Sports drinks are a contentious issue for me.  Despite their assumed athletic relevance, they generally remind me more of consumerism and excess than they do of actual athletics.  I think of a specific Gatorade ad starring Kevin Garnett where he appears to sweat the color of his Gatorade.  I think about sports drinks’ bright colors and completely radical names that I always deliver in a certain way when I read them aloud.  Finally I think about sugar.  A 32-ounce bottle (pay attention to serving size when you read the label; the 32-ounce bottle in your hand is likely broken down into four servings) of a typical sports drink contains over 50 grams (13 teaspoons) of sugar and 200 calories.  Is this something I really need after a four-mile run on the trail by my house, even if it is a grueling uphill climb, switchback after switchback?

My contention with sports drinks isn’t that they don’t have a purpose, it’s that they’re generally overconsumed and overhyped.  I can’t help but think that sales figures are sports drink manufacturers’ biggest concern, but Kevin Garnett’s bellow seems to scream otherwise.  What’s the reasoning behind the typical sugar, water, and electrolyte composition of these drinks?  When, if at all, does it become important to rehydrate with something other than water?  What, beyond the commercial viability of selling sugar water, are the real benefits to professional athletes and amateurs alike?
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Making Hummus Artichoke Dip at Winter House

Origin represented Tribe Mediterranean Foods at the 2010 Winter House PR event held in Park City, where various media experts came to experience a variety of great products and participate in numerous fun events. Origin put on a cooking show, showcasing four mouth-watering hummus recipes created with Tribe’s all natural hummus. On the menu was Hummus Crostini, using Tribe’s Roasted Eggplant and Sundried Tomato Basil Hummus; Grilled Flatbread Hummus Pizza; Hummus Mozzarella Pesto Panini; and, my favorite, Hummus Artichoke Dip. The Hummus Artichoke Dip was so good we had to post it!

Tribe Hummus Artichoke Dip
It is hard not to love artichoke dip. This version uses hummus in place of mayonnaise (used in typical recipes) for a lower calorie/fat option, with equal the amount of flavor~ more to love! Serve it hot out of the oven with pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, crostini toasts, or your favorite cut vegetables. Always a party pleaser.

Ingredients:
1- 8oz tub of Tribe Roasted Garlic Hummus
1-8oz cream cheese, softened
1-14oz can of artichoke hearts, or 2-6oz jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1-2 scallions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, beat the hummus and cream cheese together with a hand mixer at med speed until well combined. Stir in the artichoke hearts, scallions, and parmesan cheese until combined. Add the worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Pour into a small casserole baking dish, 8×8 or 8×6. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and browned. Serve immediately with pita chips, tortillas chips, crackers, crostini toasts, or cut vegetables. Enjoy!

Stay energized with this nutritionist-approved energy gel. It really works to give you that extra boost in order to finish strong during a challenging workout or race. Because it contains complex carbohydrates, protein, and fat, it works better than the standard gels made of just carbohydrates or simple sugars.
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