This Homemade Sports Drink Is Tastier And Cheaper Than Store-Bought

When working out, you likely reach for a sports drink to stay hydrated—but is it truly necessary?

“If you’re not sweating heavily, you’re probably maintaining your sodium balance just fine,” says Carrie Mullin Innes, a Calgary-based registered dietitian at Score Nutrition who specializes in sports nutrition.

But if you’re exercising for more than two hours (or if you get bored with water), it’s A-OK to try a sports drink. To save cash—and plastic waste—make your own.

Here’s one of Mullin Innes’ go-to homemade electrolyte drink recipes:

1. Mix together 1/4 tsp salt and 4 tbsp sugar in a very small amount of hot water to dissolve.
2. Juice 1 or 2 lemons into the mixture.
3. Add enough cold water to make 1L of fluid.

Find more ways to save money on just about everything, from bathing suits to blenders.