Got Athletic Kids? Must Read Info About Sports Drinks

Must Read Info About Sports Drinks

I hate to say it, but I wasn’t surprised at all when I read a recent study saying that nearly one third of parents in Philadelphia think sports drinks are a healthful choice for their children. The fact that “sports” is in the name, for one, makes it sound like it’s good for you—after all, running around outside, kicking and jumping, that’s all super healthy. So when you grab a pack of Gatorades for your second grade soccer star, you might think you’re giving her the fuel she needs to score the winning goal; but actually, you’re probably slowing her down.

Experts have reminded consumers for years that sports drinks were originally formulated for professional-level athletes, to help prevent dehydration, and to provide quick bursts of energy through things like concentrated sugars and high sodium content. All that sugar (up to four big teaspoons per serving!) and salt can actually lead to things like obesity and other health problems—not to mention a sugar rush followed by a sugar crash that nobody really wants to deal with!

So, instead of sticking sports drinks in the cooler next weekend, fill up a few bottles with plain old tap water—it’ll keep your little ones hydrated and save you some money at the supermarket, something we’d all like to do more of, I’m sure!

Do your kids drink sports drinks? Are you going to continue buying them for them? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.