This is an easy to make natural sports drink recipe that uses the power of maple syrup. So what’s so great about maple syrup, seems just like sugar right? Maple sugar actually has 63 phytonutrients that give it antioxidant properties similar to berries, red wine and tea. Who knew?! Well I sure didn’t. This is important because antioxidants help with cleaning up damage done from regular exercise or training that happens to your muscle tissue and cells. See my post on Free Radicals vs. Antioxidants. So the antioxidants in maple sugar can actually help speed up your recovery time. Also, maple sugar can actually help your immune system to be strengthened as it contains natural electrolytes, minerals, and trace vitamins that boost your immune system. Hmmm…How about some healthy protein pancakes with that syrup?!
Makes two 16-ounce bottles. Aim to drink one per hour on the bike. If you’ll be riding for more than 90 minutes, combine with a snack to meet your energy needs (about 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour).
Note: Recipe taken from Bicycling Magazine.