Natural Alternatives to Your Favorite Energy Drinks

Between working full time, taking care of families, managing a social life, going to school, and handling everything else life demands, many of us rely on energy drinks to get through the day. As their popularity has increased, so have warnings about their use. If giving up your daily energy drink would disrupt your routine, try some simple tips to boost energy quickly.

If you’re looking for a product to replace an energy drink, consider these top energy-boosting supplements:

1Guarana

Guarana, a plant found in the Amazon, is a natural source of caffeine. It is traditionally used as a stimulant to boost mental and athletic performance.

2Taurine

Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in meat and breast milk, is known for its ability to support athletic performance and act as an antioxidant.

3L-Carnitine

L-carnitine, a natural substance formed in the liver and kidneys, helps the body convert fat into energy while acting as an antioxidant.

4B Vitamins

Last but not least, B vitamins help your body extract energy from the food you consume.

All together, these energy-boosting ingredients can have powerful effects.

Ways to Add Energy Boosts to Your Diet

To incorporate these powerful energizers into your diet while eliminating sugary beverages, turn to supplements for simplicity. Supplements make it easy to achieve the proper nutrient dosage each day without adding time or inconvenience to your routine. Consider a vitamin B complex supplement for a full-spectrum energy profile in the morning or a guarana capsule to combat fatigue at work.

You can also include these nutrients in your diet through the foods you eat. L-carnitine is naturally found in meat, with beef having the highest concentration, providing about 80 milligrams per 3-ounce serving. Opt for lean cuts of beef to minimize cholesterol, and vary your diet with other sources such as low-fat pork, cod, and chicken to maintain proper protein levels and dietary variety.

Some of these proteins also contain high levels of taurine, a natural amino acid. However, taurine does not naturally occur in all proteins, so it’s important to know which foods to choose. Seafood like dungeness crab, Alaskan salmon, and whole mackerel are great sources of taurine, as is sea algae.

By regularly incorporating an energizing supplement and some of these energy-boosting foods into your diet each week, you will likely notice a significant difference in your energy levels over time. Even though it can be challenging to eliminate sugary drinks, reintroducing these nutrients naturally will not only keep you active but also benefit your overall health. These substances provide sustainable energy that will help you manage your bustling lifestyle — all without undue stress.

Looking for more natural energy tips? Read Your Complete Guide to B Vitamins.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for ice cream. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food.

Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and, ultimately, led her to BubbForest Health Products.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Updated on November 25, 2017