Have you ever noticed how running isn’t just about lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement? It has a way of transforming how you live your life. When I started running to improve my health, it inspired me to re-evaluate what I ate, drank, and prioritized. Before long, I was blending up protein smoothies, collecting healthy recipes, and, more recently experimenting with my own homemade electrolyte powder for training runs.
Salt became a key ingredient in my running routine—an essential tool to keep me going, prevent muscle cramps, and crush my goals. But not all salty electrolyte drinks are created equal, just like not all the “flavors” in our lives are beneficial.
The same intentionality that helps us thrive physically also applies to our spiritual lives. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls us the salt of the earth, reminding us that just as salt preserves and enhances food, we’re meant to preserve God’s truth and bring flavor to the world around us.
What’s in Your Bottle?
When it comes to electrolyte drinks, there’s a lot of noise. Take Gatorade, for example—famous, yes, but filled with sugar, artificial colors, and questionable ingredients. If you’re curious about the harmful effects of sugar, check out this evidence-based article from Rupa Health: “The Inflammatory Issue: Is Sugar Fanning the Flames Inside Us?”. Spoiler alert: sugar is linked to weight gain, diabetes, cognitive decline, and even cancer.
That’s why I decided to ditch the sugary drinks and try LMNT’s stevia-sweetened electrolyte mix. But even then, I discovered potential controversies about maltodextrin hiding in their “natural flavors.” It got me thinking—how often do we allow subtle compromises into our lives? That’s when I took matters into my own hands and started mixing a clean, simple recipe using dehydrated organic lemon powder as a flavor. I even found I liked it best without a sweetener. Now, I know exactly what I’m drinking, and it’s cost-effective, too! I’ve shared the recipe below and here.
Spiritual Salt Check
Just like evaluating your electrolyte drink for hidden junk, it’s crucial to evaluate the influences in your life. Are you consuming media, relationships, or habits that bring life and draw you closer to God? Or are you letting in subtle “toxins” that harm your spiritual health?
In a world that often offers quick fixes and sugary distractions, we’re called to preserve God’s truth and live with purpose. Salt doesn’t just add flavor—it preserves what is good. As Christians, our lives should be marked by intentionality, pointing others toward Christ and standing firm in seasons of spiritual scarcity.
Run with Intentionality
Being the salt of the earth means living with clarity and conviction. Whether you’re crafting a healthier electrolyte drink or curating the media you consume, small, intentional choices can have a massive impact.
This week, I challenge you to:
- Evaluate what you’re “taking in.” Is it good for your body? Your soul?
- Be intentional about what you allow into your life—prioritize things that help you stay spiritually and physically strong.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, take a moment to reflect on this truth: every small choice you make to preserve what is good and align with God’s purpose makes you a living example of His love and faithfulness.
Stay salty, and keep running your race for Him!
DIY Electrolyte Powder Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 tsp Redmond Pink Sea Salt – Essential for hydration and muscle function. Buy here.
- 3/4 tsp Potassium Chloride – Helps prevent cramps and supports recovery. Buy here.
- 1 tsp (4 capsules) Magnesium Malate – Aids in muscle relaxation and reduces fatigue. Buy here.
- 2.5 tsp Dehydrated Lemon Powder – Adds natural flavor without the need for sweeteners. Buy here.
Directions:
1. Mix everything together.
2. Measure 3/4 tsp into resealable baggies. Buy here.
Note: If you decide to keep the mix in a single jar instead of measuring into little baggies, simply mix or shake the jar often as the ingredients are different consistencies and will settle improperly.
3. When you’re ready to hydrate, stir one 3/4 tsp baggie into 16-32 ounces of water.
Makes 10 servings
Happy Running!