4 natural alternatives to sports drinks (with recipes to try yourself)

For those who prefer to avoid shop-bought sports drinks, there’s plenty of natural ingredients out there to give you the much-needed ‘kick’ that you crave.

Unlike their pre-bottled counterparts, DIY beverages using coconut water, vegetable juices and other fresh ingredients offer more than just energy. These five ingredients contribute to full body detoxes, shiny hair and (our favourite) fat blitzing.

For revving up your metabolism: Apple cider vinegar

Image source: The Diva Dish

Metabolism increasing? Check. Fat burning? Check. Weight loss? Check. Apple cider vinegar has it all. It pumps up your body’s metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories and prevent too many calories being stored as fat.

Apple cider vinegar also acts as an appetite suppressant and helps to alkalise the body - which also supports weight loss.

Recipe to try: On its own, apple cider vinegar is, shall we say, ‘invigorating’. This Morning Metabolism Booster from The Diva Dish is a delicious way to get your ACV fix.

For powering through a workout: Coconut water

There’s a reason coconut water is referred to as ‘nature’s Gatorade’ in the sport world. It contains double the amount of electrolytes (which you lose when you sweat) as a store-bought drink and is loaded with potassium (needed for proper cell function).

The list of health benefits of coconut water is impressive - not only is it the perfect for rehydration and increasing exercise performance, it boosts circulation, decreases inflammation, aids digestion and boasts anti-aging properties to boot.

Recipe to try: Food and fitness blogger Running To The Kitchen gives regular sports drinks a run for their money with this combination of coconut water, sea salt, calcium magnesium powder, juice and honey.

For full, shiny hair: Carrots

Carrots juice is the powerhouse of all juices. Why? The orange superfood is rich in alpha and beta-carotene - which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This nutrient prevents cancers, heart disease and improves your vision.

The benefits don’t stop there. Carrots also aid exercise by cleansing, nourishing and improving circulation (which helps fatigue). Not only that, but the biotin in carrots contain vitamin B, which increases hair thickness and promotes growth.

Recipe to try: The original juice master, Joe Cross, shares his vibrant recipe for shiny, longer locks (and excellent workout fuel). All you need is carrots, apples and ginger. Check out the recipe at Reboot With Joe.

For a total detox: Matcha

The health world has gone bonkers for matcha tea in recent years - and for good reason. Drinking one cup of the super-green powder is equal to 10 cups of green tea, benefits-wise.

Loaded with antioxidants, it prevents cancer and heart disease, burns fat and cleanses the colon. Consumed pre-workout, the wonder fuel will send your energy levels soaring (not to mention it’s delicious).

Recipe to try: This matcha energy drink recipe from Hello Glow contains water, raw honey, matcha powder and lime. Super easy - and your body will love it.