13 Natural Energy Drinks You Can Make at Home

Courtesy Bonnie Taub-Dix

Sweet potato breakfast smoothie

A leftover sweet potato from dinner gives you a head start for this natural energy drink that jump-starts your day. “Sweet potatoes contain carbohydrates and fiber that provide long-lasting energy along with vitamins A and C,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read It Before You Eat It.

Ingredients:

1/2 medium baked sweet potato

1/2 cup plain 0% fat Greek yogurt

1/2 cup almond milk

1/2 banana

1 teaspoon ground sweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon chia seeds

3 ice cubes

Directions: Blend ingredients in a blender on high. Makes 3 cups.

Courtesy Get Off Your Acid

Dr. Green Detox Smoothie for Energy

“When you need a real power punch of energy and cleansing vitality, you can’t do better than a straight-up green smoothie,” says chiropractor Daryl “Dr. Green” Gioffre, founder of the Gioffre Chiropractic Wellness Center in New York, NY, and author of Get Off Your Acid. Be sure to check out these 31 energy boosters that aren’t coffee.

Ingredients:

1 handful of spinach

1/2 lemon, peeled

1-inch ginger, fresh

1/2 cucumber, peeled

1 small handful of cilantro

1 small handful of parsley

1 cup coconut water (or filtered water)

Optional: organic stevia or 1 date, handful of ice

Directions: Blend ingredients.

Courtesy Maggie Michalczyk

Matcha Collagen Energy Booster

This natural energy drink provides a boost of energy and focus. “The matcha contains just about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, but you’ll start to feel a relaxed yet focused state of mind,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Chicago, IL. “Matcha contains the amino acid called L-theanine, which produces an alert calmness.” This is processed slower in the body, so you’re not bouncing off the walls and crashing later. Check out these quick ways to boost energy if you’re feeling drained.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 1/2 tsp matcha powder

1 scoop collagen peptides (Michalczyk recommends Vital Proteins)

Directions: Heat almond milk. Add matcha powder and collagen to an 8-ounce mug. Pour heated milk over powders, and stir. Mix in a blender for a frothier drink. For a touch of sweetness add 1/2 teaspoon honey.

Daniel S Edwards/Shutterstock

Kombucha Energy Tea

“Kombucha is a refreshing and healthy drink that contains probiotics, vitamin B12, butyrate (a fatty acid), and vitamin K2. Vitamin B12 is known to increase energy levels and contributes to an overall mental well being,” says Rebecca Park, RN, a registered nurse in New York, NY and founder of Remedies for Me.

Ingredients:

2 gallons water

8 black tea bags

1 1/2 cups organic sugar

Scoby Kombucha

Directions: Heat 2 gallons of water in a big pot with 8 black tea bags. Add 1-1/2 cup of organic sugar to the tea and boil for about 15 minutes on low heat. Turn the heat off and let liquid cool completely. Once cooled, carefully pour the tea into a glass jar that contains the Scoby. Place a coffee filter or paper towel over the top of the jar and keep closed with a rubber band. Let it sit in a warm place out of direct sunlight for about seven to 10 days.

Courtesy Caleb Backe

Apple-Banana Energy Shake

If you’re feeling like a slug in the afternoon, pass on the soda and blend this natural energy drink instead. “Apples are a great source of both long-term and short-term energy. Besides being rich in antioxidants, apples contain natural vitamins and sugars that are slowly released throughout the body,” says Caleb Backe, a New York, NY-based certified personal trainer and health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. “Peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins which not only fight off hunger but also store energy and balance blood sugar levels.” Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils as these can up inflammation. Here are some tips for energy after lunch.

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized apples, peeled

2 frozen bananas

3-4 dates

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons of nut butter

1/2 cup crushed ice

Directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve chilled.

Courtesy Cassandra Suarez

Berry Matcha Energy Drink

“This drink is great for the mornings or for an afternoon pick-me-up,” says Cassandra Suarez, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, NC. “Berries contain natural sugars, which don’t spike your blood sugar and slowly release the energy throughout the whole day.”

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen berries

2 teaspoon matcha

Juice of 1 lime

1 cup filtered water

Directions: Blend all ingredients.

Courtesy PureLYFT

Watermelon Smoothie

The secret of this energy drink is the green coffee bean extract. “Green coffee bean extract has been shown to exhibit incredible health benefits including rich antioxidants, specifically 100 percent pure chlorogenic acid (a substance in green coffee beans), which aids in the suppression of appetite, reduction of free radicals, improves cholesterol levels, and various other anti-aging properties associated with longevity,” says Melissa Rifkin, RD, a registered dietitian in New York, NY. Always hungry? Check out these natural appetite suppressants.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups lemonade

2 cups watermelon

1 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 lime squeezed

1 Mixed Berry pureLYFT (green coffee bean extract)

Directions: Blend ingredient.

CobraCZ/Shutterstock

Berry-Cherry Energy Drink

“The coconut water is a source of potassium and tart cherry juice not only adds an amazing flavor, it’s rich in compounds called polyphenols that act as antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory as well,” says Susan Bowerman, RD, a registered dietitian and specialist in sports dietetics. Find out the daily habits of people who have a lot of energy.

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon Herbalife Pomegranate Green Tea

3/4 cup coconut water

1/4 cup tart cherry juice

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries

Lemon slices

Directions: Combine tea, coconut water, cherry juice and turmeric in a shaker bottle and shake until well mixed. Add fruit and lemon slices.

Courtesy Julie Morris

Chai Smoothie with Spirulina

“Spirulina boosts energy by way of its massive nutrient-density, which includes complete protein, full-spectrum B-vitamins, and detoxifying chlorophyll,” says Los Angeles, CA-based Julie Morris, a natural foods chef and author of Superfood Smoothies.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons raw cashews

2 tablespoons hemp seeds

2 large Medjool dates, pitted

2 tablespoons cacao nibs

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 teaspoons maca powder

1/4 teaspoons Hawaiian Spirulina powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

2 cups coconut water

1 frozen banana

1 1/2 cups ice

Sweetener (optional)

Directions: Blend all the ingredients, except the frozen banana and ice, until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until frosty. Sweeten to taste.

Courtesy Rachel Swanson

Moroccan Mint Tea Refresher

“You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated after drinking this invigorating mint, vitamin-C rich lemon, and antioxidant-packed tea,” says Rachel Swanson, RD, a nutritionist at LifeSpan.

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed tea (cold) green tea, white tea, or mint tea

1 cup cold water

1 glass of ice

1 whole lemon, freshly squeezed

Several springs of fresh mint

Directions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker to combine. Shake well.

Courtesy IU Health

Golden Milk Latte

It seems by 3 p.m., our energy and brain fizzle out. Cozy up to this energy latte instead of another cup of java to get an energizing immunity boost without caffeine, says Katie Hake, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Indianapolis, IN. “The combination of turmeric and ginger will provide a calm yet energizing boost.” Here are some more healthy eating habits for more energy.

Ingredients:

1 cup milk of choice

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ginger powder (or tiny piece of fresh peeled ginger)

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon raw honey to taste.

Directions: Blend together in saucepan over heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl) until hot, but not boiling. Pour into mug.

Courtesy Grace Derocha

Coconut Matcha Energy Drink

Dehydration can zap energy and make you feel tired. This natural energy drink is a thirst quencher that is also low in calories. “It is slightly sweet and helps balance electrolytes with more potassium than four bananas,” notes Grace Derocha, RD, a registered dietitian with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut water

2 teaspoons matcha powder

Garnish with slice of orange

Optional: serve on ice

Directions: Mix coconut water and matcha powder. Stir until fully combined. Garnish with orange slice.

Courtesy Mona Dan

Dirty Matcha

A shot of espresso and matcha aren’t the only players in this energy drink. The added dates are rich in protein and B vitamins, which may assist in boosting energy, while the cinnamon invigorates blood, which may helps with energy and mood, says Mona Dan, founder of Vie Healing in Los Angeles, CA. Just be sure to drink this before 2 p.m. to avoid being wide awake at bedtime. Don’t miss these natural energy boosters that might change your life.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon powdered matcha

1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cashew or almond milk

1 date, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 shot espresso

1/4 teaspoon honey (optional)

Directions: Whisk matcha with enough boiling water to dissolve. Add remaining water. Boil date, honey, and cinnamon in milk, until frothy. Strain or blend milk mixture. Pour frothy milk on top of matcha in cup. Add a shot of espresso and sweeten to taste. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

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