Arkansan07

Ok got my new road bike today, rode 36 miles with alot of long winding hills. I ended up drinking about 2 liters of Gatorade. I dont think this is the best thing for me. I am still trying to drop a few pounds and really get in shape. Gatorade(powder) has a ton of sugar, by using powder i skipped the High Fructose Corn Syrup luckily. I am looking for the best way to hydrate and be able to not give up electrolytes. I also would like to be able to replenish vitamens and minerals at the same time without having all the sugar of Gatorade or Powerade. Any suggestions? I was actually thinking maybe just some whey protien mixed in water with some salt added? Is this a good idea?

Thanks

Jim

Jynx

Use a cycling specific drink.

HEED, Acclerade, ect... Go to your LBS and look around. Get the sample packs to make sure you like it first.

spinerguy

Try Accelerade you also may like Heed.

K&K_Dad

do you need 2 liters for 36 miles? That's alot. Try water w/electrolyte replacement from dietary sources.

sstorkel

I have to admit, I like CarboRocket. It doesn't have the sickly sweet taste of Gatorade and because it contains complex carbs, it doesn't have my blood sugar bouncing around like a yo-yo. I have a buddy who swears by Nuun, which doesn't contain any carbs, but I've yet to find a flavor that didn't taste like vomit.

Arkansan07

I sweat alot, and I havent been on a bike in 6 months so im a little out of the groove.

Busta Quad

Make your own sports drink; much cheaper and better than anything you can buy:

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/520547-sports-drinks.html

bhchdh 

Don't use a full strength mixture. Mix it to your liking, maybe add a pinch of salted to the dilluted mix.

hamslice

eat salt tablets and drink plain old water if you only want electrolytes

carbs (sugar/HFCS in the case of gatorade) can be a nice bit of extra energy though, fwiw.

Machka 

Water ...... and salted almonds. You'll be set.


Look up the vitamin and mineral content of salted almonds.

exRunner

G2, HFCS is no worse than any other sugar, and "a lot" is 2 words.

urbanknight

I know a few people who only drink water and pop endurolytes for electrolytes.

buzzman

+1

and then eat 1 banana.

Davetype1

try powerade zero. I am a type 1 diabetic and drink it. Its great and tasty. HAs 0 sugar.

Machka 

Actually ... go with dried apricots. They've got way more potassium than a banana.

Arkansan07

I love dried apricots

kidonabike

On a side note: If you do like gatorade and want to drink it try cutting it 50/50 with water. Doubles the amount of gatorade you can make and it still has enough electrolytes/etc.

Arkansan07

what about V8 juice? I should prolly look up the nutrition table for it

RJBTrek

Cytomax. I use the powder. It has both potassium and magnesium. The magnesium is important in that it helps your body absorb potassium. Potassium helps with cramps.

timmyquest

huh?

timmyquest

I can't really think of anything i would want to drink less on a ride.

wrobertdavis

I don't think you need to worry too much about electrolytes, etc. for a 36 mile ride. I used to drink all kinds of stuff and found out I did not need it for rides up to about 2 1/2 hours. I also got sick of the taste and its EXPENSIVE.

Now I drink plain water and use Succeed capsules (1 an hour) on 3 hour plus rides.

Bob

Sir Real

Buttermilk?
Hot dog water?

DrPete 

+1.

For a ride that short, especially if you're trying to lose weight, you're over-fueling. It's a little depressing just how few calories you'll burn on that ride.

For anything less than 2 hours, I think HEED is ample, though probably still overkill.

mr_tom

Eau de source municipale will do nicely.