Are you looking for healthy sports drink alternatives that taste great and help you stay energized during your game? If so, then you have come to the right place. In this article, you’ll be taken through the different alternatives that you can try out that will either supplement or replace your current favorite drink. In no time at all, you’ll find yourself having more energy, enjoying a better game, and even feeling better after a workout, too, just because you’re well-hydrated!
Therefore, if you’re thinking of suitable hydration drink alternatives that are equally as effective as electrolyte powder, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of five alternative drinks that are great for remaining hydrated and which promote faster recovery and enhanced performance.
- Coconut Water
If you’re looking for healthy sports drink alternatives, then you no doubt need to consider coconut water. One of the main advantages of drinking coconut water is that it contains several electrolytes, including calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important in balancing fluid levels in the body. This means that your body will always have the proper amount of electrolytes to prevent the occurrence of problems, such as a headache when exercising.
Drinking coconut water can also help improve your concentration, particularly if you’re ever busy and continually working on your computer. With this improved concentration, you’ll better manage working in a loud environment without affecting your productivity.
It’s good to know that coconut water, like other drinks with high concentrations of electrolytes like lemonade, isn’t excessively sweet. It has 50-60 calories per 8-ounce serving and doesn’t contain added sugar, so you can consume it with your daily diet. A cup or two per day should be good.
SEE MORE: Skincare for Active People: How to Keep Your Skin Clean and Glowing
- Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is one of the few fruit drinks that are considered to be a healthy sports drink alternative. There is no doubting the health benefits associated with watermelon juice. As a matter of fact, it has dozens. All you have to do is decide which watermelon variety you prefer. However, it’s generally better to go for the organic varieties as they’re packed with all kinds of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, beta carotene, and potassium. Watermelon juice also contains arginine and citrulline, which, when used in incremental dosages, promote improved athletic performance by improving oxygen transportation in the body. These two amino acids get to achieve this by widening your blood vessels.
While watermelon juice is sweeter than most fruit juices, don’t expect it to carry the same kind of kick compared with other fruit juices. This is because of its low salt content. Some, therefore, add small quantities of sea salt for added flavor.
Apart from sea salt. you can add other healthy ingredients to your watermelon juice. This includes apple cider vinegar or even plain yogurt to create your very own unique sports drink alternative. You can try creating a mix with granola and honey for a treat that won’t cost too much as well.
- Beetroot Juice
Another very popular sports drink alternative is the nutritious beetroot juice. In addition to ensuring you remain well-hydrated, this juice also does an excellent job of improving your performance. The beetroot juice does this by expanding the blood vessels, promoting the faster delivery of oxygen to the muscles. Likewise, this juice helps improve your endurance levels. This combination of benefits makes it a great choice to drink before an exercise routine.
Beetroot juice is also high in antioxidants that are vital to protecting your body from harmful free radicals. These free radicals are produced by every type of exposure to environmental toxins, pollution, and other toxic substances. Beetroot juice contains modest sodium levels and high potassium content, all of which do a great job in helping you replace electrolytes lost through sweat. In addition, it contains betaine, a compound that assists in relieving inflammation.
- Chocolate Milk
One of the best healthy sports drink alternatives you can use for hydration is chocolate milk. This alternative sports drink is much like the common milk, but it has much fewer calories and none of the lactose that milk contains. It tastes good and is relatively easy to make too. It comes in bottles, cans, and other containers that can easily slip into your gym bag.
Chocolate milk contains an ideal balance of protein and carbohydrates, which is crucial for faster recovery after an intense workout. The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate boost energy levels, so you can take it before an intense physical activity for an active performance. Alternatively, this drink will also pick you up after getting depleted of your energy in a grueling match. Surprisingly, it’s not the sugar which perks you up. As a matter of fact, dark chocolate, which contains less sugar, works best in boosting energy.
- Electrolyte Enhanced Water
Drinking electrolyte enhanced water is also a great alternative to sports drinks. This alternative can be bottled, and you can even find it in vending machines. One of its main advantages is that it’s absorbed into the body quite rapidly. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Electrolytes are minerals that help with hydration, muscle contraction, nerve signals, and pH balance. These functions are vital, especially for those with active lifestyles.
Some products have added sugar, and the quantity normally depends on the manufacturer. If you’re cautious of your sugar intake, check the labels to ensure you don’t get more sugar than you wish.
Takeaway
Many people have heard of sports drinks as a great way to stay hydrated, and they may even have one at home or in the locker. There are several different alternatives to sports drinks that can be very helpful when you’re looking to stay hydrated while doing sports or exercising. While you might think of water as being the only option, this detailed guide has helped enlighten you on the great alternatives you need to consider for an overall improved athletic performance.
