Most commercial energy drinks combine salt, refined sugar, caffeine, and artificial flavoring and dyes to give you a quick burst of energy—then leave you high and dry when you crash an hour later. If you’d like to hydrate in a healthy way and avoid high-fructose corn syrup and caffeine packaged in plastic, give this recipe a try!
Make a simple, tasty, and naturally energizing drink that uses ingredients easily found in your supermarket.
You will need:
- ¼ c. barley (great source for fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugar)
- 5 c. water
- 2- or 3-inch finger of fresh ginger, sliced (soothes muscle pain and stimulates digestion)
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons (natural antioxidant, helps restore alkaline balance in the body)
- ¼ c. honey (fat- and cholesterol-free, instant energy booster)
- ½ tsp. salt (important when sweating heavily)
Bring the barley to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add ginger slices and lemon zest, and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the liquid, add lemon juice, honey, and salt, then stir. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
