Nutritional Drinks for Women
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High Sodium Electrolyte Replacement Drinks
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For occasional moderate exercise, regular electrolyte replacement drinks such as Gatorade are suitable. Women who are highly active, however, will need a nutritional drink that goes beyond the typical electrolyte replacement formula. Female cyclists, marathon runners or any woman who exercises at top rate for 90 minutes or more should look for a drink that has high sodium content to replace the higher amount of electrolytes being lost through their rigorous routine. Check labels for brands in which an 8-oz. serving has at least 150 mg of sodium---enough to keep serious female athletes adequately hydrated as they exercise.
Low Calorie Energy Drinks
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Marketing low calorie energy drinks for women is big business. These "power" brands are geared toward busy women seeking a quick energy boost without the added calories that could contribute to weight gain. To avoid the crash that inevitably occurs hours after ingesting these kind of nutritional drinks, some companies have developed formulas in which the main ingredient is fruit juice coupled with artificial sweetener and a caffeine component delivered through green tea extract. Some brands include guarana and other ingredients, such as ginseng, in their formulas to boost the effects of caffeine. Researchers at the University of California say that, because high amounts of caffeine and caffeine-like herbs can cause hypertension, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should avoid them altogether. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have a health condition such as hypertension, consult your doctor about energy drinks.
Protein Drinks
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Women who are trying to build and tone muscle will get a boost from protein based nutritional drinks. Because the amino acids in protein promote muscle development, drinks with ingredients such as soy protein and whey can help make muscle building and toning a more efficient process for women, who tend not to build muscle as easily as men. It is important, however, to be mindful of the number of calories in protein drinks---if you aren't doing weight bearing exercise consistently and for long enough periods, these calorie dense nutritional drinks could cause weight gain. It is likewise important not to substitute these drinks for meals, as they could be lacking in vitamins, minerals and fiber essential to a woman's overall health.
Low Calorie Fitness Water
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For women who enjoy moderate workouts for weight loss, low calorie flavored fitness water offers adequate hydration without the added calories that could sabotage your exercise efforts. Many are supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals. For example, Propel Fitness Water is supplemented with calcium---an essential mineral for women who are at risk for developing osteoporosis. More than 87 percent of women do not get their daily recommended intake of calcium, so drinking this kind of fitness water can be an easy way to supplement a healthy diet. Look for varieties that offer 10 calories or less per 8-oz. serving.
Nutritional Drinks and Pregnancy
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Pregnant women and women who are breast feeding should always consult their obstetrician about the use of nutritional drinks. A drink might appear safe and healthy, but pose problems for a pregnant mother and her baby. For instance, green tea is touted for its health benefits, but there is some concern that it could affect the levels of much-needed folic acid in pregnant women and developing babies. Also, heavy levels of caffeine and some herbs might be detrimental to fetal development. Follow the advice of your physician for a healthy pregnancy and outcome.
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