With such a focus on wellness at the start of a new year, many fitness enthusiasts — and beginners, for that matter — are looking for ways to optimize their workouts. And because the healthiest routines start from the inside out, what you put into your body is just as (if not more) integral to getting your strongest body ever as how many reps you do at the gym. For that reason, post-workout drinks have become hugely popular of late. Their mere presence begs the question how exactly do they work and which is the best one for you?
Whether your current regime consists of daily 10-minute workouts or trying the latest fitness trends like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), it can surely benefit from a little boost, and that's where post-workout drinks can come in handy. As a health guru and trainer to stars like Felicity Jones and Troian Bellisario, Amy Rosoff Davis knows the importance of what you're feeding your body after putting it to the test. "Working out gives your body such a delightful gift of love," she says. "Why not return the favor?"
In terms of what you're body is lacking post-workout, Davis notes that protein, vitamins and minerals, electrolytes, and hydration are all things to replenish after your sweat session. "It's very important to fuel your body with healthy lean protein and vegetables within an hour of working out," she explains. This is where protein shakes and green drinks can come in handy.
As for those electrolytes, Davis has noticed that the market is inundated with drinks that promise to boost recovery, but are filled with stuff that might do more damage than good. "I personally avoid any refined sugar or packaged products post workout," she says. "Look for healthy and yummy things things that will hydrate, satisfy, refuel, and make you feel good." In addition to low-sugar and preservative-free electrolyte-packed beverages (like Halo Sport, which she personally endorses) she had a tried-and-true, no-fuss way to replenish after a strenuous gym session: good old H2O. Noting her preference for Fiji in particular, Davis adds, "I also love just plain old water and lemon!"
Besides any other wellness goals and resolutions you've made for 2019 why not try amping up your fitness routine with a post-workout drink that best suits your needs? To get you started, find six different options ahead, including a few that Davis loves sipping on herself.
Halo Sport
"Halo is the most wonderful and healthy drink on the market for both the rigorous worker outer and the light yoga or pilates fan," Davis says. "There are no added sugars, lots of electrolytes, and minerals and antioxidants." The great-tasting drink uses organic lemon juice for flavor and ionic trace minerals from Utah's Great Salt Lake to help replenish rebalance you after a good sweat session.
Life's Abundance Greens Blend Supplement
Davis loves this greens blend created by nutritionist Kerri Gassman, which packs in spirulina, wheatgrass, alfalfa juice, and more into a vegan, gluten-free powder than can be added to smoothies or mixed with plain water to give you a major vitamin and antioxidant boost post-workout. It also happens to have no added sugar, despite offering a smooth berry-forward flavor.
Bulletproof FATwater
You've heard of Bulletproof coffee but Bulletproof water? Yes, it exists. At only only 20 calories, this sugar-free, B-vitamin boasting drink offers micro droplets of the brand's beloved Brain Octane oil, to help with focus and function.
Tone It Up Protein Powder
Vegans and vegetarians searching for a clean source of protein will love this option from Tone It Up, which can be mixed into smoothies or simply combined with your favorite milk substitute. These travel-friendly packets offer 15 grams of plant-based protein (pea and pumpkin seed), plus there's no added sugar and they're gluten-free.
Harmless Harvest Coconut Water
Don't underestimate the benefits of coconut water, which is a great to rehydrate and give your body a boost of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harmless Harvest's is an ideal option because it's USDA organic and preservative-free.
Fairlife Core Power
Keto diet followers might want to try this protein-heavy shake from Fairlife, creators of an ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk (so yes, lactose intolerant folks can have it). For an added boost, Core Power has a coffee flavor that will give you an extra caffeinated kick in the morning.
