Balance your fitness resolutions with natural hydration.
The start of a new year is synonymous with resolutions that get your heart pumping and body moving. Round out your fitness regimen the right way with natural post-workout drinks that can fuel your fun.
Liquid Nutrition
Flavored waters and juices are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, not to mention crucial hydration. Wilson Wood, marketing coordinator at Great Full Gardens in Reno and Sparks, highlights his favorite drinks on the menu for maintaining complete health long after your cool-down.
“You Glow Girl is a great post-workout juice because it contains pineapple, apple, ginger, and lemon — it’s amazing for reducing inflammation. The PB&J also gives substance after a workout; it has loads of plant-based protein. You can get these at any Great Full Gardens location or online.”
If you’re looking for a recipe to make at home, Wood shares a family drink passed down for generations called switchel that packs a replenishing punch after breaking a sweat.
“My grandmother used to drink this after gardening,” Wood remembers. “With ginger and maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water, it eases inflammation, it’s a good electrolyte boost, it balances your pH levels, and it actually prevents cramps.”
In addition to individual drinks, Great Full Gardens offers cleansing packages that contain a variety of juices to ease your digestive system and remove toxins while providing essential nutrients. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled on the business’ website for detox waters (including switchel) in the coming months so you can always keep healthy hydrating options on hand.
For details on juices, waters, packages, and more, visit Ginothesoupman.com.
Dairy Drinks
For a hearty drink that holds both carbs and protein, consider supplementing your activities with none other than chocolate milk. Libby Lovig, registered dietitian nutritionist and general manager of Nevada Dairy Farmers, knows that choosing milk to build a strong body is a delicious win-win.
“Research done over the past 10 years shows that chocolate milk is one of the best recovery beverages after sports,” Lovig says. “Studies have been done on endurance athletes with chocolate milk and other drinks, and it’s been proven that chocolate milk helps you recover faster and more completely.”
The added sugar, which is a carbohydrate, is particularly helpful for recovery. Chocolate milk also is composed of amino acids, including leucine, which is known for muscle recovery and growth.
“Chocolate milk contains about 85 percent water, and that liquid is great for rehydrating,” Lovig adds. “It also has nutrients and minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which are electrolytes that you need for recovery.”
If you’re looking for gains, consider adding whey to your milk for even more of a protein boost after a hefty workout.
“Whey protein has been isolated, and when dried, it’s a powerful complete protein,” Lovig says.
For details on recipes, local dairy options, and more, visit Nevadamilk.com.
RESOURCES
Great Full Gardens
Find hours and locations across Reno and Sparks at Greatfullgardens.com. Shop online at Ginothesoupman.com.
Nevada Dairy Farmers
2165 Green Vista Drive, Ste. 206, Sparks · 775-674-4015 · Nevadamilk.com
Switchel: Nature’s Gatorade (Nonna’s Recipe)
(courtesy of Wilson Wood, marketing coordinator, Great Full Gardens in Reno and Sparks. Serves 6)
1 cup ginger, chopped
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
⅔ cup lemon juice
6 cups water
Fill 2-quart saucepan with water and ginger. Bring to boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let ginger steep for 20 minutes.
In 2-quart pitcher, place maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Using a strainer, add ginger water. Stir and mix well.
Can be served warm or on ice. Add more water to dilute if needed.
Whey Protein Smoothie
(courtesy of Libby Lovig, general manager, Nevada Dairy Farmers in Reno. Serves 1)
1 cup ice
1 cup Nevada dairy-based milk
¼ cup pitted frozen cherries
2 scoops chocolate whey protein
Add ice, milk, cherries, and chocolate whey protein to blender. Blend until consistency is nice and smooth. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!
