Was today stressful? You didn’t sleep well. A little one kept you up at night. You have a huge to do list. And you need some energy to go through the day. I'm here to help you create awesome energy drinks at home or even on the go. There are a lot of drinks that offer a boost of energy. And they do, but most of them are loaded with sugar and other preservatives that you don’t want to put in your  body. And the energy is not going to last, it will only spike your sugar level and make you tired afterward. You want to stay away from those bad guys especially if you trying to lose weight and boost your metabolism. Why not try healthy energy drinks? Drinks that will give you a boost of energy and will keep you energized. The drinks that are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and all the good stuff. 

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one - Green Tea

Green Tea

Green tea is my go-to drink every day. Not a day goes by without it by my side:) Green tea gives me a kick of energy I need in the morning and is my pick me up drink in the afternoon.  

Green tea is full of antioxidants. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine which improves your brain function. Also, help your body detoxify and reduces bad cholesterol. You can use loose tea. I love green tea with jasmine and peppermint. 

I like to brew green tea in a teapot. Use one teaspoon for per person + plus one teaspoon for the pot. Pour boiling water and let steep for 3-4 minutes. Add the sweetener of your choice or drink it plain. I like my green tea with raw honey.

Matcha Tea

Since we are talking green here. Meet matcha, amazing green tea! If you haven’t heard of it, you have to try it! I promise you’ll love it! Matcha is made from green tea leaves that are dried and stone-ground into a delicate powder. Because of the labor process required to produce matcha, it’s pricey. The health benefits are worth the price tag. It’s considered a superfood. Matcha tea gives you energy and loaded with antioxidants & vitamins. Also, it detoxifies your body. You actually ingest this tea not just brew it. 

The best matcha tea comes from the South of Japan. You mix the powder with water or any milk (coconut, soy, almond). Then, add a sweetener of your choice. To make matcha at home, combine one cup of hot or cold water or milk with a teaspoon of matcha and a sweetener of your choice. I like to add mine to the Vitamix for a couple of seconds and run it on high to produce a nice foam, just like green tea latte. 

Ginger Kicker/Ginger Tea – Non-Caffeinated

Ginger has amazing health benefits. It’s packed with soothing & anti-inflammatory benefits. Ginger tea will naturally give you energy and help you stay focused. It doesn’t contain any caffeine if you're trying to stay away from it. Also, it’s a great alternative to an energy drink for pregnant women. 

Here’s my recipe how to make it at home: 

Energy Booster Green Smoothie

I don’t know who decided to blend greens with fruit, but it’s a genius idea. Green smoothies provide you with an amazing energy kick especially in the morning when you just wake up. Plus, you get a boost of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

1 cup spinach

1 cup almond, coconut milk or water

1/2 cup of frozen blueberries

1/2 avocado

2 tablespoons of almonds, cashews or pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon hemp seeds 

Blend everything together and enjoy in the morning, before or after workouts. Or as quick pick-me-up. 

Mate Tea

Did I hear the sound of Argentina? Oh yes baby! Most of the mate tea comes from Argentina. I’ve tried this tea for the first time this year and absolutely love it! Thanks to my awesome friends Matt & Jesica. Why I love mate so much? It’s almost as strong as coffee with the health benefits of tea! It’s a great drink to boost your energy naturally. The leaves of mate trees naturally contain 15 amino acids, more than 20 vitamins and are loaded with antioxidants. 

Per my friend’s advice, having a French press is handy in preparing mate at home. A french press allows for leaves to fully expand and infuse while making sure that smaller particles won't end up in your cup. You can also add milk to mate or drink it cold in the summer months.

Red Beet Energy Booster Smoothie

I come from a country that likes to eat red beets all the time. They are a huge staple of Ukrainian dishes. 

Did you know beets are considered a superfood? They are great for exercising because they improve blood flow and help give you endurance. Also, beets are amazing in purifying blood and in cleansing the liver. They are high in fiber, Vitamin C, folic acid (for those of you trying to get pregnant), iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. I hope you are sold now to try my delicious Red Beet Energy Booster Smoothie! 

1 cup of water

1/2 cup ice

1 red beet

1 apple, cored

1 orange

Blend everything together and enjoy. 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099654/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365247/