Myth vs. Fact: Sports Drinks

MYTH VS. FACT

Myth: “I shouldn’t drink sports drinks because they have sugar in them.”

Fact: When you sweat you lose fluid and electrolytes. Sports drinks provide carbohydrate to fuel your activity and electrolytes to replace what is being lost in sweat. If you practice for less than an hour water is fine, but workouts over an hour require water and sports drinks to keep you hydrated. If you are practicing in a hot and humid environment, sports drinks should be included at the start of a workout.
–Amy Goodson

amy-goodson-quarterback-ranchAmy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian for Ben Hogan Sports Medicine and serves as the sports dietitian for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, FC Soccer Dallas, Jim McClean Golf School, Texas Christian University Athletics, and University of Texas at Arlington Athletics. In addition, she is an adjunct professor and dietetic intern preceptor for Texas Woman’s University, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington and is a state media representative for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . She received her Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications from Texas Christian University and Masters in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University.