Energy drinks?

[Faith]

Dd's gym sessions are 3-4 hours. They break every hour for a drink, but as I understand it, they're not allowed snacks. They have their reasons so I'm not about to question it ATM.

So I'm thinking I should maybe find some sort of energy/electrolyte drink? Any recs? Can't be fizzy or too sticky as its taken in the gym.

We've been takin her milk or milkshake to drink immediately after practice.

Any reason I should stick to water? Apart from the teeth issue...

 

[mamaoftwo]

As I am sure you would be, you need to watch the labels carefully. I'd definitely avoid those drinks with caffeine or other stimulants.

My DD gets headaches with practice (well, at her old gym anyway), and I started sending her with gatorade/powerade. It seemed to help some - replenished her electrolytes and gave her a bit a fuel via sugar.

My DD is prone to cavities, though, so we'll see what her dentist says at our next visit.

 

[Deleted member D3987]

chocolate milk or water is better/best/cheaper.

 

[Granny Smith]

I was just about to recommend chocolate milk too. It's one of the best recovery drinks, my dd drinks a glass of chocolate milk everyday after practice - Not white milk, but chocolate milk. Google it and you will see chocolate milk is the best recovery drink going & probably the cheapest!

 

[gymgal]

Water really is best. She shouldn't need any electrolyte replacement for 3-4 hour practice unless they are doing heavy conditioning the whole time. Or if there is a known problem like headaches or dizziness. If she is getting hungry then you can use drinkable yogurt. It will provide better nutrition than the sports drinks.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

[shelovestoflip]

My daughter only drinks water. She is lactose intolerant so the choc milk isn't an option, though that is what her coaches recommend as the 'best' thing to drink after practice.

That being said, they have also always said not to eat too much before/during a practice....they have one break for 10-15 minutes during a 4 hour practice for a snack and the coaches always give a 'healthy' snack list at the beginning of the season to refresh everyone's memory!

My daughter, however, eats a fairly big 'snack' before practice (bagel/crackers/fruit/hummus etc) and it' s never hurt her ability to train effectively.

I only give her drinks like Gatorade when she is at practice in the summer and there all day. Other than that, water works for her.

I think it just depends on your child.

Either way, I bring dinner for the car drive home. It's only 15 minutes but she needs to eat immediately!

 

[gymmomtoo]

Our coaches say energy drinks are a waste--water is best. They also prefer chocolate milk, but my DD hates chocolate milk, so that's not going to happen here! Is your daughter complaining about being hungry or feeling short on energy?

 

[gymnastgets10]

I drink both water and Gatorade at practice, and I'll usually have a granola bar halfway through. If I don't have Gatorade I can tell I have less energy and my sweat stops tasting salty (not that I lick my face on purpose, but it happens...), so I think I need the electrolyte replacement. I also think I sweat way more than most people (I'll be dripping with sweat after a few minutes of practice, even if it's not strenous and I'm not really breathing hard) so I think that's why I need more electrolytes. If you think she might need something extra, I would try a light sports drink like Gatorade and see if she has more energy at the end of practice. But make sure she doesn't just want it for the taste; that would definately be a waste of money!

 

[mamaoftwo]

shelovestoflip: Do you have chocolate Lactaid in your area? My son is lactose-intolerant and that is all he'll drink. The chocolate in it covers up the "lactose-free" taste. He loves it, and I've tried it myself. Just thought I'd mention. I do have to look for it though, and it isn't carried in every store.

 

[Kiwi]

My DD trains for 3 hours and is fine with just water during that time as long as she has a snack before she starts, usually some cheese or a muesli bar. She loves Up-n-Go and she often has these before a competition when they are there for hours and can't eat. I don't want her trying to compete hungry or with low blood sugar.

 

[gymgal]

My son is lactose-intolerant and that is all he'll drink. The chocolate in it covers up the "lactose-free" taste. He loves it, and I've tried it myself. Just thought I'd mention. I do have to look for it though, and it isn't carried in every store.

that's so funny because my kids prefer the taste of the lactose free milk! It is sweeter because the lactose has been broken down.

 

[sportzmomov3]

We do lactose free for the taste too. For chocolate milk, we buy Silk Almond Chocolate Milk - it is SOOO yummy. Not sure if it's available internationally, but almond milk and other soy alternatives are popping up all over. I personally love chocolate hazelnut milk - it's like the liquid version of Nutella!

 

[cher062]

We do Choc milk and water but you have to make sure it is one with the twist on caps so it won't leak

 

[gymgurl]

Gatorade, my gym sells it so it can't be too bad, when i have had it during practice it has really helped but with the teeth issue if she has her gatorade then has a bit of water swishes it around the mouth a little bit it should help. Its great for replenishing electrolytes

 

[Mack_the_Ripper]

I tend to avoid any kind of drink that promises to help you perform better in sports, or give you more energy...definitely stay away from "energy drinks" before practice. I've heard those things are pretty dang intense, and really teenagers shouldn't be drinking so much of them, not to mention little kids. I don't drink Gatorade either, simply because I don't like it...water is best. A lot of my gymnast friends like the low-sugar Gatorades though.

 

[Faith]

I personally love chocolate hazelnut milk - it's like the liquid version of Nutella!

DD would love that - she's a big nutella fan.

Thank you so much for all your answers, as ever, very helpful

I know when I train/trained I don't like drinking at all, except maybe in very hot weather.

It's a big sports "science" thing over here with all the personal trainers/gyms etc that you have to carry water everywhere. There's a local swimming club that won't let the kids do an hour session if the haven't brought water, which is just ridiculous. If you're well hydrated beforehand then it shouldn't be necessary.

It doesn't help DH is a triathlete, and they just love their gadgets, energy gels, and all the latest fashions to knock that extra second off. It's training that does that, not energy gel brand X!!

She is starving when she comes out of practice, and occasionally is a touch grumpy until we get some food into her, but otherwise no issues. They do do a lot of conditioning. I make sure she has something to eat beforehand, but I was just thinking whether her training might be enhanced if her blood sugar doesn't drop to low. But then going back to biology you have mechanisms to prevent that, and your body can use its stored energy...

But yes, I agree all these "energy" drinks probably do more harm than good, especially in small children.

So we will stick with water in the gym, and she can have her chocolate milk for after.

Thank you!