When you need stamina and motivation, don’t turn to energy drinks full of herbs and excessive amounts of caffeine. Instead, try an all natural energy drink that is healthy for you.
Three reasons to avoid energy drinks with herbs and high amounts of caffeine
#1 The herbs
They may be sprayed with toxic pesticides, and you would never know because the manufacturers are not required by law to list this on the label.
#2 Drinking alcohol with energy drinks is dangerous
Many people, especially the younger generation, mix energy drinks with alcohol. This can cause serious dehydration and make one feel awake and normal even when they are technically drunk.
#3 Mixing medications and herbs can be deadly
You may not know rather or not it is safe to mix your medication with an herb; this is why I steer clear of herbs altogether. I’d rather be safe than dead or injured. Antidepressants and St. John’s wort is an example of an unsafe combination. Some SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) should not be mixed with St. John’s wort because they both affect the brain in the same way, causing the antidepressant to be intensified.
Three pre-workout natural energy drinks
#1 Banana and fig smoothie
Bananas are great for the nervous system and can help stop muscle cramps, while figs are packed with all natural sugar to increase vitality. Honey is one of natures most perfect foods, offering both quick and lasting energy due to the fructose and glucose it naturally contains.
To make this smoothie, combine the following in a blender:
1 ripe banana
3 sun dried figs (or raisins and dates)
1 tablespoon of natural honey
1 cup of water
#2 Carrot juice
You can purchase carrot juice or make your own with a juicer. Drinking your vegetables is an easy way to get necessary nutrients. Carrots are great for athletes because they provide energy and can prevent arthritis because of the chlorine (a mineral) found in them. In addition, they contain vitamin E, which increases the effectiveness of the muscular system by helping it to efficiently use oxygen.
Since carrots contain iron they are also a great way for someone who is anemic (due to iron deficiency) to gain energy.
#3 Green tea and honey
Green tea and green tea extract has been found to increase exercise endurance. A study showed that after 10 weeks of regularly ingesting green tea extracts, participants had a 24 percent rise (and 8 percent, depending on the dose) in endurance when performing athletic activities.
I recommend drinking green tea rather than taking supplementation and lead author of the study, Takatoshi Murase, said, “We estimate that an athlete weighing 75 kilograms (165 pounds) would have to drink about four cups (0.8 liter) of green tea daily to match the effect in our experiments.” This is a great reason to drink a cup both before and after working out, as well as throughout the day.
Post-workout natural energy drink
#1 Orange juice with rock salt and lime juice
When you are tired due to physical activity, orange juice with a small sprinkle of rock salt is a great way to restore your energy. Adding about a teaspoon of lime juice helps the body to your cool down after a workout.
Keep in mind that all natural isn’t always safe. Herbs are natural and they are not necessarily safe; however, when it comes to all natural foods and drinks, they can provide a safe and healthy energy boost.
More from Rebecca Bardelli:
Top Five Energizing Yoga Poses
Eat Honey Before, During and After Your Workout
Five Energizing Foods to Get Athletes Moving
Five Foods Every Athlete Should Incorporate into His or Her Diet
Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting, and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). In addition, Rebecca is a former gymnast and is avid about yoga, swimming and other athletic activities.