your choice is not worth it.  Electrolytes are critical in your choice of fitness drinks to help guard against dehydration.

Before I “got active”, I always just grabbed a soda or any drink readily available.  As I got more active and learned more, I later changed my choices to fitness drinks or energy drinks, which ever applied to the given situation.

See also:  Dehydration, Realities, Do’s Don’ts and What you should know about soda

This time of year at least for me is the slowest.  I have went from no activity this time of year (Winter) to whatever I can fit in even if I have to use the Treadmill.  I prefer the road to the machine.  The neat thing about Winter is that this time of year can be the build up for the rest of the year.  As a runner, I am one who refuses to race during the cold months.  I just can’t see myself as a block of Ice with sneakers crossing the finish line.  This is probably my downfall, but, even I see more people get active as the warmer months get nearer.  Regardless if you are an avid runner or one just starting down that track, keep in mind the following:

1. Get plenty of rest
2. Stay properly hydrated
3. Don’t over do it with your mileage / build up
4. Wear appropriate apparel depending on the season.

Some run all year round regardless of the season, and that is ok, but, some basics should be considered as mentioned above. Another thing to consider is that unexpected and sometimes unseen patch of black ice on the road that you are running on. I at one time talked to someone who stopped running outside during the winter months due to falling and braking his nose. Remember, it’s not the fall that hurts, but that sudden stop!

If you are embarking on a running plan or program, now is the right time to get started because, by the time you finish the plan, it will start getting warmer. You can find such plans on just about any running related websites including Runner’s World.

There are times, we don’t even think of dehydration especially during the cooler months. Truth is, you can dehydrate anytime. Dehydration in simple terms, is that the body is lacking the proper amount of fluid it needs.

I read an article a few years ago that during a race, a Marathon I think, a runner collapsed during the race and did indeed drink a lot of water, but ended up dieing anyway. The reason for this is that the runner did not replenish the electrolytes that the body needed. Water alone is not enough especially if you expend a lot of activity. You need a good recovery drink to use both before, during and after your workout/event. This applies to any type of endurance or activity. I recommend either H30 or Poweraide. Last summer (2009), I had some coffee, then later went running during a nice warm sunny day and found myself super hyper. I was talking with a friend a few days later and he said that I was dehydrated.

Here are some Symptoms, Do’s and Don’ts:

Symptoms:
1. Dry mouth
2. Not producing tears
3. Low or no urine
4. Sunken eyes

Continuing any form of exercise while dehydrated can cause heat exhaustion, variations in blood pressure, fainting, nausea and in some cases stroke.

Do’s:
1. Stay properly hydrated using a recover drink such as Poweraide or H30
(something with electrolytes)
2. Drink water (8 oz every 15 minutes if exercising, recovery drinks recommended)

Don’ts:
1. Don’t use caffeine or be careful how much you use when exercising
2. Don’t continue workout if you notice any symptoms

The importance of Electrolytes:

Sodium is the one essential electrolyte that is recommended to be consumed and replaced during extended exercise sessions for both safety and performance reasons. Multi-hour workouts, especially in the heat, can generate sodium losses (through sweating) of several grams.
Other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium,
calcium and magnesium can be safely replenished through a normal, well-balanced diet. There is
little evidence that the addition of these electrolytes to sports drinks improves athletic performance,
prevents dehydration or over hydration, or reduces the chances of muscle cramping

This information on The Importance of Electrolytes is from Powerbar.com