Have you jumped on the coconut water band wagon? I haven't. I tried it last summer. Andrea and I bought some to take to the beach with us. Neither of us were too impressed. I didn't like the texture or the taste.
I know it's supposed to be healthy for you. Especially after a run. It can rehydrate like nothing else. It's full of potassium and electrolytes , including sodium**. It's lower in sugar, acidity and cholestrol than most other sport drinks. And the ingredient list is pronounceable and recognisable.
100% natural coconut water from concentrate, cane sugar, coconut cream, cocoa, vanilla, carrageenan
Well except carrageenan. I had to look that one up. It's a seaweed extract. It's used instead of cornstarch or gelatin to thicken or emulsify liquids.
On my latest visit to Trader Joes, they had Zico chocolate coconut water. I thought I'd give it a try. A way better idea than plain coconut water. I think next time I'll try blending it with a banana and a scoop of protein powder and have that after my run. I wont be drinking too much of it. Zico is expensive, so unless it shows up in bulk at Costco, it'll be a treat from time to time.
**I often get leg cramps at night after I've been for a workout earlier in the day. Cramps can be caused by dehydration and lack of sodium. I drink lots of water but my sodium intake is low. A diet high in sodium has never been a problem.