Dubbed “nature’s Gatorade,” coconut water is a natural isotonic drink that contains more electrolytes than most commercial sports drinks. When you combine it with the extraordinary power of chia seeds, you have a massive energy booster. This sugar-free, fat-free workout beverage, which was inspired by one of my readers, Marie-Guy, will help you maintain your body’s electrolyte balance. It’s low in calories, but rich in vitamins B and C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. The chia will also help you replenish minerals you’ve lost during exercise.
You can flavor this basic mixture with a variety of fruits. However, I prefer this alkalizing blend. I find the flavor of ginger too intense for exercising. However, many friends enjoy it in this drink. To get the best consistency, make this a couple of hours before you drink it and let it chill. The chia seeds will swell a bit but won’t thicken the blend to the point of sludge. I drink this when I work out, but also as an all-around health elixir to boost my liver, thyroid, kidney, and gall bladder function. Did I mention its beautifying powers? This is also great for your skin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) coconut water
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons black or white chia seeds
- Alcohol-free liquid stevia or other Natural sweetener
- Throw the coconut water, lime zest, and juices into your blender and blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds, until the zest has been pulverized and evenly distributed. Add the chia seeds and blend on low (if you’re using a high-speed blender) or high (if you’re using a conventional blender) for just a few seconds, until the chia is incorporated and slightly broken down but not fully blended.
- Taste, add about 5 drops of stevia or to taste, and blend again briefly. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. (If you used chilled liquids to begin with, you can drink this right away for an immediate boost, but the chia will be gritty.) Give it a stir before drinking.