Let’s Talk About Portable Hydration Products
Yes, water is still the best source of hydration out there….but we want to hear what you have to say about portable hydration products. Whether it’s a product like Nuun or any of the others out there…..what do you have to say about them?
In this short video I ask you to leave your comments on everything about hydration tabs and products….do you use them, what flavor is your favorite, when do you take them, etc.
[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5geOfZHID7E’]
If you’re interested in Kelli’s home remedy for sports drinks, here’s the link to Making Your Own Sports Drinks.
So let’s hear it, leave your comments….Let’s Talk.
First off I am poaching on your site. I’m a senior tennis player, previous Gatorade/whey addict.
-The home brew and chart is excellent. Just started this year and alternate my favorite teas: mint, raspberry for flavor+; salt, agave for carb, I don’t want sweets either but it sure is a quick way to get carbs. I did not like the taste of the sugar or the mouthfeel of honey, hence Agave. I make homebrew concentrated and then add water as needed. I’ve been hearing about adding baking soda, Kelli? I appreciate homebrew so much I have taken to adding a concentrated splash to my daily water intake. My body and mind very refreshed and “regular”, w exegetical and alert.
-I needed to step up training last year so learned of and used Nuun to avoid sugar, only on court, otherwise full and extensive pre and post hydration. Again, not sure about avoiding sugar if need an easily accessible carb. Seemed to work ok, got to Nationals.
-I am liking the ease of manipulating homebrew better and have quit Nuun.
-cant beat the price of homebrew. Ok, someone else can talk!
Thanks Donna, I’m thrilled the homebrew is working well for you! I believe NUUN is fine when training 60 minutes or less, or when you’re consuming alternative sources of carbs in addition to your drink. Personally, I think it’s too much of a pain to get 60 grams of carbs per hour while drinking a low-carb drink, so I like to get at least some of my carbs in it. Baking soda is a good source for sodium (150 mg in 1/8 tsp or 0.6 grams) and can be used in place or as part of a salt mixture. Many feel that it improves digestion b/c it’s alkaline and thereby reduces the acidity of the drink. I’ve experimented with it and am not a fan with how it makes my stomach feel when training – but this is personal preference. You may like it:). The key is to just make sure you’re getting all of what you need in fluids, carbs, and electrolytes in a drink you like, and in one that settles well in your stomach.
I’ve used the Nuun tabs in the past, and they’re good because they don’t have sugar. On the other hand, I’m a big fan of the “Secret Drink Mix” from Scratch labs, which has some sugar. I like it because it contains real fruit and a mild taste.
I really like a product called ‘Elete’ it’s a concentrated electrolyte solution that you can add to your water bottles. It’s nice because it lets you adjust how much electrolytes are in each bottle of water – more for really hot days, less for cooler days. Plus it has sodium, potassium, and magnesium in it so you get a good spread. Combined with Kelli’s awesome chart it has really worked well for me.
We like the Nuun for hot weather and long rides. It is easy to carry and add in when you need it. But most of the time it is cold herbal tea and a few drops of stevia in one bottle and water in the second. In the winter, i’ll carry two bottles of hot tea, one with Contant Comment and the other a hot fruity tea.
I cannot believe I have not tried a portable tablet. Didn’t even occur to me. I will now though.