Burn it to earn it

Sports drinks

Sports drinks and energy drinks are a go-to for many to help replenish lost electrolytes or to get an extra boost for the day. However, the sugar content of these drinks tends to be overlooked. Here we break down the calories, sugar content, and steps required to work off these drinks.

All conversions are based on a 2,000 steps/mile average for a person weighing 150lbs.

Photo credit: @Gatorade (via Instagram)

Gatorade

Everyone is familiar with the famous G logo, originally made for the University of Florida athletes—hence GATORade. There are 140 calories and 34 grams of sugar in a 20 ounce bottle of Lemon-Lime Gatorade. It takes 3,275 steps to burn this drink off.

ways to work it off

3,275 steps

• 30 minutes of Tai Chi
• 30 minutes of water aerobics

Powerade

Powerade is another popular sports drink that contains ION4®, an advanced electrolyte solution to help athletes replenish those that they lose. A 32 ounce Mountain Berry Blast has about 200 calories and 52.5 grams of sugar and takes 4,679 steps to burn off.

ways to work it off

4,679 steps

• 60 minutes of weight lifting
• 30 minutes moderate dancing

Vitamin Water

A 20 ounce bottle of Vitamin Water XXX sounds great for a workout since it contains electrolytes, vitamin C, and vitamin B. However, it also comes with 120 calories and 32 grams of sugar. It’ll take 2,808 steps to burn that off.

ways to work it off

2,808 steps

• 20 minute circuit, as many reps as possible: run up a flight of stairs, do 5 burpees, run back down, and repeat.

Photo credit: @drinkbodyarmor (via Instagram)

BODYARMOR

BODYARMOR is a sports drink made with electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins. A 16 ounce bottle of the strawberry banana super drink has 140 calories and 36 grams of sugar. It takes 3,275 steps to burn this one off.

ways to work it off

3,275 steps

• 30 minute walk at 3.5mph
• 30 minutes of biking, moderate pace

Monster Energy

Known as the "meanest energy drink on the planet", a 16 ounce can of Monster Energy has around 200 calories and takes 4,679 steps to burn off.

ways to work it off

4,679 steps

• 15 minute run at 6.7mph
• 30 minutes of low-impact aerobics

Red Bull

Red Bull contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sugars. A 12 ounce can adds up to 168 calories, including 37 grams of sugar. It takes 3,930 steps to burn off these calories.

ways to work it off

3,930 steps

• 30 minutes on the elliptical
• 25 minutes of kickboxing

Next time you need a drink to fuel your body, take a look at the label to make sure you know exactly what you’re consuming.

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Breakfast Foods

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Sweet Drinks

A pink canned drink next to a green bottled drink

Nothing tastes as good as 10K steps a day.