Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Powerade Option - the 10 Calorie Sports Drink

Launched back in 2005 at the tail end of the low-carb craze and noticed by me last night, is the Coca Cola company's Powerade Option sports drink.

It's sweetened with both Splenda and high fructose corn syrup and thereby keeps its Calories at a very low 10.

It's a bit of a dilemma for me as to whether or not I think it's a good idea. On the one hand, it's low Calorie which I like, but on the other hand, if you've actually exercised long enough to need some additional fuel (meaning you've exercised vigorously for 45 minutes or more) the lack of carbs in this product will belie that aim.

Generally my advice is always to eat your Calories, but some folks, myself included, find it tough to eat during vigorous activity. When I go for 2 hour bike rides my fuel of choice is often a sports drink diluted to 1/2-3/4 of its intended strength.

So moderate ramble made short. I'm glad there's a sports drink option that's low Calorie, but in general, most folks don't need sports drinks and for those who do, this one's probably not the right choice.

What do you folks think?