Comments on: SGBC Topic 4, Week 2: Exercise and Hydration

By: Goodbye Rain, Hello Coco | Working up a sweat in Toronto

Goodbye Rain, Hello Coco | Working up a sweat in Toronto — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:59:48 +0000

[...] She Glows had a guest post about exercise and hydration (information about coconut water is mid-way through [...]

By: Oh She Glows » Blog Archive » SGBC’s Closing Ceremonies + Amazing Grass Giveaway!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:22:36 +0000

[...] Stacy on Exercise and Hydration [...]

By: Stacy

Stacy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:28:54 +0000

EatingRD-
“NutritionData shows that coconut water has about double the amount of sodium (252mg) and more than 6x the amount of potassium (600mg) of regular sports drinks”
Vita Coco has about 500mg of potassium and ONLY 30mg of Sodium per 8.5 oz serving. (just click on a flavor on their website and roll the mouse over the pic of the carton to get nutrionals)

“Also, fructose can be a big culprit for tummy troubles, as well as fiber during exercise. This flavored coconut water has both.”
Vita Coco has no fiber.

“I’ve never tried coconut water before but the website says a benefit is that it is low in carbohydrates. While this may be ok for the average gym goer, I don’t think this is beneficial for an intensely active person.”
It is true that coconut was is low in carbs. If a person fuels with a pre and post workout snack high in carbs, it shouldn’t be a big problem. For incredibly intense workouts, it would be beneficial to pair coconut water with a carb-rich snack if necessary. Personally, I have found that I don’t need this no matter what the intensity of my workout. I have found coconut water to be all I need, but that is just me, it may be different for others.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:51:14 +0000

I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and am pretty disappointed to see you calling out two companies that do not hold themselves up to be very true. Zico says they donate 5% of sales to charity. This is simply not true. Companies that greenwash should not be supported.

I’d love to see some information on this. You can email it to ohsheglows@gmail.com ~A

By: EatingRD

EatingRD — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:09:41 +0000

I’m kind of interested in checking this out because you can control the flavor, sugar content/sweetness and amount of electrolytes you need in your drink. It looks interesting! http://www.infinitnutrition.us

By: EatingRD

EatingRD — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:05:47 +0000

Hydration is so important and I can totally feel my energy levels drop if I’m not properly hydrated, especially before and at times when I’m not working out. I usually just stick to water now a days because my workouts usually aren’t over an hour, unlike 2.5 hours like they used to with dance. When I do do a really intense workout it’s harder for me to ingest anything flavored without having stomach issues, so I make sure to be properly hydrated before and replenish/refuel after. It’s really different for every person/athlete, and it’s important to find what works best for you to reduce fatigue, while maintaining digestion/gastric emptying.
I’ve never tried coconut water before but the website says a benefit is that it is low in carbohydrates. While this may be ok for the average gym goer, I don’t think this is beneficial for an intensely active person. NutritionData shows that coconut water has about double the amount of sodium (252mg) and more than 6x the amount of potassium (600mg) of regular sports drinks (I couldn’t find the nutrition on the website?) While I don’t like that Gatorade and other sports drinks contain artificial colors, they do have optimal ratios of electrolytes and a balance of different sugar sources proven to benefit athletes. It is best to have different types of sugars in a drink to enhance absorption, rather than just one type. Also, fructose can be a big culprit for tummy troubles, as well as fiber during exercise. This flavored coconut water has both. It may not work for those with sensitive stomachs because fructose can delay gastric emptying. I’m sure there are many things I’ve missed, but it’s worth a try. And that’s really the thing, each person is different and what may work for one, may not work for another. Wouldn’t this be a cool study comparing traditional sports drinks to coconut water? hmmm . . . thesis?

By: Shelly

Shelly — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:21:20 +0000

I drink tons of water throughout the day and am always well hydrated. However, I tend to be fairly prone to muscle cramps and spasms- especially when I increase my exercise intensity. If I start getting those, I know I need to pick up some Gatorade. I don’t like the way it tastes though, and I hate the idea of drinking my calories so I try to avoid it. I tried plain coconut water and didn’t like it (although I found it became more palatable when mixed with a little lime juice) but maybe I should try the flavored kind before I give up on it completely.

By: cathy

cathy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:17:15 +0000

Yay! I can’t wait to try my sample bars

By: Kristen

Kristen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:40 +0000

I am a really heavy (and salty) sweater…so if I am running longer than an hour or if it is really hot and humid out, I’ll bring both water and a drink with some electrolytes in it. I started with gatorade (and still use it sometimes because buying the powder and mixing it yourself is pretty cheap) but it can be hard on my stomach sometimes. I’ve also tried Ultima (sweetened with stevia), Gu20, and Nuun. I’m enjoying the Nuun right now. It isn’t very sweet, doesn’t have much sugar in it, but has enough electrolytes to help me out. So I guess I’m more of an “electrolyte replacement” drink kind of person rather than an “energy drink” person.

By: Jenny Marie

Jenny Marie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:28:36 +0000

Busy busy bee! That is so great, I am so happy that you are able to do this as your job!

I usually stick to just water, but my workouts are never more than an hour. Coconut water sounds ymuuy.