This is heavy on my mind these days with the current race prep and intensity of exercise! We have all heard of these infamous sports drinks and electrolytes that we should be drinking during intense exercise of after a heavy sweat. We have been told for years that water isn’t enough, we need to replenish with “sports drink”, but when you actually look at these drink, it’s anything but nutrient dense. 

It’s sugar in most cases!

So what exactly are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry and electrical charge. They ARE vital for health and optimal function of your cells, muscles and organs. If we are too low on electrolytes, it can compromise our hydration levels.

Types of electrolytes are:

  • Sodium
  • Phosphate
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Chloride
  • Bicarbonate

Since electrolytes leave the body through sweat and urine, it’s important that we do replenish them daily. However, we don’t NEED a sports drink to do this, we can often do it through electrolyte rich foods. The only time you may need to supplement additionally is if you are pregnant, and if you sweat a lot during your workout, and vigorously work out for 1-2+ hours. 

Some of the best natural food sources to eat that have electrolytes to replenish what you lost naturally are:

  • Spinach/Kale
  • Avocados
  • Broccoli
  • Watermelon
  • Oranges and Citrus Fruits

Bananas

Olives

Wild Caught Fish (salmon)

Almonds

Raisins

Himalayan Salt

If you want to incorporate electrolytes through a drink, my personal favorite is Organic Coconut Water! Nothing added and perfectly balanced on its own! Harmless Harvest is my absolute favorite brand!

Next time, instead of reaching for your typical sports drink (read those labels… added sugar, food dyes, flavoring, preservatives, and JUNK) reach for one of these instead:

-Organic Coconut water (That Harmless Harvest, though)

-GoodOnYa Hydrate Daily Electrolyte Mix- https://goodonyaorganic.com/collections/frontpage/products/hydrate-electrolyte-powder-mix

-Nuun Tablets (these do contain “natural flavors” so not my #1)- nuunlife.com

-Laird Hydrate Powder Mix- https://lairdsuperfood.com/products/laird-superfood-hydrate