How to Make a Homemade Sports Drink

Homemade sports drinks can be cheaper and healthier for you.

Sports drinks replace the electrolytes and other nutrients that you lose from exercise. These drinks may be expensive and you can make a drink with the same properties at home for a fraction of the cost. To get the same benefit from a homemade concoction as you do from a store bought drink, you need approximately 14 grams of carbohydrates, 30 mg potassium, 110 mg of sodium and 52 calories for each 8-oz container. There are several combinations of juice, water and other ingredients that can achieve that balance for you.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar
• Salt
• Fruit juice
• Hot water
• Cold water

Instructions

1. Combine ¼ cup of sugar and a ¼ teaspoon of salt in the hot water and let it dissolve.

2. Add the juices of your choice. Common recipes include ¼ cup of orange juice and two tbsp. of lemon juice. You can also use pear or peach juice for a varied flavor.

3. Mix this with cold water to make one full quart of your new sports drink.

Tips & Warnings

• Only drink sports drinks to resolve thirst after serious exertion, as opposed to just taking a walk.

References

• Sports Drinks: Homemade Sports Drink
• The Consumerist; Make Your Own Sports Drink; Carey Alexander;August,2009
• The Consumerist; Make Your Own Sports Drink; Carey Alexander;August,2009