If you’ve been following BUILD Nutrition for awhile, this may not surprise…

The best way to ensure adequate electrolyte status day-to-day is to eat a whole foods diet that has plenty of foods rich in electrolyte minerals. Yup, that’s right.

You can EAT your electrolytes!

Foods like potassium-rich bananas and oranges, magnesium-packed nuts and seeds, and calcium-rich dairy or spinach provide loads of those crucial electrolyte minerals needed to support the average fitness enthusiast who works out an hour a day.

However, it’s when your workout goes well over that hour mark and it’s super intense, and you’re losing loads of fluids in sweat or respiration (yup, we lose fluids by breathing too!) Add hot and humid temperatures or even higher altitudes that can cause faster fluid loss… that’s when you may need a quicker source of electrolytes to ensure balance is maintained. In this case, our homemade gatorade to the rescue (keep reading for the recipe)!

 

Electrolytes: The Secret to Fuelling Your Strength and Fitness Journey

Hey there, fitness warriors! Are you ready to supercharge your training and achieve peak performance? Look no further than the unsung heroes of hydration – electrolytes! Don’t let the fancy name scare you away; we’re here to break it down for you, science-made-simple style.

 

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are tiny, electrically charged minerals that work their magic inside your body. They include essential nutrients such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. These powerhouse minerals are like the squad of superheroes, helping your muscles, nerves, and overall body function at their best.

 

Why Are They So Important?

Picture this: You’re in the middle of an intense workout, pushing your limits, and sweating buckets. That sweat isn’t just water; it’s a treasure trove of electrolytes that your body needs to maintain its equilibrium.

Electrolytes play a vital role in:

1. Hydration Balance: They help regulate the fluid levels in your cells and keep you well-hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for top-notch athletic performance.
2. Muscle Function: Electrolytes team up to prevent those pesky muscle cramps and spasms. They ensure your muscles contract and relax smoothly, so you can keep going without a hitch.
3. Nerve Signalling: Your nerves use these charged minerals to send lightning-fast signals throughout your body. From lifting weights to acing that sprint, proper nerve function is essential.
4. Energy Production: Electrolytes are key players in energy production, so you can go the extra mile without feeling drained.

 

How Much Do You Need?

As strength and fitness athletes, your electrolyte needs may differ from the average Joe. The amount of electrolytes you require depends on factors like your activity level, sweat rate, and environmental conditions. So, listen to your body and look out for signs of dehydration or muscle cramps – these could be hints that your electrolyte levels need a boost.

 

When Do You Need Them?

Hydrating well before, during, and after exercise is the golden rule! Before hitting the gym, make sure you’re well-hydrated with a balanced intake of fluids and electrolytes. During your sweat-inducing sessions, consider sipping on a homemade electrolyte-infused drink to replenish those minerals you’re losing. And after the workout, celebrate your success with a post-exercise electrolyte-rich snack or drink.

 

How to Get Your Electrolytes?

Nature has you covered! Load up on potassium-rich foods like bananas and oranges, munch on magnesium-packed nuts and seeds, and enjoy calcium from dairy or plant-based alternatives. Be sure to make your own homemade Energy Drink – here’s our simple recipe for you!

 

Remember: Balance is Key!

While electrolytes are essential for your athletic prowess, balance is the name of the game. Don’t go overboard with supplements, as too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, with the occasional homemade energy drink during super intense training sessions, will ensure you’re getting all the electrolyte support you need.

So fitness enthusiasts – embrace the power of electrolytes, and conquer your strength and fitness journey like the superheroes you are! Stay hydrated, stay charged, and let those minerals be your secret weapon to success. You got this!

 

 

Did you know?

We spend an entire month helping you optimally hydrate in our Lunchbox Gamified Nutrition Challenge!

The science, the why, and all the how-to’s… every day so you can build the lifelong habits you need to build your best body, from the inside out.

Check out the Lunchbox!