The 15-minute halftime break can make a significant difference in athletic performance. That is the premise behind the latest phase of Herbalife’s Fuel Like Ronaldo campaign, which aims to educate athletes of all levels about the importance of proper hydration and nutrition during halftime.
Led by global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, the initiative translates high-performance sports nutrition science into practical recommendations that both amateur and professional athletes can apply.
Herbalife Expands the Fuel Like Ronaldo Campaign
As part of the expansion of Fuel Like Ronaldo, Herbalife is focusing on one of the most critical moments in competition: the 15-minute halftime window.
According to the company, this short break offers an ideal opportunity to replenish fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes before returning to play.
“Most fans see halftime as a break. We see it as the most important fueling window of the match,” said Dr. Krissy Ladner, Herbalife’s Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition Education.
Why Halftime Nutrition Matters
Herbalife explains that athletes may lose between one and three liters of sweat per hour during training and competition.
This fluid loss can negatively affect:
- Reaction time.
- Agility
- Endurance
- Overall athletic performance.
The company emphasizes that drinking water alone is not always enough.
Properly formulated sports drinks provide carbohydrates to fuel both muscles and the brain, while sodium helps retain fluids and replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
The Three Priorities of the Fuel Like Ronaldo Framework
Herbalife organizes its halftime refueling strategy around three key priorities.
1. Carbohydrates
Athletes should consume 30 to 60 grams of fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as:
- Sports drinks.
- A banana
- Energy gels.
- Energy chews.
The goal is to restore muscle glycogen and provide energy for the brain and nervous system.
2. Electrolytes
Sodium is the primary electrolyte because it helps the body retain fluids and maintain proper hydration throughout the match.
3. Fluid Intake
During halftime, Herbalife recommends consuming 12 to 24 fluid ounces, while maintaining a steady intake of 4 to 8 fluid ounces every 15 minutes throughout the game.
This practice helps regulate body temperature and minimize weight loss caused by dehydration.
A Refueling Strategy for Every Athlete
According to Herbalife, this halftime nutrition strategy is valuable for athletes of every level.
Weekend cyclists, marathon runners, recreational soccer players, and anyone participating in intense physical activity can benefit from consistent hydration and nutritional planning.
The company concludes that one of the simplest and most effective habits is to drink fluids consistently instead of waiting until thirst develops, since thirst may already indicate the onset of dehydration.
