Although Gatorade is intended for use by athletes performing intense activity, it is commonly used by even casual exercise enthusiasts. However, due to the high amount of simple carbohydrates and calories, it may actually provide more calories than you burn in your exercise session.
Calories
According to the nutrition information provided by food database MyFitnessPal, each 12-oz. serving of fruit punch Gatorade provides 80 calories. However, Gatorade is sold in sizes up to 64 oz., so a full bottle could contain up to 426 calories. MayoClinic.com notes that burning off that many calories would take more than an hour of low-impact aerobics.
Fat
Gatorade contains no fat. Although fat is high in calories, it can also help you feel full, which aids in weight management.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's main source of fuel, and for this reason Gatorade is rich in these nutrients. Each 12-oz. serving of Fruit Punch Gatorade contains 21 g of carbohydrates, all of which come from sugar. Sugar is rapidly absorbed by your body and can provide energy quickly, but the energy does not last for a long time.
Protein
A serving of Fruit Punch Gatorade provides no protein. Protein is involved in muscle recovery, so many sports beverages and supplements contain protein in addition to carbohydrates, just not Gatorade.
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