Everyone knows that when you work up a sweat, you have to drink water to rehydrate your body. What you may not know, however, is that you also need to replenish lost electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride that conduct an electrical charge when mixed with water. Your heart, brain, and muscles need those sparks of electricity to function—literally. They are vital to a variety of bodily functions including nerve and muscle function, pH balance, energy production, blood pressure regulation, and hydration.
Electrolytes aren’t just important for athletes, either. Everyone loses electrolytes through urine and sweat every day, so you need a steady supply to replenish them. While sports drinks like Gatorade are well-known for providing plentiful electrolytes, they’re also full of sugar and not the healthiest of choices. Thankfully, the following nutritious and delicious foods and drinks can provide the minerals your body needs without the added sugar.
Bananas are not only a great grab-and-go snack, but they’re also hydrating, easily digestible, and chock full of replenishing electrolytes like potassium. There’s even research to show that eating bananas before or after a big workout can help keep you energized and fueled.
Snack on a small handful of nuts and seeds like almonds, peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds for a good dose of magnesium and phosphorus. As a bonus, you’ll be getting some protein to feed your muscles and boost your energy.
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious energy and electrolyte boost during or after a workout, reach for coconut water. Also known as “nature’s Gatorade,” this sweet beverage contains five key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Watermelon lovers rejoice! This summer staple contains natural sugars, potassium, magnesium, water, and small amounts of calcium and phosphorus, making it the perfect pre- and/or post-workout snack. You could even sprinkle a little natural sea salt to get in some sodium before a workout.
As if you needed another reason to love avocados, this buttery fruit is packed with potassium and magnesium, two vital minerals and electrolytes that athletes often deplete due to stress on the body. If you’ve been craving avocado toast, go make yourself a piece and enjoy!
Instead of grabbing a sugar-laden sports drink, mix up this homemade electrolyte-packed beverage instead:
Just as you need to fill up your car’s gas tank for it to continue to run, you also need to supply your body with electrolytes for it to function optimally and reach your fitness goals. To avoid an electrolyte imbalance, be sure to drink enough water, eat a healthy diet, and reach for the above foods and drinks when you need an electrolyte boost!
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