You would probably grab a bottle of sports drink after a game of basketball, a session in the gym, or a 20-minute run. While they are packed with electrolytes and a combination of vital nutrients, you may simply want alternatives to commercial sports drinks.
First, some people find the taste of commercial sports drinks to be unappealing. Then these beverages may also come with artificial coloring and rather unhealthy sweeteners. Finally, the sports drink is not always the best beverage for every situation that involves physical activity. Get to know some beverages that would help you during a game or workout.
Tea
The last thing that you would want to do is to sip a hot cup of tea after sweating out. You probably know that tea does wonders to the body. People indulge in this beverage due to its high antioxidant content. In fact, your body needs plenty of antioxidants after the strain from the workout. Fatigue generally causes a higher level of free radicals, which can damage cells and affect important bodily functions.
White tea has the largest amount of antioxidants among varieties of the healthy and refreshing drink. The popular green tea has slightly less than white tea, but it is also a wise choice. Black tea also provides enough antioxidants for recovery after a strenuous exercise. Make the most out of this beverage by preparing it from tea bags. You may pour tea in a handy vacuum flask and enjoy it later when you feel sweaty and tired.
You may choose cool bottled teas instead. Just make sure that these products are based from antioxidant-rich teas and contain minimal sugar.
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk may contain sugar, but at least that sugar allows the fatigued body to quickly process those proteins when you need them the most. The sweet beverage can be the ideal refreshment not only for snacking but also for intense physical activity. Milk is a reputedly nutritious beverage on its own. Adding energy-boosting chocolate to it makes a delicious substitute to a commercial sports drink.
In fact, chocolate milk has the ideal balance of carbohydrate and protein content. This enables you to recover from physical strain more sooner than expected. Be sure to choose a low-fat brand of chocolate milk for best results.
Coconut Water
Many fitness enthusiasts believe that coconut water is an excellent alternative to the sports drink found in groceries and supermarkets. It gives potassium and other nutrients found in commercial sports drinks. Actually, a glass of coconut water has more to offer. It contains the calcium and magnesium that a bottle of sports drink cannot provide. This refreshing drink also comes with sodium but not in amounts as high as in its counterpart.
Prefer drinking fresh juice, provided that actual coconuts come in plenty and you do not have any problem with the taste. Otherwise, you may bring pre-packaged coconut juice to your trip to the gym or the court.
The next time you want to build on physical fitness, consider taking some tea, chocolate milk, or coconut water along with you. However, plain water is still the best beverage for staying hydrated during the height of your activity.