Do You Need Sports Nutrition?

There are so many running supplements out there, but do you really need them? What are they for and which ones are right for you? Here’s our simplest-ever guide to sorts nutrition for running.

 Do you need sports nutrition for running?

You’ve probably noticed that there are a number of different sports nutrition products on the market, from protein shakes to energy drinks and gels (not to mention vitamin tablets). But do you need them, or are they an extra “nice to have” thing that you only need to think about once you reach a certain level of running?

The thing to remember about sports nutrition is that it is largely just nutrition (that you can get from food and drink) in a more specific and more convenient form. In most cases, there is nothing in a sports nutrition product that you couldn’t get from food itself. But time and knowledge sometimes mean that a sports nutrition product is a convenient option.

When and why you might need sports nutrition

Running distances – as your training runs go over an hour in duration, you may need extra support in the form of energy and/or electrolyte products

Training frequency – if you train every day or multiple times a day (hello to any triathletes reading this!) it’s a good idea to use sports supplement products to support your diet

Busy lifestyle – when life is so busy that it’s difficult to get regular balanced meals and proper hydration, turn to sports supplements to make it easier

Dietary challenges – if your dietary choices mean you find it harder to get enough protein, carbohydrates or key minerals, use sports supplements to tick the boxes

What to look for in an “energy” product

Energy products for runners usually come in the form of gels or drinks which you mix from a powder. Most of these are full of sugar, which is OK (sugar is carbohydrate, and carbohydrate is energy) but no optimal.

If your energy product contains maltodextrin and fructose with no other “useful” ingredient, you are paying for two types of sugar. It’s not worth the money.

Instead, look for an energy product that contains carbohydrate (maltodextrin or any ingredient ending in —ose), amino acids or BCAAs (these are the “building blocks of protein”) and electrolytes. That’s a much more sophisticated and well-rounded approach to energy!

What to look for in a “recovery” product

At the other end of the spectrum, you have recovery products, designed to help your body replenish the energy it has used during a run and start to recover.

Unless you are training consecutive days, you probably don’t need a dedicated recovery product. But it can be a very convenient way to kickstart recovery especially if you go straight from a run to your next appointment.

Look for a recovery product that has a combination of protein and carbohydrates (both are necessary for recovery). It doesn’t matter what kind of protein (common forms are whey isolate, whey concentrate, or plant-based proteins like pea, brown rice, soya).

The important elements of sports nutrition for runners

Electrolytes: sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium are lost through exercise (mostly through sweating) and much needed for various crucial functions including muscle contractions

Carbohydrates: your body’s favourite form of energy, which is stored as glycogen in muscles and some organs.

Protein or amino acids: protein itself is made of amino acids and give you some energy but are mostly important for building strong bone and muscle tissue

Fluids: never forget the importance of fluids in your approach to sports nutrition

Homemade alternatives to sports supplements

If you have time to use real food instead of sports supplements, this will be a more cost-effective approach.

Instead of energy drinks/gels for longer runs:

A banana

Grapes or raisins

Jelly sweets

Honey mixed into real fruit juice (add a tiny pinch of salt)

Check out our blog about how to make your own sports drink for running here

Instead of recovery drinks:

Greek yoghurt with fruit

Smoothie with banana, oats, berries, yoghurt

Eggs on toast

A chicken and salad wrap

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