Is an Acc Practising Sports dietitian specialising in endurance sports nutrition and plant based eating. Kirsty walks the walk, competing locally and overseas in long course triathlons, Ironman events, Ultra Endurance and Ultra Marathon events. Kirsty’s practice, Shaw Nutrition,  is based in Brisbane.

A few weeks back I was contacted by David from Coconut Groove about trialling his new product “Clean Energy”. David pitched it as a natural alternative to Red Bull, V, and other energy drinks. He explained that it could be used before, during, or after physical activity, or before a mental task, to help you complete it. Whilst I consider myself open-minded and am very willing to try new products, I had some initial reservations about Clean Energy. How could a drink without caffeine be marketed against caffeine-containing competitors? The second hurdle for me was that I generally am not a big coconut water lover, and definitely wouldn’t be a connoisseur of these products.

Presentation in a 330ml can lives up to the energy drink image, however the design is a lot ‘cleaner’ and fresher-looking, lending to the ‘natural’ ethos of the product. A read through the ingredients certainly comes up with zero stimulants. In fact, true to word, there are no added preservatives, colours, or emulsifiers of any sort. A bone of contention for me is the allowed wording “no artificial or refined sugars”. Maltodextrin from tapioca IS a type of sugar, and you most certainly have to do some ‘refining’ of the extracted starch to produce it. There is a loophole in labeling regulations, which allows it to be defined as a polysaccharide, rather than a sugar, because the individual glucose units are linked together in a chain or polymer. Maltodextrin is generally absorbed into the bloodstream at a rate similar to glucose (high glycaemic index). Incidentally this is perfect for a sports drink formulation where the purpose is rapid energy delivery. In terms of natural or artificial, well, where does one draw the line? You could argue sucrose extracted from sugar cane is just as natural as starch extracted from tapioca. Don’t get me wrong; I have no problems with the sugar being in this product if its intended use is for sports activity, but I do take issue with the labeling regulations that permitt this grey area. Apart from the maltodextrin, the ingredients in the product are fairly minimal and all easy to understand; coconut water, salt and fresh lime juice. Yup organic, and yes, Himalayan salt (no huge difference here to standard salt).

What about the electrolyte profile? For those not so familiar with the term; electrolytes can be thought of as salts that carry electrical charge in the body (sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride). You may have seen sports drinks marketing themselves as high in electrolytes. We certainly need to pay attention to these, particularly sodium, whilst exercising because we lose salts through sweat, and sodium can help with absorption of glucose. Clean Energy is somewhat comparable in sodium per serve to leading sports drinks (Endura Rehydration Performance Fuel, Pro4mance) but generally on the lower end of the spectrum, and much lower than other sports drinks (Infinit, Skratch Labs). This isn’t necessarily an issue unless you have proven to have particularly salty sweat and/or are doing an Ultra-endurance event. It does contain about five times the amount of potassium as other sports drinks, although the relevance of this if using it as a sports drink is debatable. For general health, potassium is mostly a winner.

The overall amount of carbohydrate per 330ml serve is right up there at 51.8g, higher than most sports drinks for an equivalent serve. This is definitely a positive if you’re looking to get carbs in during sports in a more compact fashion. In terms of the types of carbohydrate, it again ticks the boxes for endurance sports where multiple transportable sugars are required (glucose and fructose).

I tried Clean Energy for the first time just after completing a long swim, ride, run brick on a Sunday (I would have tried it during, only I forgot to decant the can into my drink bottle). Instant taste approval! I was so surprised that I could only lightly taste the coconut water and the main flavour was fresh, limey goodness. This is coming from someone who in summer has a recovery drink including three fresh limes blitzed with frozen berries and some salt. I thought I may only have a few sips but drained the can. As a recovery drink it is great for fluid and carb replacement but could not be stand-alone without the inclusion of protein for repair.

Over the next few occasions using Clean Energy I have given it a fair seeing-to on 100+km rides and another long Sunday brick. I have loved it more and more, and actually look forward to being able to drink it. On that note, I wouldn’t consider it as an everyday drink – it’s too high in sugar. Perhaps if you had a number of long hours in the garden you could consider it, but pumping in close to 10tsp of sugar for a mental task then sitting at a desk is generally not a great move for health. Having a cup of tea (black or green) first and foremost, or a coffee as second choice, with some ‘natural’ caffeine in it would be the preferable answer for a “non-active” mental task. And that brings us to the missing ingredient, caffeine. I wouldn’t necessarily have highlighted this except for the comparison drawn to energy drinks. As suspected, if there is any kick from the drink it is due to having a sugar hit and getting a lift in energy, which is what you generally want during activity. None of the other benefits of caffeine are present.

Despite myself I am now a Clean Energy fan and will be using it as part of my multifaceted sports nutrition armoury during training and events.

With his knowledge of health, fitness and nutrition in mind, he noted that the product is actually great for post exercising. After consuming Clean Energy by Coconut Groove, the health professional was pleasantly surprised that his energy levels remained elevated even two hours after exercising.

The product was also particularly good for hydration and helped replenish depleted glycogen and carbohydrate levels. In fact, he noted that the ingredients are “spot on” to consume post workout.

The professional wrestler will definitely have this product again, would drink it regardless of exercise and would be happy to recommend to a friend and other industry health professionals.

Key points:

• Good for post exercising
• Kept energy levels elevated even after two hours of exercise
• Ingredients are “spot on” to have post workout
• Great for hydration and to replenish your depleted glycogen and carbohydrate levels
• Yes, would have again and recommend

First day, following 5 hours on my ride-on mower clearing my property, in hot summer heat.

Second day, after  2 hours of solid exercise. I was simply amazed at how quickly I recovered Energy in each instance, after drinking Clean Energy organic Coconut mixture, and how Refreshed I felt! Based on my experience, I recommend this wonderful rehydration drink to anyone looking for a pleasant and effective Recovery Drink.

David Weir ND

Naturopath

• Organic Young Green Coconut Water
• Organic Maltodextrin (from Tapioca)
• Pure Himalayan Salt
• Fresh Lime Juice (Chemical free)

This makes for a great tasting lime based energy drink that is so much better for you than other energy drinks currently on the market, which are mainly sugar or taurine. The producer Coconut Groove has also gone to a lot of effort to ensure the drink is BPA free, contains no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours. Very impressive from an environmental point of view.

What else is it in?

You can expect to take in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in decent quantities for just a drink. We can see why it’s definitely a healthy drink and on top of all these excellent ingredients and vitamins it contains Manganese, Iron, Folic Acid, Niacin, Lauric Acid and Zinc in lower quantities. You can also expect to get more energy out of each can which makes it perfect for beach or pool activities (no glass) during the summer.

How can I get the most out of it?

It is clear this healthy energy drink is designed for active people who engage in regular exercise or sport. It has just the right amount of sugar to be beneficial after exercise as well as all the other ingredients that are designed to rehydrate your body fast and to give you that extra boost during sports.

We trialled it during indoor soccer and found it definitely helps with concentration and an improved mentality during games. During the first half the player who had consumed the Clean Energy drink had kicked 2 goals and ended up kicking a hat trick by the end of the match, which was a personal best. Suffice to say they always drink it before and after the game now almost as a ritual!

We would recommend it for you too if you feel like you could be more mentally switched on or lack the mental focus half way through games due to fatigue. Please note that it will not make you feel fitter but will help get the most out of your game regardless of your current fitness level.

Great to keeping on running

On another occasion we consumed it before and after a run which helped us keep running for a longer period of time before we needed to tone down the pace. It definitely takes away the “can’t be bothered” feeling and allows you to concentrate more on your breath and we also ended up running further than we usually can probably in the same duration of time, so good overall improvements to be had with this energy drink!

If you need some variety in your before and after exercise drink then Clean Energy is also a great option. Every time we do an event or activity that has us feeling parched we immediately open a can of Clean Energy and in no time we feel back to normal again.

Our recommendation is to leave the sugar based energy drinks with chemicals behind for good and switch over to a Clean Energy drink today.

Where to buy this healthy Energy Drink

It is available from Dan Murphys.

Publication link: https://www.coconutwateraustralia.com.au/new-coconut-water-based-energy-drink/

Neil is in no doubt Sharon saved his life.

Neil received new clot-busting treatment along with rehabilitation. It was six months before Neil felt comfortable with his life. His near-death experience along with another minor stroke and heart attack gave Neil an appreciation for life, another chance.

Neil became diet aware, began exercising, losing weight and building his physical and mental strength.

Over time he began trail running and is currently a volunteer with Run Queensland, a Sunshine Coast trail running group, then competing in events, last year completing the Blackall 100, a one day 100klm run.

Neil competes not only for personal achievement but also to raise funds for charity.

I first met Neil Collie at the end of his morning jogging session, 7.00am one very cool Glasshouse-Mountains morning in May 2017. I had no idea who he was, he had been referred by a friend. He came across as mild-mannered and passionate about improving his health and wellbeing and helping others achieve the same.

As we chatted, Neil’s story unfolded, along with his intention in June to run in the gruelling 250klm Big Red Run in the inhospitable Simpson Desert.

I was about to release “Clean Energy” as its name implies, a new pure, natural, coconut water based, chemical and additive free, rehydrating, high energy drink onto the market.

I had been formulating the drink for over two years, testing each new batch on             International, National and local athletes. My aim was to produce a high performance energy drink without added sugar or other crap that most energy & sports drinks currently on the market are laced with.

I wanted to produce a drink for those who value both their mental and body health, preferring an additive free beverage. I have achieved this with an Australian and possibly world first with the coconut water based “Clean Energy”

I gave Neil a couple of cartons to try, he said he would try it that night during his workout at Jamie Milne Training in Warana.

I received the following email from Neil the next morning.

OMG – The energy drink is incredible.

3 people asked me what I was on last night as my energy level was so strong.

I think this is the thing I have been waiting for. The difference that I need to get me over the line.

Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Can I get my hands on some more product so I can up my training.

Thank you so much.

Cheers

Neil

In June Neil competed in and was the first man over the line in the 150klm Little Desert Run.

Neil’s next goal is to compete alongside his wife Sharon in the 2018, 250klm Big Red Run.

Neil is Manager for Jets Nambour.