I have a very active family! We’re not at the gym everyday (I try to go a few times a week) but we are always on the go and shuttling our kids to sports venues, after-school practices and/or games and spending our weekends outside. My husband & I have purchased energy drinks very scarcely over the years. Although I don’t have a problem with energy per say, with energy drinks being a newer product (in the last 10 years) I also don’t know the long term side effects it will have on me or my children’s future.
Energy drinks are all the rage, even though many people know they aren’t good for you. They contain many harmful chemicals, high amounts of caffeine, and some contain ridiculous amounts of sugar. Beyond those, though, are the drinks with electrolytes that claim to be healthy, too. They’re not! They, too, contain things our bodies don’t need to ingest large amounts of. Instead, opt for one of these super simple, yummy, and energy packed drinks you can make right at home. And these are actually healthy for you!
Orange Flax Smoothie
Oranges are good sources of potassium, magnesium, B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate. Flax oil slows down the release of sugar into your body, which will give you a steady supply of energy for hours. Combine them, and they’re a perfect, natural energy drink.
Ingredients:
5 peeled, sweet, seedless oranges
3 tablespoons of cold-pressed flax oil.
Directions:
Add a little cold water to the ingredients and blend. That’s it! Store in the refrigerator to keep it longer.
You can also add in kiwis and bananas to make additional flavors with other nutrients.
Electrolytes Please!
If you want healthy and real electrolytes in a low-calorie drink, here it is!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 cup fresh water
1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a food blender and blend until the honey is dissolved. Pour over ice and enjoy! You can make before a workout and store in a cold spot until you’re ready to drink it.
Apple Cider Drink
Apple cider vinegar is fantastic for curbing appetite and boosting energy because it contains loads of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, B1, B2, and B6.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
16 ounces cold water
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice
Directions: Place all ingredients into a sports bottle with ice and shake well. This drink is great on the go or even during a workout.
Personally I like to keep things simple! I purchased a large bag of flax seed which has several health benefits in our morning breakfast or breakfast smoothie. Like anything, too much flax seed is not good for you. you should consult your physician before changing your diet in any way. Natural energy is waiting for you! A simple reduction in your pre-made energy drink can potentially make a huge impact in your health.
My teen loves to make smoothies and her own breakfast beveragess! Let them get involved and create their own natural energy drinks as well.
Do you purchase pre-made energy drinks? Would you try any of the natural energy drinks I mentioned?
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