Sweet and Refreshing Chia Water: Sports Drink

by Arielle J on April 18, 2014

This is a perfect drink to have pre-workout, during workout and during the day when you just need a jolt of energy.

When I was running a half marathon 2 years ago, I searched for all of the best and most natural forms of energy. This drink kept me going on my long runs and even on race day. Avid athletes and marathon runners recommended it to me and it worked! The seeds are a little tough to drink while running, but it gives you something to chew on and keeps your mind off of the actual run!

Sweet Chia Water:
Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 tsp- 1tbs chia seeds (black or white)
1 wedge fresh lemon or lime, juice (optional)
1 tsp raw honey (optional)

Directions:
Shake it all up and enjoy!

Benefits:

Here’s why this drink is so great for you:

– high in omega-3 essential fatty acids (anti-inflammatory, good for your hair, nails, skin, and heart), antioxidants, protein, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamins A, B, E, and D, as well as other key minerals

– high in fiber, protein and calcium. Just 1 tbs of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, more calcium than milk, more Omega-3s than salmon, more iron than spinach, and more antioxidants than blueberries!

– They make a great sports drink because they provide sustained energy, combat dehydration, reduce joint pain and inflammation. Because they are extremely absorbent (expanding up to ten times their original size when soaked in water and forming a gel-like substance) and absorbing thirty times their weight in water, they help regulate body fluid levels and retain electrolytes.

– the honey gives it a touch of sweetness and good-for-you sugar to boost your blood sugar giving you a dose energy.

As always, don’t try anything new on an important day of working out, especially a race!

Inspired by chia seeds? Here’s a chia seed recipe for Chocolate Chip Chia Muffins– featured during my debut on Dr.Oz!

be hydrated. be replenished. be well.

Enjoy!

xo

be well,

arielle