YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Winter 2017 | Page 4

ASHLEIGH FELTHAM, APD
Ashleigh is the owner of Feed Your Future Dietetics. She has a Masters of Nutrition and
Dietetics and a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and believes everyone deserves to live a
life of health and wellness. Ashleigh is passionate about helping people achieve their
highest quality of life through nutrition, mental health and exercise. To learn more about
Ashleigh visit www.feedyourfuturedietetics.com
SAY ‘NO’
TO SPORTS
DRINKS
Is a sports dr ink part of your regular workout regime? If so, you may be wasting your
money, as well as adding excess kilojoules to your day, and potentially leaving you with a
dental bill due to tooth decay. Nutrition expert Ashleigh Feltham explains.
ports drinks are cleverly marketed as a
refreshing way to rehydrate after
physical activity, aiding recovery better
than water alone can. Many professional
sporting clubs are sponsored by sports drink
companies, with players quenching their thirst
with these brands and acting as role models to
young influential admirers. But the truth is, most
of us do not compete in high level sports that
require prolonged periods of intense exercise;
yet sports drinks have crept into our exercise
routines. This article will help you make the best
drink choices when exercising, which may also
help protect your teeth, save you money and
ensure you are well hydrated before, during and
after your exercise sessions.
S
What makes up a
sports drink?
There are three main
components that make up a
sports drink.
1. Carbohydrate
(sugars, sucrose and
glucose)
Most sports drinks
contain 36-40g (9-10
teaspoons!) per 600ml
bottle. Alarmingly, this is one
and a half times the World
Health Organisation’s daily
recommendation for added sugar!
2. Electrolytes sodium (i.e. salt)
and potassium
Sodium helps the body to ‘hold
onto’ fluid more effectively. It also
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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE WINTER 2017