Comments on: Loving the BITE: Make Your Own Sports Drinks

By: Randy

Randy — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:22:00 +0000

Hi Kelli,
Any issues with using honey as opposed to regular sugar?

By: GlennS

GlennS — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:14:00 +0000

I’ve been experimenting with homebrew since I heard Kelli talk about it on a Cycle360 podcast. Instead of using juice, I used a 1/2c blueberries with NoSalt (all potassium, rather than Morton Lite) and mix in my blender. I’ve also tried using Emergen-C (for flavor, vitamins, and minerals). Plain water seems to quench my thirst best, but I do feel a difference in performance when using a (homemade) sport drink.

By: Kelli Jennings

Kelli Jennings — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Hello and thanks for the comment. After doing this for awhile, I definitely respect that individual preference can prevail as long as the basic nutrients are being taken care of. Before a ride, you may want additional carbs depending on your goals and duration of the ride. The V8 works well for fluids, sodium, and potassium. Afterwards, if you’ve cycled for more than 60 minutes, I’d recommend carbs and protein along with your V8 for recovery. Of course, the recipes above are mostly for “during training,” but they too can be used as part of pre-ride and post-ride nutrition. All the best and thanks again!

By: Kelli Jennings

Kelli Jennings — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:10:00 +0000

Hi Brian, Thanks for your comment! Yes, I think homebrew more accurately describes beer, but we’ll have to save that one for another LovingTheBite. Hope you enjoy these recipes…let us know what you think. Take care!

By: deathby2

deathby2 — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:10:00 +0000

The drink that I have found works the best for me, both before and after hard rides is regular V8.

By: Brian Stephens

Brian Stephens — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Kelli, this is great info. It’s funny, when people say “homebrew” I automatically think beer, probably because I do that at my home. Well, that’s why I ride…so I can drink my beer later. But now I can drink homebrew sports drink on my rides. I’ve always wondered what it took to make my own, what combinations, etc. Thanks for the in depth info. I can see that you would have to restrain yourself from going too deep into the topic. I think you hit a good balance.

By: Kelli Myers Jennings

Kelli Myers Jennings — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Thanks for your comments Tom!

By: Kelli Myers Jennings

Kelli Myers Jennings — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:42:00 +0000

You’re very welcome Tim, let us know how you like them!

By: Kelli Myers Jennings

Kelli Myers Jennings — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Hi C Grade, Thanks for you question… I think all of what Tom stated below is fine. My primary concern is that it mixes well. I tend to use plain iodized salt (table salt) for these drinks. The “salty” taste is generally welcome when you’re out there sweating. Enjoy!

By: Tom Krawietz

Tom Krawietz — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 01:26:00 +0000

Use iodized salt to support a healthy thyroid. Regular table salt (NaCl) is fine and inexpensive. Sodium citrate is a higher end sodium source that is not “salty” tasting and you go higher on the sodium content (>400 mg/liter) and it will still taste fine, but a bit sour… and it leaves your body alkaline. (cycnut.com)