Not every workout warrants chugging down a bottle of Gatorade or chocolate milk in an attempt to replenish lost energy stores. Doing so can sabotage any weight loss goals associated with your exercise routine.
Mayo Clinic nutritionists Jennifer Nelson and Katherine Zeratsky effectively explain how sport supplements taken before or after a workout can actually work against you.
“Two scoops of a protein powder can add as many as 300 calories to your day,” said Nelson and Zeratsky in their Nutrition-Wise Blog . “You’ll get the same from some protein bars. Certain brands of ready-to-drink protein drinks are over 100 calories. Other sports drinks may add up to 50 calories. Read labels, be aware.”
To be more specific, the calories burned during a 30-minute workout (anywhere from 150-300 calories) are quickly put back on after guzzling down a 355 gram (12 oz) bottle of Gatorade (300 calories).
Sure sports drinks have their place, but their use should be reserved for workouts of about 60 minutes or more. Water is all you need during and after shorter bouts of exercise.
So go ahead and drink up after a short workout, just stay clear of drinks, gels or powders that pack on unnecessary calories.
