We all know how important it is to stay hydrated while working out, especially if you want to avoid these exercise setbacks. But sometimes what you need is a little more than just pure H20 to quench your thirst. When we sweat, we lose essential electrolytes, like sodium, magnesium and calcium, which we need to carry out everyday functions (not to mention feats of strength). Unlike the sugary store-bought stuff, these homemade energy drinks pack a one-two punch. They’ll replenish your body with electrolytes and boost your health with actually nutritious ingredients. Juice these up!
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8 DIY Energy Drinks to Fuel Your Workout
1. Citrus Mint Energy Drink
You won’t miss that lemon Gatorade when you’ve got this zesty sipper. Lemons, limes and orange infuse this energy drink with a flavorful burst of citrus and a mega dose of vitamin C. Ginger helps relieve pain and soreness by reducing inflammation. This blogger also adds two capsules of B100 complex to help replenish B vitamins that have been lost in sweat. Photo and recipe: Wendy O’Neal / Around My Family Table
2. Beet Sports Energy Shots
A shot of this energizing tonic before a race might bring you to the finish line faster. Studies have shown that beets can help improve high-intensity exercise performance. Plus, with cucumbers (made up of more than 90 percent water) you’ll hydrate like a pro. Photo and recipe: Yuri Elkaim / Yuri Elkaim
3. Energizing Spirulina Drink
This refreshing post-workout drink is chock-full of health benefits. Banana helps replenish your potassium stores. Meanwhile, spirulina and chia seeds provide plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair. Then, you top things off with a sprinkle of cacao nibs and bee pollen to deliver essential iron. Photo and recipe: Solene Roussel / in the Mood for Food
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4. Lavender Tulsi Sparkling Water
If you want a special drink to help you wind down after a workout, this lavender sparkler is it. Lavender and tulsi — a stress-relieving adaptogen — team up to help calm, detoxify and soothe you. Just be sure to use lavender extract and buds and not an essential oil in your drink. Photo and recipe: Agatha Noveille / Indie Herbalist
5. Lemon and Lime Energy Tonic
You’ll want to pass on store-bought energy drinks that give you the pre-race jitters and enjoy this fizzy coconut water-based drink, instead. Coconut water is high in electrolytes to help keep your stores replenished and your body hydrated. Lemon and lime juices will leave you alert and refreshed, while paprika provides metabolism-revving capsaicin. Photo and recipe: Caroline Phelps / Pickled Plum
6. Energizing Winter Juice
Need a boost to get you through that HIIT workout? Sip on this green juice, which is made with spinach, fennel, ginger and cucumber. Coconut milk adds healthy fats and a creamy texture to make it more satisfying, while hemp protein helps repair your muscles. Photo and recipe: Therese Elstad / My Nordic Kitchen
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7. Pineapple Wheatgrass Shots
Tossing back a shot of wheatgrass is notoriously tough, but adding some pineapple will help sweeten things up. The sunny fruit lightens the flavor, while also adding a hit of vitamin C. Wheatgrass is extra mighty thanks to chlorophyll. The nutrient helps the body to produce white blood cells that attack viruses and help keep you fit and healthy. Photo and recipe: Viella Bardouille / Diverse Dinners
8. Chia Fresca
Chia seeds pack a major calcium punch, which is great for keeping your joints and bones strong for those high-impact workouts. The tiny seeds turn into a pudding-like texture in the beverage to help you feel full longer. But the best part is this recipe only requires four ingredients, so you can make it in no time at all. Done and done. Photo and recipe: Howie, Dave and Kat / Hurry the Food Up