What Is A Good Natural Energy Drink To Boost Energy?

Energy drinks can give you a lift to get through your workout or day, and healthy natural choices may provide additional benefits. Energy in your body comes from calories in food, and beverages with calories can make you gain weight. Only drink caloric beverages in moderation, and consider other healthy ways to boost your energy, such as getting more sleep and including regular physical activity in your day.

Milk

Milk is a nutrient-dense, natural drink to boost your energy, and it works as well as sports beverages to fuel workouts and to promote recovery after them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Milk provides high-quality protein and lactose, a natural sugar. Chocolate milk is higher in calories because it contains added sugars, and it may be a good option for encouraging children to increase their calcium, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can get more calories, or energy, from whole milk, but low-fat and fat-free milk are healthier options because they are lower in cholesterol-raising saturated fat.

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is a natural energy drink with about 120 calories per cup. It can boost your energy quickly because it is high-glycemic, which means that its carbohydrates enter your bloodstream shortly after you drink it. Drinking a glass of fruit juice within a few minutes of finishing an exercise session may speed up your recovery, according to Iowa State University. One hundred percent fruit juice is a healthier alternative to fruit drinks, which may be high in added sugars such as high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

Water

Water is not technically a source of energy because it does not provide calories, but it can make you feel more energetic because it prevents dehydration in which symptoms include fatigue and muscle weakness, according to the University of Michigan. You should get at 9 to 12 glasses of water per day, and more when the weather is hot or you sweat heavily from exercise. To increase your intake and stay hydrated, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day.

Smoothies

Make your own smoothie for a natural energy boost. Along with protein and carbohydrates, milk or yogurt provide calcium for bone health. Add fruit, such as berries, bananas or peaches, for more energy, dietary fiber and potassium, and ice cubes can increase the water content of your smoothie. Peanut butter provides an extra 95 calories per tablespoon, and it can provide sustained energy because of its dietary fiber, fat and protein, which your body is slow to digest.