I was watching a football game a week or so ago and saw an add for a new product from Gatorade – G2. Another sports drink? How many do we need? They already have regular Gatorade, Gatorade Endurance, Rain, AM and Propel just to name a few. Do we really need another? Apparently, Gatorade thinks we do.

G2 is a low calorie (25 calories for an 8 oz serving) drink with electrolytes. This is different from Propel which is fortified with vitamins. It also has 110 mg of sodium and 30 mg of potassium for that 8 oz serving.

Who might need G2? There are two groups to whom I’d recommend G2:
First, athletes who have problems staying hydrated and who need the extra sodium and potassium. An example would be a football player or an endurance athlete in the summer who is a heavy sweater without any blood pressure or water retention issues. These athletes should drink it before/after workouts – not necessarily as a during workout drink. Unless they are. . . .

Second, someone who has a workout which lasts less than an hour and has problems cramping or is a heavy salt sweater (again without any medical issues aggravated by additional sodium). Typically, if you are working out less than an hour you don’t need to take in energy (carbs). However, if you are a heavy salt sweater (one of those who has a salty ring on his/her shirt/hat or is crusty after a workout) and may suffer from cramps during the workout, this may be a better option than water.

However, just with any drink that has calories – even just 25 per 8 ounces, you need to watch how those can add unwanted weight. 32 ounces a day adds up to an extra pound over a month. Most athletes who would drink G2 don’t want to carry the extra weight those calories may bring. Just something to think about before substuiting G2 for good ol’ water. . . .

At least G2 has flavors I can understand: Fruit Punch, Orange and Grape.

If you give it a try, let me know what you think and how you used it.

Cheers!
Penny, RD, LD

Happy New Year!

A new year usually means a new set of goals. Some people set formal resolutions, some set goals, some don’t set anything. I’m a fan of goal-setting – if you do it right. Here are some quick keys to making and reaching your goals:

1) Goals should be measurable in a certain timeframe. “I want to lose weight” is a goal, but not measurable. “I want to lose 25 pounds” is measurable, but we also need a timeframe. “I want to lose 25 pounds by June 1″ is both measurable and has a timeframe.

2) Set both long and short term goals. A long term goal is usually a larger goal. “I’d like to lose 25 pounds by June 1″ is a long term goal. Then, set shorter goals to keep you motivated. “I’d like to lose 5 pounds by February 15″ is a good short term goal, or even “I’d like to lose 2 pounds by January 21.” Again, the goals need to be measurable and have a timeframe assigned. Your short term goals will lead you to accomplish your long term goals.

3) State your goal in positive terms. In the previous examples, I’ve said “I’d like to. . .” Well, I’d like to be a fairy princess, but I don’t think that is going to happen. Rather than using the words “like” “want” etc. make the goal stronger by saying “I will.” “I will lose 2 pounds by January 21″ is stronger that “I’d like to lose 2 pounds by January 21.” Saying “I will” increases your motivation – think of the Nike ads – “Just Do it!”

4) Think, plan and act. Think about what it is going to take to reach your goal. Does it mean you need to learn how to cook? Find healthy options at your favorite restaurants? Find a gym? Make a list of the things you need to do to be successful. Once you have your list, plan how you will make each thing a reality. “I need to find healthy options at my favorite restaurant” may mean going in during a slow time and talking to the chef to find out details about how items are prepared. Or, you can print out nutrition information from a lot of chain restaurants and keep it in your car for quick reference. Then, once you’ve thought about what you need to do and planned it out – act on those plans. Many of us fall on our faces when it comes to doing the things necessary to make our dreams a reality. Whenever you start an action – ask yourself: does this align with my goals? If not, find something that does.

Good luck with you goals this year! I’d love to hear your feedback, your goals and your thoughts, plans and actions to make them reality.

Penny