Gatorade G2: What is All the Buzz About

Gatorade has recently introduced a product called G2. There is a lot of buzz about this new product on television and throughout the media. But, many people have wondered if it's any different than regular Gatorade; or if it's just new, fancier packaging. Original Gatorade is a confusing product in general to many non-athletes or home video workout types of people. Add G2 to the mix and most are just bewildered.

When I first saw G2 I thought that it was just a newer recipe of original Gatorade-- sort of like the New Coke that came out a few years back; or the more natural version of Sprite. I didn't think too much of it. Then I tasted it and found that it tasted quite different and quite good in fact--like a typical juice drink. But, I thought that it couldn't be that healthy for regular consumption because it was a Gatorade drink. Now curious though, I decided to do some research.

Gatorade G2 differs from regular Gatorade in a few ways. First off; it is meant for regular consumption of athletes, and non-athletic but active people. Whereas regular Gatorade is only meant for athletes to drink during training. It is also important to note that Gatorade is good for people with diarrhea or any sickness that causes them to lose water rapidly and in which they cannot eat.

Regular Gatorade replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes lost during an intense workout of at least 60 - 90 minutes. Carbohydrates and electrolytes can be lost during illness as well. Electrolytes are--simply put--the sodium and potassium (salt) that is lost when a lot of water is lost from the body in any way. These electrolytes can be lost through working out; through sweating; or through illness. Salt helps the body retain vital water and is needed by the body in addition to water. Many people mistakenly think that salt in all forms is unhealthy for the body. But, it is just excess salt that becomes unhealthy.

During times of electrolyte loss, carbohydrates are also lost and need to be replenished. But, throughout a regular active day; carbohydrates do not need to be replenished. Carbohydrates can be sufficiently be received through healthy eating. Excessive carbohydrate intake will in fact cause problems if eaten excessively when replenishment is not needed.

Enter G2. G2 replenishes lost electrolytes; but adds no additional carbs. G2 also has only 25 calories/serving. This is accomplished by use of artificial sweeteners. G2 actually tastes like it doesn't have any artificial sweeteners at all.

The addition of the artificial sweeteners was a disappointment to me because regular Gatorade has no artificial sweeteners. I'm sure the use of artificial sweeteners motivates many people to drink the G2 on a regular basis because the calorie content is so low; but, personally I am very skeptical about drinking artificial sweeteners in excess. There's just a feeling of aversion I have for them. They just seem unhealthy to me.

Overall I think G2 is a decent product though I wish they would come out with a version that uses regular sweeteners for those of us not on that wagon. I'm sure they would find a good market for this product as well.