Say No To Red Bull And Try These Natural Energy-Boosting Drinks Instead
If you've given yourself the promise to be more active this year, you may have not taken into account that your energy levels aren't quite up to the task yet. Energy drinks are helpful, but most are filled with artificial sugar, excess levels of caffeine, and artificial coloring, among other ingredients that aren't proven to be effective in increasing energy levels for extended periods of time.
A 16-ounce can of Red Bull has as much as 52 grams of sugar, so no matter how jacked up you get from drinking it, the damage it can do to your metabolism, weight management, and oral hygiene is not worth it.
Instead of reaching for artificial energy drinks, opt for the all-natural solution. Natural drinks like green tea are also beneficial for increased energy levels. Plus, the tea has been known to lower cholesterol and manage weight.
Looking for a quicker fix? A shot of wheatgrass can support liver function and provides an added energy boost.
Ready to replace your energy drink impulse with healthier energy-boosting alternatives? Read on for nine ways to do so.
Chlorophyll Shot
Chlorophyll makes plants green and allows them to absorb energy from the sun. Luckily, it is beneficial to humans as well as plants. It's been known to oxygenate the blood and boost hemoglobin levels. Take a shot of it alone or add a drop of it to your water for increased focus, energy, and clarity.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea has long been considered a great energy drink replacement. The leaves and root of the dandelion plant contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and energy-enhancing properties like beta-carotene that also work to lower blood pressure and increase liver function.
Green Smoothies
Supercharge your day with natural greens. Kale, spinach, and arugula smoothies help to alkalize your body and provide energy-boosting antioxidant support. Blend a handful of leafy greens in a fruit smoothie or add a packet of dehydrated super greens to juice or water for an instant energy boost.
Green Tea
Green tea has a whole host of benefits; one of which is increased energy. Research shows that drinking green tea can aid in weight loss, increased energy, skin protection, and lower cholesterol.
Guayusa
Similar to yerba mate, guayusa is an all-natural energy supplement derived from a plant. Indigenous cultures in Ecuador and Colombia traditionally drank guayusa from a gourd as part of an early morning ritual. Guayusa has as much caffeine as coffee, but it is also rich in antioxidants and chlorogenic acids, which benefit the heart.
Protein Smoothie
Lack of protein is a common reason for fatigue. The addition of 10 grams of protein to a smoothie can help carbohydrates convert to energy that your body can use. If you're in need of a quick helping of protein, add some whey protein into a smoothie for an energy-boosting breakfast on the go.
Water
It sounds almost too simple to be true, but water is the world's best energy drink. Dehydration can leave you feeling drained and tired. A few glasses of water every few hours help to sustain energy levels and increased metabolic reaction. The Mayo Clinic recommends that the average healthy adult should consume eight to nine cups of water per day.
Wheatgrass Shot
Wheatgrass is a sprouted green grass that has amazing health benefits, one of which is increased energy levels. Just an ounce of wheatgrass provides the vitamin and mineral equivalent to almost 2.2 pounds of fresh vegetables. It also contains energy-enhancing chlorophyll that can also play an important role in cancer prevention.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is made from the South American rainforest holly tree. The plant is naturally caffeinated and has the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and sweet-tooth satisfaction of chocolate, all in one beverage. To learn more about Yerba Mate, click here.