Training & Nutrition - I'm so confused about the drinks!

Hi. So, are accelerade, amino vital, cytomax, etc... all more or less the same? All used as electrolyte replacemnt drinks during workouts? Is one better than the other?

Is it okay to use a sugar free version?

I am so confused. I know the recovery drinks are different but what to use during the race? Some have protein, some don't, some come in fast packs, some don't, etc...

Thanks a lot.

I think that the sugar-free stuff is a gimmick. Perhaps if you only drink it once an hour, it might help, but if you're drinking fairly often, I don't think there's going to be a lot of difference, though the complex carbs are a little bit harder to break down.

As for the other questions. Well, accelerade has some research that suggests that it's better than pure carbo, but there is some question as to whether it's just the calorie difference that gives it better results.

Basically, once you get into the real names (ie not gatorade), the best drink is the one that you tolerate well and like the taste enough to drink enough of it.

Basically, once you get into the real names (ie not gatorade), the best drink is the one that you tolerate well and like the taste enough to drink enough of it.
+1 It can be the best thing in the world, but if you can't drink it during hard effort because of taste it won't do you any good.
Good example I can stomach chocolate clifbar gue. Tried to mix it with water (so that I can have a steady supply instead of one giant boost), could not drink it during a hard effort. Almost made me puke.

Why does everyone seem so against Gatorade?

Because the best 'sports drink' is plain old water.

Unless you're racing for extended periods of time, you dont need so-called sports drinks. Most of them are basically just water, sugars, and salts.

Wrong forum... I thought we were talking scotch!

If it is really hot and you are sweating a lot, there is no doubt that getting some salt in you helps a lot. You see outdoor work crews poping slat tabs for this.

The sugar helps some too. I think there is a lot of phsycological help. When I am on rides longer than 30 miles, then I feel the benefit of eating. The drinks with calories may help too.

In then end, I like the drinks with minimla taste, and I water them down a bit.


Another perk of water, you can rinse your face with it if you get sweat in your eyes.

I'm against Gatorade because:

1) I find that I don't enjoy drinking it while exercising, even if it's diluted.
2) It doesn't sit well in my stomach

Do I need more reasons?

I don't buy the "nobody needs sport drinks unless they're racing for 2 hours" line. Sure, there are rides where you have enough stored carbs so you don't need any extra.

Unfortunately, the amount you have stored depends on what time of day it is, what you ate during the day, how hard you worked out previously, the phase of the moon, etc., so if you're going to ride more than an hour, there's a chance you'll bonk.

Even if you don't, the two options are:

1) Don't use a sport drink, finish your workout with low glycogen stores, with the effect on your recovery and how much you eat. (low glycogen will stimulate hunger and there are some studies that show that your body will try to replace glycogen in muscles from muscle mass).

2) Use a sports drink, keep your glycogen reserves high, don't worry about bonking, and make your recovery easier.

There doesn't seem much reason to choose #1.

Oh, and forgot to mention - you will absorb a sports drink faster than water, so it will keep you more hydrated.

Here's a good link on recovery:

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:sopshLoBHskJ:www.sfsn.ethz.ch/PDF/08_J_Decombaz.pdf+recovery+glycogen+reserve+muscle+catabolic&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=15

and one on carb vs carb/protein

http://www.accelerade.com/pages/MSSESaundersStudy.pdf