Conference turris::cooks

    For the uninitiated, how about a description of just what an "isotonic"
    drink is....
    
    -ellie

    Robert Haas has a recipe for a Gatorade replacement in his book "Eat to
    Win".  I don't remember if he has one for the carboloading version
    which is what I think you are looking for.  I read a couple of sports
    nutritionists stuff and haven't heard anyone advocating these.

    Re: -.1  What is 'Isotonic'?
    
    I believe the important word is balance. An isotonic fluid is
    constructed in such a way that it can be absorbed quickly by the body.
    It should have the right balance of various ions [e.g. salt] to match
    those of the body. 
    
    Glucose and small quantities of salt tend to be common basic
    ingredients, the question is -- in what quantities. There are also
    other tastes [ever try drinking sweet salty water?].
    
    Denis
    

    
    Why not try fruit or FRESH fruit juice (not made from concentrate).
    
    Alan.

    Studies of the benefits of such drinks as Gatorade and 10K have been
    inconclusive.  Most seem to agree that alot of it is marketing gimmick. 
    They are expensive for what you get.  The most important ingredient is
    water.  Salts and glucose might help in the more rapid absorption of
    the water.  These drinks generally have much more of either ingredient
    than is really required.
    
    Dr. Haas recipe was basically water with a little bit of orange juice
    and a few other additives.  He also recommends just diluting the
    common off the shelf products like Gatorade with water in a 1:1 ratio. 
    I buy Gatorade powder in the large cannister at BJ's and use half of
    the amount of powder specified on the can.  

    Don't forget the Energy bar element of my query. Any recipes for good
    nourishing bars for high activity.
    
    As regards the usefulness of isotonic drinks and the like - this tends 
    to be discussed in the specific notesfiles such as cycling or aerobics. 
    I put in the request to the COOKS notesfile to tap the culinary 
    capability of its contributors.
    
    
    Denis
    

�    As regards the usefulness of isotonic drinks and the like - this tends 
�    to be discussed in the specific notesfiles such as cycling or aerobics. 
�    I put in the request to the COOKS notesfile to tap the culinary 
�    capability of its contributors.
    
    As Steve Martin would say, "Well excuuuuuseee meeeee"

    A lot of the energy bars contain non-fat dry milk. I don't ever recall
    seeing a recipe that uses that, but there are lots of bar recipes which
    would add protein, iron, and carbos.  Those are the key ingredients
    you'd be needing for energy.  I entered a recipe for oatmeal fruit bars
    in one of the bar/cookie notes (i'll search around for it and give a
    more concrete pointer). It contains dried prunes, apricots and raisins, 
    oatmeal, nuts, and have added wheat germ from time to time. That might
    be a good start, maybe adding non-fat milk in place of some of the wet
    ingredients, substituting 2 egg whites for 1 whole egg for added
    protein without added fat and cholesterol.  I recall it had 1/2 cup of
    fat, so maybe milk could substitute for some of that fat?  They keep at
    room temp forever, and are moist and filling. Give it a try, and see if
    you can make some modifications to suit your taste.  
    Sarah 

    RE .8 Thanks. Now we are getting somewhere.
    
    Re .7 Sorry if my note sounded curt. Put it down to impatience.
    
    Denis
    

    I suggest picking up a couple of cookbooks.  As I said earlier, "Eat to
    Win" has a drink recipe.  It also has some snack recipes.  Another good
    one is by Nancy Clark called "The Athlete's Kitchen".  I don't know
    about the drink recipe, but she has snack recipes.
    
    That was an interesting comment about protein, iron, and carbohydrates
    being neccessary for energy.  Everything I've read says that protein is
    not an energy source.  Stick to complex carbohydrates for proper fuel.

    Did't mean to suggest that protein and iron are needed for energy, just
    that most of the energy bars contain ingredients high in these factors.
    One bar suggested you need protein to rebuild the muscle damage from
    heavy exertion. I'm not a nutritionist, and I don't play one on TV,
    just relating some info for what it's worth. Certainly can't hurt to
    add some protein and iron, unless your current diet consists of the
    maximum amount of each.