Vitamin Water

I've never been one to fall prey to advertising gimmicks - especially when it's related to the health and fitness field - but there are some times when these "gimmicks" actually are good for you - but just for different reasons. Allow me to explain.

Vitamin Water, in general, is "nutrionalized". Basically, it's filtered water that is fortified with some minuscule amounts of vitamins and minerals and a decent amount of fructose (fruit sugar). I would not recommend anyone drinking these to get their daily allowance of vitamins and the carbohydrates (which are all from simple sugars) would add up very fast. but here is where something like Vitamin Water can come in handy.

One of the most important times to replenish electrolytes, glycogen and stop the "breakdown" process that happens after an intense workout is immediately after you are done training. A mixture of some simple sugars and a liquid protein source (I recommend Dream Protein) really hits the spot and starts the recovery process - which is critical to becoming stronger and leaner. Remember, exercise is the stimulus - we grow outside the gym and this is the first step in the process.

A whole bottle of Vitamin Water only has about 25-30 grams of carbohydrates and tastes pretty good and would certainly serve the purpose as a post-workout carbohydrate recovery drink. - Fred Fornicola