In the pink

Want an exercise boost? Reach for the pink lemonade! It sounds nonsensical, but researchers found that the colour of the drink you sip while running can cause you to go further and faster – and even help you enjoy your exercise more. A study* at the University of Westminster found that a pink drink increased performance by almost five per cent over a clear drink – with runners managing to achieve an extra

212 metres on average over a 30-minute period. Athletes were given the same drink – but food dye was added to change the colour for some participants. The researchers selected pink because the colour is associated with sweetness and therefore increases expectations of sugar and carbohydrate intake. Gives new meaning to ‘rose’ to the occasion!