There are a number of drinks you can add to your running diet that will improve your performance in training and during your run. Keep these in your water bottle to run at your best every time.
Ideally you want to make sure that your body has enough fuel to keep going even when you have been pushing yourself. You lose a lot of water and essential minerals when you sweat – so stocking up on electrolytes is also a good idea.
It is all about the electrolytes: calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorous
1. Coconut Water
Coconut water is high in sodium and is easily digested. Swap your favourite sports drink for coconut water if you find that you get indigestion or you crash when you drink high-energy drinks while you are running.
2. Flavoured Water
If fruit juice is too high in fructose for you, but you find that you need the extra carbs without skimping on your water intake, then make your own flavoured water. Add fruit, herbs, or flavoured syrups, shake it up and you are ready to go. Check out some of our favourite flavoured water recipes!
3. Water and Salt
If you are not in the mood for sweets, just add a teaspoon of salt to your bottle of water before you start running. The added sodium will help cardiovascular functioning and thus your performance.
4. Sports Drink
For long distance runs, you need the extra carbohydrates. Garb a 500ml Energade or Powerade because the higher carbs and electrolytes will reduce fatigue when you are planning on running further and for longer.
5. Iced Green Tea with Honey
The combination of antioxidants and potassium from honey and the way green tea stimulates oxygen delivery will have you running faster and performing at your best. If you find the taste too strong freeze green tea with honey into ice blocks and add those to your water bottle before your run.
6. Sports Gels
When you need a little more substance to your electrolytes, grab sports gels instead. Sports gels are designed to digest easily while you are running and provide all the right electrolytes and carbs that you need to move like you mean it.
So, whether you are interested in something fruity, or simply want to up your electrolyte intake, you have tasty options to get your heart pumping and your body moving even better than before.