Natural Energy Drinks - Tasty Alternatives to Store-Bought Beverages

Crystal Ray
I love energy drinks within moderation, and my favorites are Buzz and Monster brands, but lately I've been concerned by the number of calories and the amount of sugar they contain, and I've decided to cut them out of my diet and look for healthier options. Diet versions of my favorite energy drinks are available, but the taste leaves a lot to be desired, and they're still not the healthiest choices. Besides trying to cut back on sugar, I'm also trying to cut back on caffeine, and I've found a number of natural alternatives to high-calorie energy drinks.

The following natural alternatives are much healthier than the energy drinks you'll find in your local grocery stores and gas stations, and many of these natural alternatives are cheaper. Ounce for ounce you'll gain more nutritional value, and you'll find that your energy levels will soar.

Fruit Juice and Green Tea Combo

Instead of choosing energy drinks with high amounts of corn syrup and caffeine, try combining your favorite fruit juice with unsweetened green tea. The natural sugar in the fruit juice will naturally sweeten the green tea and give it a deliciously unique flavor. Many well known name brand drinks contain fruit juice and green tea, and combining your favorites can save a considerable amount of money. Best of all, you can add the juice you prefer along with the perfect combination of green tea to suit your individual preference and taste. This is one of the easiest natural alternatives to energy drinks, and it's a refreshing change from carbonated energy drinks that aren't at all natural.

Delicious Flaxseed Smoothies

Did you know that flaxseed is good for your health? Flaxseed contains natural fats that are good for the body and help in the prevention of some types of cancer, heart disease, and many other diseases and conditions. Increase your energy by indulging in smoothies made with ground flaxseed, fruit juice, fresh fruit, and honey. Toss about one cup of ice in a blender along with fruit and juice of your choice and a tablespoon or two of ground flaxseed. Add honey to make this delicious energy drink alternative sweeter, and blend until smooth. Experiment with various types of fruit, and make a one-of-a-kind energy drink that's completely natural and exceptionally tasty.

Herbal Iced Tea

You'll find an abundance of herbal tea on the market, and each type of herbal tea is known for helping specific ailments and conditions. Check your local grocery store shelves for herbal tea, or visit a health food store. You'll discover dozens of energy-boosting options, and the flavors are as unique as the many varieties. Enjoy a glass of specially-blended herbal iced tea with a splash of citrus instead of a calorie-laden energy drink. A natural energy-enhancing alternative could uplift your mood as well as your level of energy.

Fruit Juice and Carbonated Water

Have you ever tried fruit juice mixed with carbonated water? If not, you should. Although carbonated water isn't completely natural, it's a healthier alternative to energy drinks and soda containing high levels of caffeine. Combine about 5 ounces of natural fruit juice with about 3 ounces of unsweetened carbonated water. Depending on your individual preference, add more or less juice or carbonated water for a refreshing drink that will increase your level of energy without caffeine and without corn syrup or other sweeteners.

Published by Crystal Ray - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Crystal Ray is an award-winning freelance writer and artist from the Chicago area. Her passion is interior design, but she also loves entertaining and crafting. She is continually developing unique and creat...  View profile

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