Fruit Infusions for Athletes
Lets face it, drinking plain water isn’t always the most enticing way to get your fluids. But maintaining personal hydration while exercising is critically important! Try the following fruit infusions in your water to take your athletic performance to the next level!
Running: Strawberry, Lemon, and Basil
Plain water can get boring after a while and only contains small amounts of the electrolytes lost during exercise. Adding electrolytes and minerals to help rehydration is important after times of high-intensity exercise or lots of sweating. Strawberries and lemons are especially high in electrolytes but if you're looking for some additional electrolyte reinforcement, try adding a teaspoon of salt to a 25 ounce serving.
Cycling: Citrus and Cilantro
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges not only pack delicious flavor, but contain chemicals to settle the stomach and promote hydration during the extended efforts cycling requires. The cilantro helps balance flavor while adding a dash of color to your infusion! If you aim to satisfy your sweet tooth then add 10-15 grams of stevia leaf, a zero calorie natural sweetener!
Hiking: Rosemary and Grapefruit
Grapefruit has a sweeter taste than some other citrus fruits out there, and provides a fantastic change of pace especially when paired with the refreshing bright taste of rosemary which helps battle the inflammation you body experiences on a long hike.
Soccer: Orange and Blueberry
Once again the power of citrus is revealed! During a soccer game the average player runs four to five miles, so fueling up on electrolytes is absolutely key. Also, who doesn’t love the nostalgia that comes along with the orange slices we used to have at youth soccer games?
Basketball: Watermelon and Mint
Watermelon is high in glucose, an easy to digest natural sugar, and basketball requires a mix of endurance and explosive power to succeed, which fits glucose to a T. The mint adds anti-inflammatory properties and rounds out a delicious flavor profile.