Road Cycling - Sugar-free Sports Drinks

Does anyone know of any sugar-free sports/energy drinks that don't have sugar? And that work? And that don't make you feel gross? My body really doesn't react well to sugar but sometimes I feel I need something more than just water.

Try E-Load it's the same stuff that hospitals use in IV's. No added crap and it works.

Yeah, I heard about that stuff, I used to drink alot of the energy drinks that they have out back in the days where I used to run track and cross country. Most of the energy drinks out there today give you a short sugar rush or a boost of energy then you absolutly crash, I have learned the hard way about energy drinks with taurine. I usually just drink water or gatorade.

I have learned the hard way about energy drinks with taurine.

What's taurine?

http://www.darkdog.com/whatistaurine.html That will give an explaintion on what taurine is, it's hard to describe but along with the caffinee and other crap that they put in energy drinks it gives you that small boost of energy.

Thanks. Have you tried the E-Load, mentioned above?

Does anyone know of any sugar-free sports/energy drinks that don't have sugar?

Ummmm... All of them? :)

Does anyone know of any sugar-free sports/energy drinks that don't have sugar
lol. Halfspeed beat me to the punch, but I might as well... :)

"As opposed to sugar-free drinks with sugar?" Sorry. Couldn't resist. I do stuff like that all the time- forgetting what I had just typed because someone bothers me mid-post :D

Anyway, to make up for my unfair jab at our expense, you might try Ultima Replenisher. Tastes a bit "off" to me since it has no sugar, but seems to work quite well. Would probably be better after riding for a while when glucose is low. Nashbar sld sample packs for a while, but I don't see them now. I'm sure if Ultima had a site, they'd send you some. If not, e-mail your address and I'll send you one. :)

Does anyone know of any sugar-free sports/energy drinks that don't have sugar? And that work? And that don't make you feel gross? My body really doesn't react well to sugar but sometimes I feel I need something more than just water.

Take a muffin, dissolve it in water and drink it.

I'm going thru the E-Load website as we speak, balancing that with online defense driving course (and, of course, perusing the Bike Forums). The E-Load site and the defensive driving course are eerily similar....

I drink Smart/Vitamin Water (they have different varieties for energy, revitalizing, etc.); it has some sugar, but I also just mix a whole lot of ice and water in. If you dilute the drink enough, the sugariness will go away and you still have the benefit of the electrolytes, etc. (at least in my experience). I also drink Propel, as I believe it has less sugar than say, Gatorade.

Yeah, my drinks of choice would have to be plain water, Propel, Fruit2O has some sugar in it but still gives me the plain benefit of any ordinary water with no added crap. Gatorade is alot of sugar, but it has all those added minerals in you that you lose when you sweat, and now I sound like the advertisement :p. I have seen those Vitamin Water drinks, never tried them before, not sure if they work or what the advantage is to drinking them, I drink Fruit2O alot a matter of fact.

Ummmm... All of them? :)

Okay, I deserved that!

Check out HEED from Hammer Nutrition/e-Caps. Their drink only has 2gm of naturally occuring sugar. No fructose and it tastes pretty good. Hammer is a big advocate of limiting the crash from sugar.
High
Energy
Electrolyte
Drink

Does anyone know of any sugar-free sports/energy drinks that don't have sugar? And that work? And that don't make you feel gross? My body really doesn't react well to sugar but sometimes I feel I need something more than just water.

Its funny that, I came across this article when I was doing some research on diabetes. I am a vendor for sugar-free sports/energy drinks, as well as other nutrition products. You can check them out at www.variworldwide.com (http://www.variworldwide.com);the password to log in is: smart. Feel free to email me with questions/concerns. My email adress is on the website.

Oh, P.S. after reading some of the other members concerns; this drink is completely sugar free and does not give you an enegry "crash" that all of the other energy drinks give you because all of the energy comes from B-Vitamins and adaptogenic herbs. The drink also contains 4 amino acids to help rebuild your mucles as you tear them down. It was originally formulated for a long distance marathon runner in CA. Read more about him and his sucess with the drink at http://www.run4kids.org/

Welcome to the department of redundancy department.

Its funny that, I came across this article when I was doing some research on diabetes. I am a vendor for sugar-free sports/energy drinks, as well as other nutrition products. You can check them out at www.variworldwide.com (http://www.variworldwide.com);the password to log in is: smart. Feel free to email me with questions/concerns. My email adress is on the website.

Oh, P.S. after reading some of the other members concerns; this drink is completely sugar free and does not give you an enegry "crash" that all of the other energy drinks give you because all of the energy comes from B-Vitamins and adaptogenic herbs. The drink also contains 4 amino acids to help rebuild your mucles as you tear them down. It was originally formulated for a long distance marathon runner in CA. Read more about him and his sucess with the drink at http://www.run4kids.org/

Hey Wakeworld...I just checked out the site and it looks like something that could be very helpful to me (I am diabetic). Thanks for the info.

Cheers,

Brian

What's taurine?

It's one of the amino acids that your body creates by itself from other proteins.

Try E-Load it's the same stuff that hospitals use in IV's. No added crap and it works.

There are several different stock formulations of what is in an IV from physiologic saline to d5w to 10w40 :D

That eload site mixes science with b.s. and FUD. Take it with a grain of salt.

How 'bout water?

II get packets locally from this company http://www.alacercorp.com/
It takes about 4 packs a day. Not super bad price about 12.00 for 36. But unless I mix it with diet pop it is pretty sour and I have to sweeten in with splenda or such. Any other idea’s that might cost less or not be as sour? I tend to get heartburn from sour things. But it can't have any carbs at all as I am glucose intolerant and it will make my muscles sore for days.

I think Red Bull makes a pretty potent sugar-free sports drink. Try them.

Check out HEED from Hammer Nutrition/e-Caps. Their drink only has 2gm of naturally occuring sugar. No fructose and it tastes pretty good. Hammer is a big advocate of limiting the crash from sugar.

A new study shows that a combination of maltodextrin (what's in HEED) and fructose is better than maltodextrin alone. "Better" means that the body can oxidize more carbohydrate, meaning less glycogen depletion, which means you can go hard longer without fatigue.

Here's the abstract (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15741841&itool=iconabstr).

Oh, P.S. after reading some of the other members concerns; this drink is completely sugar free and does not give you an enegry "crash" that all of the other energy drinks give you because all of the energy comes from B-Vitamins and adaptogenic herbs.

What's the nutritional content of this sugar-free "energy drink"?

What's taurine?

bull pee

bull pee

I thought it was a planet where young Anakin Skywalker lived!

Dare I say it? Propel by Gatorade. I'm diabetic, and Propel is the best sugar-free sports drink out there. I have tried many different mixes and other drinks. Smart Water is good too.

Look, the energy in "energy" drinks comes from carbohydrates. The simple sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc...) provide the quickest energy while the long-chain sugars (maltodextrin, etc...) take a little longer for your body to break down. If you go for a long ride you're going to have to take in energy in one form or another. In liquid form it's usually simple sugars. In solid form it can be carbohydrates (simple or complex sugars), fats, or protein - in various combinations. Same holds true for diabetics - however they cannot control the level of sugar in their blood without modifying their bodies' insulin levels, so they tend to stay away from the simple sugars and the rest of their diets are must be carefully regulated. Point is you can't ride a century on "electrolyte" solution alone. You need to take in energy/calories in some form. Now if you don't like the taste or the high sugar concentration of the typical energy drinks, try something else. I like Jogger Juice (Whole Foods Market) which has fructose instead of sucrose - to me it doesn't taste as sickly sweet as the others. Look out for other ingredients in the "name" brand energy drinks. Some, for example, have totally useless things like silica (sand)!

I think CytoMax is sugar-free. I seem to remember that there are artificial sweetners in it.

from Cytosport.com

"# Beats The BurnTM: Cytomax's patented alpha L-PolylactateTM buffers lactic acid production in your muscles, reducing the "burn" during intense training and minimizing post-exercise muscle soreness.

# Steady Energy: Complex carbs stabilize blood sugar during exercise - no sugar crash"

So there's carbs (sugar) in it. Not simple but sugar nonetheless.

One thing that was surprising - they're using agents to try to buffer the acid. Thing is, hemoglobin releases O2 more readily in an acidic environment. If my muscles are working hard needing oxygen as the ultimate electron acceptor in ox-phos why would I want to buffer the local environmet to inhibit the easy release of oxygen? Anyone have a medical study (i.e. not done by the sports drink manufacturer) I'm not saying they're lying but buffering around striated muscle (keeping ph from dropping in this example) is counter to how your body was created/evolved to work.

if i want something other than water, i just buy powdered gatorade, and i highly dilute it. i cant drink gatorade because it has so much sugar in it... and i usually want some sort of extra flavor for my water, so i just put like a little bit of gatorade and the rest water in my water bottle.

What's the nutritional content of this sugar-free "energy drink"?

This link should answer all your questions: http://www.xsgear.com/store/faqs.asp#Drink%20Contents

Wow they go from saying that caffeine opens important blood vessels to almost claiming that you can give a child a few soda's to achieve the effects of Ritalin.

Total B.S. Yet another instance of companies trying to fool you by mixing in some medical terminology with marketing. I love it.

Ultima Replenisher - Use it for the adventure racing team I support, another one they like is Emergen-C.

http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/

I use Ultima Replenisher. I really like there new flavors, Wild Raspberry and Passion.
It has NO SUGAR and 5 electrolytes. I also that its all natural.

Compare for yourself.
http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/products/compare.cfm

zipfizz from costco (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10044117), HEED from e-caps (http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=PRODUCT_CATEGORY&CAT=SUPFUELS&OMI=10082,10047&AMI=10082&PAGE_IDX=2)

Look, the energy in "energy" drinks comes from carbohydrates. The simple sugars (sucrose, fructose, etc...) provide the quickest energy while the long-chain sugars (maltodextrin, etc...) take a little longer for your body to break down. If you go for a long ride you're going to have to take in energy in one form or another. In liquid form it's usually simple sugars. In solid form it can be carbohydrates (simple or complex sugars), fats, or protein - in various combinations. Same holds true for diabetics - however they cannot control the level of sugar in their blood without modifying their bodies' insulin levels, so they tend to stay away from the simple sugars and the rest of their diets are must be carefully regulated. Point is you can't ride a century on "electrolyte" solution alone. You need to take in energy/calories in some form. Now if you don't like the taste or the high sugar concentration of the typical energy drinks, try something else. I like Jogger Juice (Whole Foods Market) which has fructose instead of sucrose - to me it doesn't taste as sickly sweet as the others. Look out for other ingredients in the "name" brand energy drinks. Some, for example, have totally useless things like silica (sand)!


Finally!!! I was waiting for a post that makes sense, even for diabetics!! Everyone (including diabetics, myself being type 1--diagnosed over 20 years ago and still in almost perfect health), needs to replenish simple sugars while they ride (assuming you are riding for more than an hour or so). If you don't, you could end up doing more harm than good. Best case scenario is that you have readily available simple sugars that are easy to be broken down but don't provide a longer energy boost; and that you also have more complex carbs available (from energy bars, some gels, etc)--this way, you can get a quick energy boost if needed, but have the long term energy to not "bonk", or in the case of a diabetic, go hypoglycemic--the "energy crash" everyone refers to. This energy crash isn't caused by things with simple sugars, but by lack of available energy stores--whether it be simple or complex sugars.

As far as drinks though, I always carry two bottles of diluted gatorade, and I usually try to eat an hour or so before I go out. This way, I have complex carbs from my meal, and then a simple sugar/electrolyte solution with me. I also carry several gel packets on every ride, and bars for longer rides (glucose gel is great as a quick energy boost too, but can be even more than powergels and the like). Another thing to consider, if you really want a no sugar drink, is to just carry crystal light in your bottles. Certainly nothing but water and flavor in those--add a little salt and you have a half-assed electrolyte drink as well.

Also, for those diabetics out there that aren't using one--consider an insulin pump. Being able to control your blood sugar without getting off the bike is a huge bonus. And keep in mind that short sessions of hard workout tend to immediately increase blood sugar (endorphin release) immediately, and cause it to lower at a later time (how much this occurs and how much later depends highly on the individual).

Wow they go from saying that caffeine opens important blood vessels to almost claiming that you can give a child a few soda's to achieve the effects of Ritalin.

Total B.S. Yet another instance of companies trying to fool you by mixing in some medical terminology with marketing. I love it.
back in the 70's we studied giving hyperactive kids a cup of coffee instead of
Ritalin or amphetemines. It worked surprizingly well, so it may not be total
BS.
While I don't believe everything I see advertised I'm also not so crass to believe
that all ads are BS.

Marty

Ultima looks real good "on paper"... only 25 calories, 0 sugar, etc.
http://www.n101.com/cgi-bin/n101.storefront/4256d65701f7601a271dc0a8010c062b/Product/View/853210300039?jumpin=1&action=&prodno=

Anyone out there really been using this product yet? Wonder how Hammer Heed compares as well. More cals and sugar in Heed, but not much.

What works well for me is a little honey dissolved in water and an Emergen-c for taste and a few vitamins. I seem to remember a study recently that said honey was just as good as a lot of the power gels and such. Seems to work well for me with no bonking yet.

I too can vouch for the excellence of e-Load. I used it exclusively last year - went through about 8kgs of the lemon flavour. It's great stuff and loaded with salt. I used to add salt to gatorade and such to get it up high enough (500mg/bottle... I sweat a lot), but no longer. The type of sugar they use is actually fairly high-glycemic, so it does cause a noticeable spike'n'crash unless you drink regularly (which you should). I couldn't imagine a better sports drink. Seriously, they're not sponsering me to say this, either! I really like the new strawberry flavor, which doesn't have the chalkiness of the others.

II get packets locally from this company http://www.alacercorp.com/
It takes about 4 packs a day. Not super bad price about 12.00 for 36. But unless I mix it with diet pop it is pretty sour and I have to sweeten in with splenda or such. Any other idea’s that might cost less or not be as sour? I tend to get heartburn from sour things. But it can't have any carbs at all as I am glucose intolerant and it will make my muscles sore for days.

Is that "Electromix?" Somebody just gave me sample packet of that and I haven't tried it yet.

back in the 70's we studied giving hyperactive kids a cup of coffee instead of
Ritalin or amphetemines. It worked surprizingly well, so it may not be total
BS.
While I don't believe everything I see advertised I'm also not so crass to believe
that all ads are BS.

Marty

Unless we've evolved since I graduated medical school there's a lot of B.S. coming from the marketing folks.

There's a lot of stuff you guys did in the 70's that I wouldn't give to a kid today :D

Hey Mo-Bile,

I Know this is a late responce but I have been using this great energy drink before my bike rides and jogs. It is sold at www.liftoffenhance.com It is a tablet that you can add to your favorite drink or even water, I put one tablet in my water bootle before rides and I am ready to go, It has NO sugar and tons of B12 which gives me a boost when I really need it, my father who has been jogging for years discovered it for me.

Take care

I'm a big fan of the NUUN tablets...

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-drinks.html

What works well for me is a little honey dissolved in water and an Emergen-c for taste and a few vitamins. I seem to remember a study recently that said honey was just as good as a lot of the power gels and such. Seems to work well for me with no bonking yet.

I'll have to try that recipe. I like to stick with actual food to power me instead of laboratory experiments that cost $80 a month. Pulp free orange juice diluted in water with a few pinches of salt has kept me going quite well. Was my preferred drink on an organized century ride - tried the Gatorade they had but it was awful. Killed my stomach.

Dare I say it? Propel by Gatorade. I'm diabetic, and Propel is the best sugar-free sports drink out there. I have tried many different mixes and other drinks. Smart Water is good too.

+1 I've been drinking Gatorade in my physical education class, till I found about the loads of sugars it had was comparable to a bottle of soda, I switched to Propel.

Propel really works for me, I've used it on centuries, intervals, and the long weekend rides, even in the heat. I usually only consume 16 oz of it, along with 24 ounces of water, and just a couple of weeks ago I did a century and I out of the 24oz of water and 16oz of Propel i brought, I still had a few of both, and that century had tons of climbing and the weather was in the mid 70s.

It really does re-hydrate me, and it does it pretty fast.

As a diabetic I'd be interested in this thread if there weren't all the one post wonders shilling their version of the flavor of the day. ..

Unless we've evolved since I graduated medical school there's a lot of B.S. coming from the marketing folks.

There's a lot of stuff you guys did in the 70's that I wouldn't give to a kid today :D

Caffeine often works wonders for ADD kids. The drug company rep that was buying your lunch forgot to mention it. Unfortunately medicine often goes for the new and unimproved solutions.

As a diabetic I'd be interested in this thread if there weren't all the one post wonders shilling their version of the flavor of the day. ..

+1!