Are you getting in your steps in preparation for the Unite for HER 5K? Or just enjoying Mother Nature with an outdoor bike ride or hike with the dog? Whatever activity you are enjoying, staying hydrated – especially in the warm summer weather – is so important. While it’s convenient to grab a sports drink at the store, they typically are not very nourishing. Loaded with refined sugar and artificial colors (sorry, fluorescent orange doesn’t occur in nature—neither does electric blue) the only redeeming quality is the electrolyte repletion. Luckily, there are foods found in nature you can use to create your own sports drink/hydration tool – whether it’s post workout or recovering from treatment-related GI upset. That being said, when it comes to day-to-day hydration…water is always best!
Did you know?
The electrolyte we lose most when we sweat is sodium! That’s why it’s important to add a pinch of salt in this beverage. We also lose potassium, but significantly less. Coconut water is high in potassium and good for overall electrolyte balance, which is why we include it in this beverage.
Cheers!
DIY Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients
- 1.5 C unsweetened coconut water
- 1/2 C pomegranate juice (or other 100% juice)
- 1 T honey syrup* (see quick recipe below)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 C water
- 1 T freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and mix well
- Pour into a glass or water bottle with ice and enjoy!
*Easy Honey Syrup Recipe
First, combine equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan (I usually start with 1 C of each). Then, gently heat the liquid on low/medium-low and stir until the honey is dissolved (3-5minutes). Done!
Let it cool and store your honey syrup in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.