Choosing healthier alternatives, like metabolism-boosting water with lemon or an antioxidant-packed smoothie, can help prevent health issues in the future.

Lemon Water

Water is the purest form of hydration, and starting the day with a glass of lemon water can provide multiple benefits. Adding a squirt of lemon juice is a flavor-packed way to boost the body’s metabolic processes, facilitate cell growth and stimulate energy production.

Even the smell of lemon provides an energy boost, according to research published in the Journal of UOEH.Lemon-infused water is also packed with electrolytes to help to treat a headache, fatigue and other symptoms of low energy. Research shows water with lemon can provide nutrients to improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones, provide vitamin C and more.

Green Tea

Green tea contains less caffeine than energy drinks, and it comes with added nutrients. The powerful health elixir contains the amino acid L-theanine, which combines with caffeine in a way that limits the unpleasant, jittery reaction from coffee, according to research in the Journal of Nutrition Reviews.

As an alternative to coffee, the energy from green tea may also improve mental clarity. Green tea also reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Additional benefits of green tea consumption include weight loss and stress relief.

Smoothies

Smoothies—especially green smoothies—can be a source of essential energy-producing vitamins. B complex vitamins, such asB1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, are key to metabolic functioning, which allows the body to make and use energy properly. Without B vitamins, the body can’t get up and get moving. 

Adding vitamin B powders or spirulina to smoothies, in addition to green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. The whole foods in these frozen concoctions can be transferred into energy, along with vitamins. Check out vitamin-packed smoothie recipes for fresh, nutritious ideas. 

Protein Shakes

Maintaining an adequate protein intake is essential to feeling energized, especially for vegans and vegetarians.  If the body doesn’t receive enough protein, fatigue starts to become a way of life. 

Good sources of natural protein aren’t just protein powders, but powders that can be mixed with almonds, peanut butter, chia or flax. Protein provides the body with essential amino acids that are necessary for the cells to function. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a free tool to calculate the proper amount of protein for your body weight. 

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