Healthy, Energy-Boosting Beverages

We all have days when it takes a little extra boost to make it through to quitting time. While vending machine energy drinks are quick and convenient, they don’t do much for your health or your waistline. They may jolt you enough to power through your afternoon meetings but then you eventually crash from the sugar withdrawal. And if you think they’re unhealthy for you, what energy drinks do to kids is even scarier. None of this is good news.Why not try a natural energy boost? Mother nature offers a ton of healthy, natural energy advocates – in yummy flavors. Ginger, honey, citrus fruits, green tea and mint are all naturally energizing. Bonus: they help with your metabolism too!

We’ve done the research for you and found 5 natural energy drink recipes. You can make these in the morning before you head out the door and have them on hand for when that 2 p.m. afternoon slump hits.

Ginger root tea

Ingredients

• hot water
• 1 1/2 – 2 tsp honey (to taste)
• 1 inch of fresh ginger root
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp turmeric

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Cut off two thin slices of ginger and place in your cup or mug. Use a garlic press to juice the remaining ginger into your mug. Add both spices and fill your mug with hot water and stir.
Recipe via Instructables.com

Super Energy Drink

• 1 medium orange (about 1 cup), peeled
• 3/4 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 6 ounces vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup of ice

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Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Recipe via TableSpoon.com

Super Shot

Ingredients

• 4oz cranberry juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Combine cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. If that’s too strong, add 4 ounces of water. Chase with more water if needed.
Recipe via FoodMatters.com

Cherry Lemonade Energy Drink

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed unsweetened green tea
• 1/2 cup 100% cherry juice
• 1/2 cup flavored coconut water
• 1/2 cup seltzer water
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

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Combine green tea, cherry juice, coconut water, seltzer, agave and lemon juice in a large glass or container. Stir well or shake and serve over ice; garnish with lemon slices.
Recipe via FoodNetwork.com

Berry Citrus Energy Drink

Ingredients

• 1 cup pure/tap water
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 lime, juice only
• 4-5 mint leaves

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Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Recipe via HelloNatural.com