Blended with electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, sports and energy drink mixes are designed to help keep you hydrated before, during and after exercise.
Types of Drink Mixes
Sports Drinks: These drink mixes are intended for use before, during or after exercise or other activities.
Recovery Drinks: These are intended for post-exercise use to help you refuel and rehydrate.
What to Consider in a Sports Drink
Taste is obviously an important factor when choosing a drink. But since taste is so subjective, we'll stick to explaining the relative nutritional content offered by each drink. When comparing drinks online, look for calories, carbohydrates, sodium and potassium.
Calories
Most sports/energy drinks contain 45-160 calories per serving.
Carbohydrates
Sports/energy drinks should offer significant amounts of carbohydrates, as they are your main energy source.
Sodium and Potassium
According to the CDC, "sodium and potassium are electrolytes that help your body maintain fluid and blood volume."
Choose Your Favorite Flavor
Sports drinks are now more popular than ever before, which means you can choose from a great many flavors. Choices include lemon-lime, fruit punch, orange, berry, citrus or tropical.