Exercising regularly is only half of the equation when it comes to weight loss. You must support your body with the appropriate holistic diet to make sure you’re not only energized, but also hydrated.
If you were to believe most ads for commercial sports drinks, you would be convinced that if you didn’t have a sports drinks at hand you’d suffer the consequences of severe dehydration after every exercise session.
But what exactly are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are the minerals that make up the composition of your blood and other bodily fluids that possess an electric charge.
They’re responsible for regulating your body’s hydration levels, your blood’s pH levels, keeping your blood pressure healthy, rebuilding damaged tissue, and maintaining nerve and muscle functions at optimal levels.
There are a ton of these minerals, but chief among them are sodium, potassium, calcium, hydrogen carbonate, hydrogen phosphate, and magnesium chloride. Without these, your body could not function properly; much less survive.
When over diluted with excessive amount of water (aka as water poisoning) your body’s muscles become weak. At the other extreme, which is exceeding recommended doses of electrolytes, you’ll notice how your muscles have a tendency to over contract.
Yes, electrolytes are pretty important, but don’t panic. Sports drink ads will have you believe that you’re helpless in managing electrolytes and that you need their product.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The human body is incredible at managing its own electrolyte levels. Especially when it’s supplied a holistic diet designed to combat fatigue.
Besides, sports drinks are nothing but glorified neon colored sugar water that are loaded with potentially dangerous chemicals that are as corrosive as Coca Cola. They can also lead to long-term dental damage and decay.
Instead of falling for the quick and toxic temptation of sports drinks, just try out these recipes instead:
Homemade Sports Drinks
1. Early Bird
There’s no better way to end an early workout! Packed with citrus, this homemade drink is filled with the electrolytes your body may have lost during that early morning jog.
Just blend these ingredients at high speeds:
– Half a cup of orange juice.
– One fourth of cup of lemon juice.
– Two tablespoons of raw organic honey.
– One eighth of a teaspoon of Himalayan Sea Salt.
– Two cups of water.
2. Pick Me Up
Perfect for those agonizing moments between your workout and actual work, this citrus loaded sports drink will get you ready to jump back in action. Again, use a blender.
You just need:
– One fourth of a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
– One fourth of a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
– Two tablespoons of raw organic honey.
– Two cups of water.
– One eighth of a teaspoon of Himalayan Sea Salt.
3. Coconut Water Smoothie
I usually take this when I crave sweets. Besides being a healthy way to fight off the temptation, it’s also designed to get you energized with out a caffeine rush.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– Three cups of coconut water.
– One cup of ice.
– One cup of water.
– One cup of strawberries.
– One eighth of a teaspoon of Himalayan Sea Salt.
– Two tablespoons of raw organic honey.
Hope this keeps you motivated!
