If only energy came in a bottle. Oh wait, it does—technically more like a can or canister, though. And it’s often comprised of a questionable mix of chemicals, flavorings and artificial colors that may have the power to move you but don’t exactly do your body good. The next time you need a lift, skip the pre-workout powders and mega-caffeinated sports drinks. These good, old-fashioned beverages provide a boost, naturally—while also sneaking in some added health benefits.
Green tea
An 8-oz. cup of green tea contains between 24 and 45 milligrams of caffeine, which can help increase energy and alertness. Green tea is also rich in the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to support mental focus, and antioxidants that help protect healthy cells from the free radical generated by your body during exercise.*
Drink: 3 to 4 cups daily (make it iced for a refreshing pre-workout drink)
Best time to consume: Right before working out
Coffee
To delay fatigue and increase endurance, try drinking coffee before exercising. One 8-oz. cup contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine. Like green tea, coffee is rich in antioxidants, with some studies showing that a serving contains a greater amount of these protective compounds than a typical serving of blueberries, oranges or grape juice.
Drink: Up to 4 cups daily
Best time to consume: 30-60 minutes before working out
Cherry juice
Sometimes all it takes is something with tart taste to perk you up! Drinking cherry juice before running a marathon also has been shown to relieve athletes’ aches and pains after the event. This effect is thought to be the result of compounds naturally found in the juice promoting a healthy inflammatory response.*
Drink: 2-½ cups
Best time to consume: Every day for a week leading up to an athletic event, along with the day of the event
Fat-free milk
Naturally rich in energizing protein, milk also provides nourishing vitamins and minerals to promote muscle recovery and support bone health.
Drink: 2 to 4 cups daily
Best time to consume: Immediately after strength-training
Lemonade with ginger
Like tart cherry juice, lemonade has a zippy flavor that instantly refreshes and energizes with every sip. Stirring in some freshly grated ginger (about half a teaspoon per 8 ounces) additionally may help promote a healthy inflammatory response to ease post-workout muscle soreness and recovery.
Drink: 8 oz. lemonade with ½ tsp. grated ginger
Best time to consume: Post workout daily
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.