Sports nutrition, as it is called, finds its roots in Scandinavia, where in the 1930s scientists began to study the metabolic behavior of carbohydrates and fats in relation to physical exercise. In 1965, at the University of Florida, Gatorade was developed for the football program by Dr. Robert Cade and his lab team. With laboratories and athletes on the same campus, universities became a common place for the research and advancement of sports nutrition.
Having a practical and convenient source of energy and nutrition before (preparation), during (performance), and after (recovery) a prolonged physical activity is both well known and well practiced. The packaged food industry capitalizes on this, providing a variety of nutritional supplements in the form of drinks, bars, chews, gels, mixes, powders, among others. Consumers benefit from this, enjoying a variety of choices for any and every activity.
The sports nutrition industry has become one of the 21st century’s more competitive markets, stabilizing prices and ensuring quality. As a consumer, find something you and your family like, and stick with it. If you’re just starting out and you’re not sure which one to go with, consider these brands:
Sports nutrition that is specifically formulated to help you prepare, perform and recover at your best. Honey Stinger is contracted by more than 600 NCAA + Pro Teams. Visit the Honey Stinger Store on Amazon
STROOPWAFELS | CHEWS & GELS | BARS | HYDRATION
BEST-SELLING PRODUCT
Regarded as the first major distributor of energy gels, GU Energy Labs solidified itself in the sport nutrition industry by supplying products at the Ironman World Championship in 1996. Visit the GU Energy Store on Amazon
STROOPWAFELS | HYDRATION | CHEWS | GELS
BEST-SELLING PRODUCT
CLIF Bar & Company produces energy foods and drinks with seventy percent of the company’s ingredients being organic certified. Twenty percent of the company is employee owned. Visit the Clif Bar Store on Amazon
BARS | KIDS | ATHLETE SERIES | BUILDERS | SNACKING
BEST-SELLING PRODUCT
Quest Nutrition is one of the fastest growing food companies in the world with a growth rate of 57,000% in 3 years. The Company markets their products in over 80 countries. Visit the Quest Nutrition Store on Amazon
PROTEIN BARS | TORTILLA CHIPS | PEANUT BUTTER CUPS | HERO
BEST-SELLING PRODUCT
Built around its signature line of sports drinks, Gatorade has been owned and manufactured by PepsiCo since 2000 and is now distributed in over 80 countries. Visit the Gatorade Store on Amazon
HYDRATION | EQUIPMENT | PROTEIN | ENERGY
BEST-SELLING PRODUCT
Since the age of 25, Joshua has been an Alaskan bush pilot, flying and exploring Alaska's Southeast wilderness. He is passionate about survival and takes pride in having the skills and tools to be prepared for any and every situation.
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