While water is essential to living, making up over half of our bodies, sometimes drinking the same thing daily can get tedious. Instead of adding artificial flavorings, there is another way to stay hydrated with all your essential electrolytes and other health benefits. The next time you need to switch it up or want to improve your post-workout drink, try one of these six best hydrating drinks.
6. Broth
While it may seem counterproductive, broth is one of the best hydrating drinks for post-workout recovery. Whether it’s chicken, bone, or veggie, the broth provides hydration and electrolytes. This is due partly to its high sodium content and is also why you’re supposed to have broth when you’re sick. One cup of broth is packed with potassium, sodium, and even protein. So, the next time you head to the gym, grab a cup of broth for the recovery session.
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5. Orange Juice
Fifth on our list of best hydrating drinks is orange juice. A great option to start the day, it provides longer hydration compared to water. The carbohydrates and potassium in 100% orange juice help contribute, and it doesn’t hurt that orange juice is a great source of vitamin C, too. You can drink the orange juice straight or combine it in a smoothie to diversify the flavor.
4. Coconut Water
Next on our list of best hydrating drinks is coconut water. While not as hydrating as plain water, coconut water does have electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, that help replenish fluids lost through sweating or dehydration. When buying coconut water, though, make sure it doesn’t have any added sugar, and drink it in moderation due to its natural sugars and calories.
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3. Sports Drinks
Rounding out the top three best hydrating drinks is sports drinks. A go-to for amateur and professional athletes alike, sports drinks are formulated to aid with rehydration after intense games. The carbs and sugar make them more appealing and can help refuel glycogen levels. Plus, some sports drinks contain electrolytes, like sodium and potassium. However, since these drinks are more for excessive activity, those who opt for more casual workouts may want to avoid sports drinks because of the added sugars.
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2. Smoothies
There’s nothing better than having a smoothie, and it also happens to be one of the best hydrating drinks. Smoothies are super customizable and can provide quick-digesting carbohydrates, protein, and fluids to refuel after a workout. Recommended ingredients to maximize your smoothie’s potential include milk, yogurt, protein powder, water, and fruit. The best part? You’re also stocking up on your daily allowance of fruits and vegetables, maintaining your body’s health in multiple ways.
1. Milk
Last but not least on our best hydrating drinks list is milk. Dairy milk may be more hydrating than water and could outperform some sports drinks. Milk contains around 90% water, plus crucial electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help your body retain fluid. And if you need nutrition, milk provides 13 essential nutrients and eight grams of protein per eight-ounce glass, helping your muscles recover from a workout too. So, the next time you workout, grab a glass of milk, whether it’s regular, lactose-free, or even chocolate!
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