While many people start their day with coffee or tea, my first drink is usually now Gatorade. It seems to quench my thirst in this hot Florida sun. It’s become a new habit that didn’t exist in cool, rainy Portland or even dusty Texas. (See Post #1709) I drink in some water before I attack the asphalt each morning but head straight to the refrigerator when I get back for a cold bottle of G2. It is the only way to satisfy my thirst, having tried everything including beer throughout the day. 

According to Wikipedia, the beverage was first developed in 1965 by a team of researchers led by Dr. Robert Cade (It could have been called Caderade). The drink was originally made for the Gators at the University of Florida to replenish the carbohydrates that the school’s student-athletes burned and the combination of water and electrolytes that they lost in sweat during rigorous sports activities.

The product goes off the shelf quickly here in Florida, particular the sugar-free varieties, so it’s difficult to stock a favorite. You simply grab what’s left, regardless of the flavor, even though I do prefer either grape or orange. By afternoon, I’m ready for some caffeine, so I drink a single Diet Coke. When I was working, I developed a Diet Coke addiction, often consuming four or more a day, starting with breakfast. With the cooler Portland temperatures, I would even stop at Starbucks for a hot caramel latte to get me going. When I’m really in the mood for a boost, I’ll grab a Monster. This happened just a few days ago when I spotted one in the cooler next to the Lowe’s check-out. 

Sometimes, just a sip from a leftover, warm Diet Coke in the morning will settle my stomach. I no longer crave the flavor except at McDonald’s and other locations where it’s dispensed at the fountain. I should drink more water and will refill my empty Gatorade bottles with cold water from the refrigerator. However, I prefer the flavored drinks and right now Gatorade is my favorite.