Whether it's because of late nights, a hectic schedule or just the mid-afternoon slump, we all need that extra boost sometimes. And believe it or not, what you drink can be your saviour! From smoothies with energising ingredients to beverages packed with vitamins and electrolytes, plenty of options are available to beat fatigue. In this article, we'll explore healthy energy drinks to help you power through your day!
We all know the feeling of waking up to a long day ahead of us and feeling like we could use some extra pep in our step. And, when it comes to boosting energy levels in our body, beverages like high-energy drinks are always on the go-to list. However, these drinks might not always work the way you want them to. Luckily, there are lots of homemade energy drinks that are natural, organic and healthy that give you the boost you need. From fresh fruit and veggie juices to dairy-based options, certain ingredients are packed with energising nutrients. In this article, we'll take you through a curated list of natural energy drinks that'll keep you active throughout the day.
Drinks When You Need an Energy Boost
Opting for healthy energy drinks provides the following benefits:
- Supply nutrients that help combat fatigue, sluggishness
- Prevents dehydration
- Bioactive compounds from fruits, vegetables, teas, or herbs help boost overall health
- Improves athletic performance and mood
- You can regulate the amount of sugar that goes into these drinks
Here are some natural energy drinks that provide immense benefits and give you an instant dose of energy:
• Water: Drinking water might sound like a no-brainer, but it's something that a lot of people don't prioritise. Dehydration is often a cause of low energy levels, which can easily be combatted by drinking plenty of water.
- Proper hydration leads to improved brain function, reduces fatigue, well-functioning metabolism, enabling the body to produce energy more effectively.
- Whether you choose to hydrate with bottled or tap water, both sources typically contain small amounts of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These electrolytes play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including regulating fluid balance, blood pressure, muscle contractions (including the heart), and maintaining optimal blood pH levels.
- As per NIN guidelines, drinking 8-12 glasses of water daily is important for enhanced energy and overall health.
• Smoothies/Milkshakes (Without Sugar)
- Smoothies made with milk contain macronutrients-carbohydrates, protein, and fat-supply a good amount of calories for energy.
- They're suitable for people of all ages and especially beneficial for active individuals and athletes.
- Ensure your smoothie includes a protein source (e.g., yoghurt, or milk, nuts), healthy fat (like peanut butter), and fiber-rich carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables) to boost your energy intake.
Recipes: Mango Banana Smoothie, Peach Spinach Oats Smoothie, Banana Date Milkshake
• Sattu
- Sattu (made from roasted chickpea) is a traditional drink that offers a burst of energy, is abundant in iron, manganese, and magnesium, and is low in sodium.
- Sattu drink can easily be prepared with sattu flour, water, a pinch of sugar and salt.
- It also serves as a cooling agent, promoting comfort for internal organs.
Recipe: Moringa Sattu Cooler
• Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juice (Without Added Sugar)
- Fruit and vegetable juices are one of the best ways to naturally enhance your energy levels and combat dehydration.
- Consumption of juice is linked to increased energy and carbohydrate intake, along with elevated levels of essential micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and folate.
- Beetroot juice, rich in iron and nitrates converted into nitric oxide, facilitates blood vessel dilation, enhancing blood flow. This increases oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain and reduces fatigue, providing abundant energy during the day.
- Drinking citrus fruit juice for energy will also keep you hydrated and restore strength. This is because vitamin C in citrus fruits helps enhance iron absorption for oxygen transport.
Recipes: Mix Fruit Juice, Carrot Beetroot Spinach Juice, Orange Juice
• Sugarcane Juice
Recipe: Fig Sugarcane Juice
- With a low glycemic index, sugarcane juice is an excellent high-energy drink that aids in sustaining energy levels.
- It consists of approximately 15% natural sugar, offering hydration and providing an immediate energy boost.
- It is crucial to exercise moderation when consuming sugarcane juice, as although it provides an energy boost, it is high in sugar.
• Coffee
- The caffeine in coffee is a natural stimulant that blocks adenosine, the chemical that makes you sleepy. So, if you're feeling a bit groggy before work or school, a cup of coffee might be just what you need to jumpstart your day.
- Drinking coffee can have some major health benefits, like reducing your risk of heart disease and keeping your brain healthy. Just make sure to keep an eye on how much sugar you're adding and you'll be good to go!
- Moreover, drink coffee in moderation, as excessive caffeine intake may have a negative impact on your health, despite its energising effects.
Conclusion
From a cup of coffee to a smoothie loaded with healthy ingredients, these high-energy drinks provide the right mix of flavour and fuel to get you through your day. So, now that you have some fantastic ideas under your belt, why not find out which one works best for you? And don't forget those extra pick-me-ups in the form of healthy snacks and an active lifestyle. With the combination of quality fuel and movement, you'll definitely kickstart every day with plenty of power and enthusiasm!