This information about the hazards of Sports and Energy Drinks was brought to my attention by Coach H-Bomb. Given my love of ‘food for thought’, I figured it would be a good idea to post the opinions expressed below and see what the take of the public is on the subject…
These “Guidelines for Food and Beverages at Sporting Events in BC” were developed by SportMedBC in partnership with the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport. This Guide was writted with the idea that nutrition fuels performance, which I’m sure none of us can argue with. The Guide touts that, “for athletes, nutrition and hydration help to promote optimal performance, recovery and regeneration. Athletes in training and competition have increased needs for energy, macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
as well as fluids. Fueling with the wrong foods can have an impact on health and athletic performance. Improperly fueled and dehydrated athletes are not only compromising their health, but will also have less energy, concentration and ultimately not perform at 100% of their potential.” Well, of COURSE!
The Government has identified that there is a missing connection between the values of healthy living that sporting events represent and the food and beverages sold within them. Therefore, this Guide has being put out to optimize the new healthy change opportunity that exists! Perhaps we can apply some of this information to our own ideas on the consumption of Sports and Energy Drinks as a performance aid…?
We perceive the need for Energy and Sports Drinks based on the fact that fluids regulate body temperature, remove waste, transport nutrients and maintain proper cellular function. We know that dehydration can have debilitating effects on performance and health and may cause muscle cramps, decreased cognition, fatigue and even heat injury. Because athletes sweat more, their need for fluids is increased.
The Jury is in. And the choices recommended to provide the highest nutrition quality for athletes are:
-Water
-Milk
-Calcium fortified soy, rice or almond beverages
-Sparkling/carbonated water, or water with added flavours (no added sugar and/or no artificial sweeteners)
-100% real fruit juice
-Chocolate milk (Hurray!)
-Sport drinks (**See Below**)
-All regular and decaf coffee/tea drinks
-Diet decaf soft drinks and diet non-carbonated drinks and waters
And the losers?
-Energy drinks with added caffeine, guarana or yerba and vitamin/mineral enhanced waters
-Most drinks with sugars as the first ingredient (e.g. iced teas, fruit “aids”)
-Pops
-Slushy drinks with added sugars
-Most mixed coffee drinks and hot chocolate mixes
**While some Sports Drinks are apparently considered acceptable, there are caveats. Sport drinks should only be consumed with high intensity continuous activity lasting longer than 90 minutes. Sport drinks contain water, sugar and electrolytes, and are suitable for this type of performance, however they have no nutritive benefits for spectators or athletes involved in sports of lower intensity or less duration. Try to avoid products with sugar alcohols, artificial colours, sweeteners, added herbs or caffeine.**
As for Energy Drinks; Most energy drinks contain a combination of caffeine, sugar, carbonated water and additional herbs, vitamins or amino acids. Although energy drinks have surged in popularity and have become widely marketed as a performance aid that improves alertness and energy levels, these drinks have poor nutrition quality and potential health implications. They can become addictive, contribute to weight gain and dental problems, and can hinder athletic performance by over-stimulating the body. More importantly, these drinks are not recommended for children, as the long-term health effects of consuming these ingredients are unknown.
Final Word = Energy drinks should NOT be consumed by athletes due to their poor nutrition quality and potential negative health implications.
How to navigate this veritable beverage minefield? Know your body’s performance needs, read labels, scrutinize ingredient lists, and do your research. If you do, you’ll be just fine. 🙂
Today’s Workout:
Buy-in: 4 x 6 floor press, working up to a heavy 6 reps
WOD: Rocksalt
- Row 800m
- 25 kettlebell swings (35/55)
- 15 wall balls (14/20)
- Row 600m
- 20 kbs
- 15 wallballs
- Row 400m
- 15 kbs
- 15 wallballs
- Row 200m
Zone 3: scale weight of kettlebell as needed
Zone 2: scale weight of wallballs as needed
Zone 1: scale all as needed
Cash-Out: Coach-led mobility
