An energy drink is a type of beverage containing stimulant drugs, chiefly caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. ~ Wikipedia
It’s no secret that energy drinks are a popular sales gimmick these days. The truth is, they actually don’t give you energy, but ‘stimulate’ a false sense of energy. People drink energy drinks to get a boost or a ‘high’, thinking it’s a way to give them ‘energy’. When the fact is they are actually doing the opposite. An energy drink will excite your adrenal glands into overdrive to only then come crashing down later. This in turn causes a potential vicious cycle of dependence on a stimulant to get the person going again. This is not a habit that will help to sustain the bodies natural energy. Energy drinks in fact are a complete let down. False advertising at the price of consumer’s health. A scam.
Instead of believing the lie and choosing a common commercial ‘energy’ drink, why not choose a natural energy drink. A drink composed of nourishing ingredients designed to give your body what it truly needs. Natural ingredients provide key nutrients to support the overall systems in the body. This in turn promotes vigor and vitality that could never come from a neon bottle in a bin at the supermarket check out. Nourish your body from the inside out with beverages that help you reclaim your bodies natural energy.
8 Natural Energy Drinks
Kombucha – an ancient elixir made from sweet tea that is fermented into a wonderful energy tonic. Kombucha can be made easily and affordably at home. If you have not yet tried kombucha, head to your local health food store and pick one up. Be prepared for a sour taste, it may take you off-guard at first but will likely leave you craving for more. Loaded with enzymes, B vitamins antioxidants and probiotics, kombucha is quick to revive even the most dreary of souls. A basic tutorial can be found here. For various flavoring options check out the recipes I’ve included here; ‘How To Second Ferment or Flavor Kombucha {Plus, More Than 24 Flavor Ideas}‘.
Water Kefir – Water kefir is a delightful probiotic beverage that resembles that of a mild soda. It’s an energizing beverage as well and has been said to promote many health benefits. Consuming water kefir a great way to help your gut flora thrive and bring you increased immunity through improving digestion. A very simple and affordable beverage to make at home, here is my how to and recipe for water kefir.
Milk Kefir – Kefir is a cultured and microbial-rich food that helps restore the inner ecology. It contains strains of beneficial yeast and beneficial bacteria (in a symbiotic relationship) that give kefir antibiotic properties. Kefir is a rich source of the B vitamins, B12, B1, biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid. Kefir can be very energizing. It’s simple to make and very affordable to boot. Here is my recipe and method for making milk kefir. It’s a very potent healing beverage, be sure to start out with a small amount and allow your body to get used to it.
Green Tea – Green tea has a myriad of health benefits, one of which is to provide a gentle energy nudge, all while relaxing the body at the same time. Recharge your batteries with this refreshing blend that supports healthy energy levels: Raspberry Hibiscus Green Tea blend!
Coconut Oil (in tea or smoothies) -provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
It helps to boost energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
The body can use coconut oil for energy more rapidly and efficiently than any other fat source. Special fats in coconut (called medium-chain fatty acids, MCFA’s) are not normally stored in your body as fat. Instead they’re quickly converted to energy! Try coconut oil in your tea or smoothies!
Nettles Tea – Nettle is rich in many minerals, including; iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and chromium. It’s also high in B vitamins and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Nettles are good for our nerves, bones and kidneys and can be an excellent energy tonic. Nettles could be considered an excellent overall herbal energy tonic for anyone, a great choice to help nourish the adrenal glands as well. Try my Cranberry Nettles Tea recipe!
Adaptogen Teas – Adaptogens are nature’s anti-stress and fatigue fighters. They help maintain homeostasis during chronic stress by regulating the body’s adaptive reactions. They decrease the incidence of the harmful side effects of stress on the body by stimulating its natural defense systems. This ability to enhance the overall resistance of the body is the key to their health-promoting qualities. Adapatogens are a general tonic for the body, good for strength, stamina and stress relief! Some common adaptogenic herb choices include; Ginseng, Holy Basil, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Licorice, ashwaghanda and rhodiola. Try my Schisandra Five-Flavor Tea recipe!
Smoothies – If you want to start off your day with a nice energy boost, try a smoothie. If you need a recharge after a work-out, reach for a smoothie! If you need a pick me up in the afternoon, choose a smoothie instead of that cup of coffee or energy drink! Try my smoothie recipes; Coconut Berry Smoothie, Homemade Protein Shake Alternative, Pina Colada Smoothie, Probiotic Smoothie and last but not least, my current favorite, Dark Cherry Cacao Kiss Smoothie!
I use every single one of these natural energy drink choices in my weekly routine and have for years. Once you start incorporating a few into your regular regime, you’ll find you will quickly forget about commercial energy drinks (and probably even save yourself some money)! Still addicted to processed drinks, sodas and more? Read my post on How To Ditch Processed Foods: Replacing Soda, Juice and Other Sugary Beverages. Start giving your body what it really craves and needs with these 8 suggestions. Natural energy drinks won’t let you down, I promise!
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Lydia Joy Shatney is a certified Nutritional Therapist Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association. Additionally, she is the chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation in Delaware County, Pa. (Find the group here on Facebook). Lydia is also a member of the Nourished Living Network. Lydia founded Divine Health From The Inside Out in March of 2010. You can find Lydia on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest. Sign up for the Divine Health From The Inside Out newsletter! Pick up a copy of Lydia’s eBook; ‘Divine Dinners: Gluten-Free, Nourishing, Family-Friendly Meals’.
Lydia offers specialized step by step counseling to transform your health. Personalized consultations to suit your specific needs are offered via phone or in person. Lydia offers a variety of packages offered to suit your individual needs. Lydia also offers 3 online course: Heal Your Gut, Get Healthy To Lose Weight and A Calm Mind. Contact Lydia today to get started as well as to learn more about what she has to offer you!
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