Exercise tips: 10 healthy drinks that boost stamina, help muscles recover faster
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for optimising performance and supporting recovery during physical activity, whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or engaging in any other exercise. While water is essential, there are occasions when your body requires more than just plain H2O to fuel itself effectively. So, let’s explore 10 hydrating workout drinks that not only quench your thirst but also provide vital nutrients and electrolytes to assist your fitness journey.Coconut water: Coconut water serves as a natural sports drink, delivering a refreshing and hydrating solution packed with electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, says Delhi-based fitness trainer Raghav Goyal. With its low calorie and sugar content, coconut water is an excellent option for replenishing lost fluids during vigorous workouts, maintaining hydration levels, and supporting optimal muscle function (Image: Canva)Watermelon juice: Watermelon juice is a delicious and hydrating choice for fitness enthusiasts, boasting a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This beverage helps combat oxidative stress induced by exercise and contains citrulline, which aids in enhancing endurance and reducing post-workout muscle soreness, says Goyal (Image: Canva)Lemon water: Lemon water provides a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated during workouts. Its vitamin C content boosts immunity, while its natural electrolytes replenish those lost through sweat. Additionally, lemon water supports digestion and detoxification, aiding in flushing out toxins from the body (Image: Canva)Green tea: Green tea serves as an excellent pre-workout drink, offering hydration, antioxidants, and a mild energy boost. The catechins found in green tea enhance fat oxidation and improve endurance, while its anti-inflammatory properties aid in faster post-exercise recovery, reducing muscle soreness and promoting overall well-being (Image: Canva) Tart Cherry Juice: Tart cherry juice is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that facilitate muscle recovery and reduce inflammation after workouts. Studies suggest that tart cherry juice may alleviate muscle soreness, thereby enhancing recovery time between training sessions, says Goyal. Its melatonin content also contributes to improved sleep quality, supporting overall workout performance (Image: Canva)Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a hydrating beverage rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. It supports muscle recovery, immune function, and digestion, making it an ideal choice for post-workout hydration. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate exercise-induced muscle aches, promoting faster recovery and reducing discomfort (Image: Canva)Chia seed water: Chia seed water acts as a natural energy booster due to its omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein content. It sustains energy levels during workouts, promotes satiety, and aids in muscle recovery, suggests Goyal. Chia seeds also regulate blood sugar levels and support digestion, making them a valuable addition to your workout routine (Image: Canva)Chocolate milk: Chocolate milk may seem unconventional, but it's a beneficial post-exercise recovery drink. Its combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and electrolytes replenishes glycogen stores, repairs muscle tissue, and restores hydration levels. Additionally, chocolate milk provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and magnesium, supporting bone health and overall recovery (Image: Canva)Fruit-infused water: Fruit-infused water offers a delicious and nutritious way to stay hydrated during workouts. The natural sugars in fruits provide a subtle energy boost, while vitamins and minerals support overall health. Experiment with different fruit combinations to create refreshing beverages that keep you hydrated and motivated throughout your exercise regimen (Image: Canva)
2024-04-29T07:31:27Z
Lose weight naturally with these 9 summer foods that also keep you hydrated, beat the heat
Including nutrient-rich and hydrating summer foods into your diet not only supports healthy weight loss but also ensures you stay nourished and energised, says Madhura Paroolkar Behki, Head Nutritionist and Dietician at Cult Transform. She emphasises the importance of selecting foods that not only aid in weight loss but also help manage the sweltering heat. If you are wondering what you should eat this summer to achieve double benefits like weight loss and heat management, Behki has some suggestions for you (Image: Canva)Watermelon: This juicy delight is not only a summer staple but also aids in weight loss. Packed with fibre, watermelon provides satiety while keeping calorie intake in check, with 90 percent of its weight comprising water. Additionally, it contains arginine, an amino acid that aids in fat burning, making it a perfect addition to salads or paired with feta cheese for a refreshing twist (Image: Canva)Cucumbers: With just 16 calories per cup, cucumbers are the epitome of low-calorie foods. Their high water and fibre content make them ideal for promoting a feeling of fullness while acting as natural detoxifiers. Whether enjoyed as a raita with curd or combined with iceberg lettuce, cucumbers offer a crisp and hydrating addition to summer meals (Image: Canva)Ice apple: Rich in fibre, ice apples support digestion and act as natural diuretics, aiding in flushing out excess water from the body. With 87 percent water content, they are a guilt-free indulgence for those managing their sweet cravings during weight loss endeavours (Image: Canva)Yoghurt: Yoghurt's protein content makes it an excellent snack choice for weight loss, while its gut-cooling properties offer relief from summer heat. Low in carbs, yogurt can be enjoyed topped with nuts or blended into refreshing buttermilk for a nourishing treat (Image: Canva)Bottle gourd: Fibre-rich and low in calories, bottle gourd helps in prolonged satiety and easy digestion. Its low glycemic index makes it an ideal vegetable for diabetic individuals. Include it into dal khichadi or enjoy it as a soothing soup for a nourishing meal option (Image: Canva) Corn: High in fibre, corn helps reduce appetite and promote fullness, while its probiotic properties support metabolism and digestion. Additionally, it is packed with potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin A, and can be steamed and enjoyed in salads for a flavourful and nutritious meal (Image: Canva)Iced green tea: With its fat-burning properties and ability to boost metabolic rate, iced green tea serves as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. Add a slice of lime for a zesty twist and enjoy its rejuvenating benefits throughout the summer (Image: Canva)Kokum fruit: The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in kokum is good for appetite suppression and weight loss, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe digestion and cool the gut. Indulge in kokum juice or savour solkadi for a tangy and nutritious addition to your summer diet (Image: Canva)Guava: Guava's high fibre content keeps hunger at bay while its vitamin C content boosts metabolic rate. With antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation, guava makes for a satisfying salad or a frozen dessert for guilt-free indulgence (Image: Canva)
2024-04-23T03:38:30Z