Debate Between Sports Drinks And Cereals As Foods After Exercise

When we start a new exercise regimen to reduce weight, many of us assume that a sports drink is part of the package. We assume that after a heavy workout, a sports drink is needed by our body, in order to replenish the nutrients and essential electrolytes which have been depleted during exercise.

But, recent studies have shown that it is not so. In fact, artificially flavored, colored and sweetened sports drinks may not be the right choice if you are trying to lose weight, as it may contain too many calories, According to research, a bowl of whole grain cereal with skimmed or low fat milk works just as well, in helping recovery after an exercise program. And the best way to re-hydrate would be to reach for a bottle of zero calorie cold water, or a healthy green tea, which is rich in anti-oxidants.

What To Choose For Diet After Exercise?

Benefits Of Having Cereals: According to research, breakfast cereals can help your body to refuel after a session at the gym.

They are as effective as the more popular carbohydrate-based drinks, besides being relatively inexpensive and readily available.

Sports drinks advertise quicker and more efficient replenishment of glycogen, which is needed to refuel muscles and promote muscle power. But when researchers compared ordinary foods like whole grain cereal plus milk with sports drinks, they found that replenishment of muscle fuel and glycogen was as good with the ordinary breakfast foods. In fact, they felt that some aspects of synthesis of proteins were actually better with the consumption of whole grain cereals and milk. Milk is a source of high quality and easily digestible proteins.

Whole grain cereals are healthy in many ways because they contain all three parts of the grain. The outer bran layer is rich in fiber, while the inner germ is packed with nutrients. Whole grain cereals also help to maintain healthy levels of blood sugar, a healthy weight and keep the heart healthy as well. Cereals are also rich in carbohydrates, which supply energy or glucose to the body. The extra glucose is then stored in your liver and muscles as energy reserves.

A bowl of cereal is thus a healthy and effective option to refuel, especially if you are at home. You can eat it with skimmed milk or yogurt. Adding some chopped fruits and nuts makes it even more nutritious and effective, besides adding taste.

Benefits Of Sports Drinks: While cereals and milk are a healthy option to replenish energy levels after a moderate or rigorous work-out, it is usually possible to do so if you are at home. The advantage of sports drinks are their convenience. They come pre-packaged and ready-to-use, and provide an extra quick boost to energy levels.

Submitted on January 16, 2014