Gatorade alternatives? Salt on a ride?

[cobalt]

I am printing all of this great info so I don't forget once I get to the store!

I don't sweat much at all, I think people who sweat stay cooler.

My nose on the other hand... I go through lots of Kleenex on rides!

[mayanorange]

I really like Nuun for salt and if you add a teaspoon of sugar, it's good for a little longer rides too. I've tried finding ones that have more potassium (I tend to be low), but most of them just taste gross. Maybe next I'll try the DIY version with salt substitute and normal salt, but then I'd have to decide on flavoring and think ahead!

[alpinerabbit]

You can use maltodextrin (partially hydrolyzed corn starch) for carbs plus regular salt.

People do Ironmans with that home-made mix.

[ilima]

Payday bars = Awesome.

Second the Payday bars! Yum.

A word about drinks with protein--they make your water bottles a real PITA to clean. If you don't get them cleaned out really, really well mold will grow rather quickly. I don't have a dishwasher and have decided to nix the protein drinks.

One good thing about Gatorade is that just about every race uses it, so you train with what you'll be drinking on race day. If you race, that is.

[Brandy]

I use Accelerade on most of my training rides. If it's hot, if I'm climbing, or if I know I'm going to be out for a long ride, I'll bring along Motortabs or electrolyte caps.

[TrekTheKaty]

A word about drinks with protein--they make your water bottles a real PITA to clean. If you don't get them cleaned out really, really well mold will grow rather quickly. I don't have a dishwasher and have decided to nix the protein drinks.
.

This is a a great thread!

I'll have to order some Cytomax Lite.

Darn! Perpeteum is soy based! I just ordered a sample pack. Thanks for warning me. I missed that.

YEP! I have a dishwasher, but it was disforming my polar water bottles tops. Let's just say I've created quite the science experiment in there when I left them for a couple of days. Guess I missed the day in school where they teach you you can also grow mold in liquids.

[TrekTheKaty]

Out of Nancy Clark's "Sports Nutrition Guidebook":
"For a low-cost fluid replacer that has a nutritional profile similar to the more expensive commercial sports drinks, try this simple recipe."

4 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c. boiling water
1/4 c. orange juice (not concentrate) or 2 Tbsp lemon juice
3-3 3/4 c. cold water

1. In the bottom of a pitcher, dissolve the sugar and salt in the hot water.
2. Add the juice and the remaining water; chill.
3. Quench that thirst!

[StressFree]

For some reason I ALWAYS crave salt

[KayAyZee]

In July I started using Enlyten sports strips on a recommendation from a friend. I was really suffering with the heat and humidity and these seemed to actually help. Although I have to admit I think they are easier to use while running than riding.

The Enlyten are electrolyte "strips" that you put between your cheek and your gums (look kind of like those breath freshening strips). Supposedly the electrolytes are absorbed through your cheek lining and go directly into your circulation so they bypass the whole gastric path and work faster.

Can't make any claims on if they work better than any other electrolyte supplement, but they are really convenient to carry so I usually have a pack with me. I got them at GNC. About $5-6 for two packs of 18 strips each.

[firenze11]

I'm so glad you started this thread. I'm having a salt thing going on, too. After every spin class I'm ravenous and really crave salt, despite drinking lots and fueling well before class. I can't find nuun here and they told me to order it from a wholesaler. . .so I'm looking for something else. You'd think a 1 hour spin class wouldn't affect me so much, I'm so hesitant to take in calories for just an hour.

I might have to try that homemade version or play around with what I can find here. Thanks again for this thread, good ideas.

[tulip]

On long rides, I always stop for some potato chips. When I get home, I usually have a pickle spear or two. So far I've had no problems with diluted gatorade, but alot of people prefer other drinks.

[Jallora]

The salt in the chocolate and latte Power Gels always helps me. I seem to do better on those gels than on the Shot Bloks. I'm really picky about flavor though, and the chocolate and latte are the only ones that I found that I like. The chocolate ones are really yummy if they're still cold.

[redrhodie]

I just started drinking this:

http://www.liv-natural.com/

I've actually never tasted Gatorade, so I have nothing to compare it to, but this stuff is pretty good. I just bought more. There's nothing bad in it, it tastes salty, but about what I thought this kind of drink should taste like.

[michelem]

I use Accelerade on most of my training rides. If it's hot, if I'm climbing, or if I know I'm going to be out for a long ride, I'll bring along Motortabs or electrolyte caps.

Brandy,

If you like Accelerade, you might want to check out the REI Outlet. Right now they have it on super-duper discount (around 42 cents/serving):

http://www.rei.com/outlet/search?vca...ery=accelerade

If you have them send it to the store for pick-up, you can save the shipping costs as well.

Unfortunately, for me, I've found that I don't tolerate it well. So, if anyone wants an opened jar with about 20 servings left, let me know and you can have it for the cost of shipping!

[vinbek]

I use Shaklee's Performance - its a maximum endurance sports drink. On long rides, I put extra powder in a baggie and can refill my water bottles with it. It comes in two flavors - Orange, my personal favorite and lime. I would try different products and drinks on shorter rides. I find that all that fancy stuff upsets my stomach. I use shot bloks and Luna moons, but for carbs, protein and salt - I always carry a package of peanut butter crackers. I have been riding for 30 years and do about 5 centuries a year and I always carry my crackers. When I have friends that need something extra to eat - it always helps them. Nothing fancy - just something that works. I have another friend who carries small boiled potatoes with her. Find what works for your body and stick with it! Bekki