6 Natural Energy Drinks Recipes
Whether we’ve woken up early and need a shot of energy, we’ve eaten lunch and now feel tired, or we’ve reached the evening and need just a few more hours to check off a couple more things off our to-do lists - energy is a "rare commodity" that we always need, and often feel that we do not have enough of. Instead of drinking another cup of coffee, whose effect will soon dissipate, or drinking store-bought energy drinks that are laden with health-damaging substances, do yourself a favor and prepare one of the 6 natural, healthy and delicious energy-boosting drinks below.
1. Morning Sweet Potato Drink
Although baked sweet potato is a dish that is eaten as part of lunch or dinner as an addition to the main course, you should know that it can be used to make an excellent morning drink that will keep you energized for the rest of the day. The sweet potato contains carbohydrates and fiber that provide long-term energy, along with a respectable amount of vitamins A and C. This energizing drink includes bananas, which are rich in potassium and provide the body with available energy, and chia seeds, which contain antioxidants and high-quality protein.
- ½ a baked sweet potato
- ½ a cup low-fat yogurt without additives
- ½ a cup almond milk
- ½ a banana
- 1 teaspoon powdered cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 3 ice cubes
Preparation: Blend all ingredients together in a blender at high speed until you reach a smooth consistency. The result will be enough for 3 cups of this sweet drink.
2. Dr. Green's Detoxing Energy Drink
Dr. Daryl Gioffre is a nutritionist, dietitian and longevity expert whose patients have given him the nickname "Dr. Green" for his natural and effective treatments that cleanse the body of all toxins. The following drink is the result of Dr. Green's recommendation, and he himself makes it clear: "When you need a real power punch of energy and cleansing vitality, you can’t do better than a straight-up green smoothie."
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of spinach leaves
- ½ a lemon, peeled
- 1- inch ginger root
- ½ a cucumber, peeled
- 1 handful of coriander leaves
- 1 handful of parsley leaves
- 1 cup coconut water (or natural mineral water)
Preparation: Blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
3. Raspberry-Cherry Energy Drink
If you want to get a little "pinch" in the morning that will wake you up and inject energy into you all day long, choose this wonderful natural drink. Not only will it leave you with a great taste in your mouth, it’ll also provide your body with plenty of polyphenols, a natural antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, thanks to the cherry juice and coconut water in the recipe.
ingredients:
- ½ a teaspoon matcha pomegranate powder, or natural pomegranate concentrate pomegranate
- ¾ cup coconut water
- ¼ cup sour cherry juice
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- A handful of strawberries or raspberries
- 2-3 slices of lemon
Preparation: Place the tea, coconut water, cherry juice and turmeric powder in your blender and blend until smooth. Add the pieces of fruit and lemon slices, mix a little, and drink.
4. A Refreshing Mint Drink
The slightly spicy and refreshing taste of mint stimulates all the senses in an instant, but in the same breath also creates a sense of calm on the palate, and therefore it is highly recommended to start your day with this cool and invigorating drink. Beyond the freshness and energy that it’ll provide you with, it is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that will greatly contribute to your health.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or mint tea
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 whole lemon, squeezed
- A handful of mint leaves
Preparation: Place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker (or something similar) and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, then pour into a cup.
5. Golden Milk Latte
For many of us, this phenomenon occurs almost daily - towards 3-4 pm, after we’ve been on full speed since the morning, a feeling of fatigue begins to wash over us and we feel that our energy is slowly disappearing. Instead of making another cup of coffee, you should try making this awesome latte, based on a blend of turmeric and ginger that will give you the energy you need.
ingredients:
- 1 cup milk of your choice (plain milk, almond, soy or other)
- ½ a teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ a teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of black pepper
- ⅛ Teaspoon of ginger powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ a teaspoon pure honey
Preparation: Mix all the ingredients in a pot over a low flame. Cook until the mixture is hot, but not boiling. Pour into a cup and sip slowly.
6. Dirty Macha
Matcha is a natural green tea that is very popular in Japanese culture but has already spread around the world. This wonderful tea has significant health benefits, plus with the following ingredients that make it "dirty" - in the best sense of the word - it becomes a natural energy drink that is especially effective and healthy: the dates will give you plenty of proteins and B vitamins that help the body produce energy, and the espresso adds a small caffeine boost that contributes to health and alertness.
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ a cup boiling water
- ½ a cup almond or cashew milk
- 1 date, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon honey (for sweetening - optional)
- 1 espresso shot