Sports drink products are big business and there is a lot of very convincing advertising, but here is the only sports drink you will ever need. Commercial sports drinks often contain high levels of fructose (a poor sugar), preservatives and sometimes stimulants such as caffeine that do not rehydrate you.

When your diet is on pointe it will fuel and nourish you for your next workout or event. Water is usually the best thing to drink to keep you hydrated, but in the hot season I like to supplement with a couple of simple, natural ingredients.

Ingredients
Water
(I like to use a normal charcoal filter e.g. Britta buy it here)
A pinch of sea salt
A squeeze of lemon, or lime

The key is to add a little salt and lemon, taste it and adjust. From one day to the next you will fancy more or less salt or lemon depending on heat, humidity and exercise intensity. Your tastebuds will tell you how to make the perfect sports drink for you on any given day. The more you practice the better you get at it.

Too much plain H2O can leave you with a gut full of water that actually draws electrolytes out of the cells and into the watery gut. Remember osmosis from school? This recipe works with your body.

The salt helps to replace lost sodium that is important for heart function and blood pressure.
The lemon juice contains potassium which is also vital for hydration. Sea salt and lemon juice also contain a host of vitamins and minerals that make it easier for your body to absorb the water.

Read my previous post Hydration Is About More Than Just Water for more friendly information on this subject.

Photo Credit: Grimley Photography