11 Best Hydrating and Nourishing Post Workout Drinks

“Discover the top 11 best hydrating and nourishing post-workout drinks to accelerate workout recovery including juice recipes packed with carbs, protein, and antioxidants.”
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery

Table of Contents

Introduction

·            Why Post-Workout Nutrition Matters

·             Recovery Drink Goals

11 Best Hydrating and Nourishing Post-Workout Drinks

  1. Tart Cherry Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Recovery Benefits

·         Tart Cherry Protein Smoothie

  1. Chocolate Milk

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Repair and Rebuild Muscles

·         Chocolate Milkshake

  1. Coconut Water

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Hydration Booster

·         Coconut Lime Refresher

  1. Tomato Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Anti-Inflammatory Effects

·         Virgin Mary Smoothie

  1. Orange Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Immunity Support

·         Orange Julius Protein Smoothie

  1. Pineapple Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Anti-Inflammatory Enzymes

·         Piña Colada Protein Smoothie

  1. Watermelon Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Hydration and Electrolytes

·         Watermelon Slushy

  1. Apple Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Antioxidants

·         Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

  1. Beet Juice

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Nitrates for Blood Flow

·         Beet Tonic with Chia Seeds

  1. Chia Fresca

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Hydration and Nutrients

·         Chia Fresca Recipe

  1. Banana Smoothie

·         Nutrition Facts

·         Muscle Repair and Potassium

·         Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Tips for Post-Workout Nutrition

Conclusion

References 

Best Juice For Muscle Recovery
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery

Introduction

  1. Why Post-Workout Nutrition Matters

Proper post-workout nutrition helps:

  • Replenish glycogen stores and energy levels
  • Repair damaged muscle tissues and fibers
  • Rehydrate and restore fluid balance
  • Reduce muscle soreness and stiffness
  • Boost protein synthesis for muscle growth
  • Decrease muscle breakdown and catabolism
  • Blunt cortisol to help anabolic hormones

Drinking the right nutrients soon after training accelerates recovery.

         2. Recovery Drink Goals

The ideal post-workout drink provides:

  • Fluids and electrolytes to rehydrate
  • Carbs to replenish glycogen
  • Protein for muscle repair and growth
  • Antioxidants to reduce inflammation
  • Key vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, potassium

Look for drinks that deliver a combination of fast-digesting carbs, high quality proteins, anti-inflammatory compounds, and hydration.  Best Juice

Best Juice For Muscle Recovery
Best Juice For Muscle Recovery

11 Best Hydrating and Nourishing Post-Workout Drinks

             1.       Tart Cherry Juice

Tart cherry juice offers a range of muscle-restoring nutrients.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 30mg vitamin C - antioxidant
  • Anthocyanins and polyphenols - anti-inflammatory
  • Melatonin - promotes sleep
  • Carbs for glycogen restoration
  • 420mg potassium – electrolyte 

Benefits:

  • Reduces muscle damage and soreness
  • Boosts post-workout recovery
  • Provides antioxidant protection
  • Improves sleep quality 

Tart Cherry Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tart cherry juice
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Directions: Blend until smooth. Drink within 45 minutes after your workout.

             2.       Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk provides the ideal carb to protein ratio.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 140-280 calories per 8oz
  • 12-24g protein
  • 25-40g carbs
  • Calcium, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin A 

Benefits:

  • Contains whey and casein proteins for muscle growth
  • Fast digesting carbs to replenish glycogen
  • Electrolytes including sodium, potassium and calcium
  • Well absorbed by the body 

Chocolate Milkshake

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate milk
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Directions: Blend until thick and creamy. Drink after your post-workout shower.


3.       Coconut Water

Coconut water is nature’s sports drink.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 46 calories per cup
  • 10g natural sugars
  • 600mg potassium
  • 60mg magnesium
  • Bioactive enzymes 

Benefits:

  • Superior hydration from electrolytes
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
  • Natural source of energy
  • Boosts circulation
  • Supports immunity 

Coconut Lime Refresher

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups coconut water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Directions: Stir to combine ingredients. Sip chilled after exercise as a refreshing pick-me-up.


4.       Tomato Juice

Tomato juice provides hydration along with nutrition.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 42 calories per cup
  • 10g carbs
  • Vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A
  • Lycopene - antioxidant
  • Small amounts of protein 

Benefits:

  • Contains electrolytes for hydration
  • Anti-inflammatory antioxidant lycopene
  • Aids muscle repair and growth
  • Boosts glutathione production for detox 

Virgin Mary Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
  • 1⁄2 avocado
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 15 basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 dates, pitted

Directions: Blend until smooth. Drink within 45 minutes after your workout.

             5.       Orange Juice

Fill up on vitamin C and antioxidants with orange juice.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 110 calories per 8oz
  • 25g carbs
  • 140% DV vitamin C
  • Folate, thiamin, potassium
  • Anti-inflammatory antioxidant hesperidin 

Benefits:

  • Boosts immune function
  • Reduces oxidative stress
  • Enhances iron absorption
  • Anti-inflammatory properties 

Orange Julius Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1⁄2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 4 ice cubes

Directions: Blend until frosty smooth. Enjoy after exercise or any time.

             6.       Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice contains inflammation-taming enzymes.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 130 calories per cup
  • 32g carbs
  • Over 100% DV vitamin C
  • Manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6
  • Anti-inflammatory bromelain 

Benefits:

  • Reduces exercise-induced inflammation
  • Boosts immunity
  • Improves digestion
  • Supports wound healing 

Piña Colada Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 banana
  • 1⁄2 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1 cup ice

Directions: Blend until smooth. Enjoy chilled after your workout.

             7.       Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice provides fluid and electrolytes.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 80% water
  • Good source of electrolyte potassium
  • Vitamins A, C, B6
  • Amino acid citrulline
  • Lycopene – antioxidant 

Benefits:

  • Optimizes hydration status
  • Helps reduce muscle cramps
  • Provides antioxidant protection 

Watermelon Slushy

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 1⁄2 cup coconut water
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Small handful mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

Directions: Blend together. Serve chilled after your workout.

             8.       Apple Juice

The balanced nutrition in apple juice aids recovery.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 130 calories per cup
  • 31g carbs
  • Vitamin C, thiamin, calcium
  • Antioxidants catechin and quercetin
  • Chlorogenic acid 

Benefits:

  • Replenishes glycogen
  • Provides electrolytes
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Boosts glutathione detox 

Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 scoop cinnamon protein powder
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1⁄2 cup oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 ice cubes

Directions: Blend until frosty smooth. Drink after workouts.

             9.       Beet Juice

Beet juice enhances blood flow to working muscles.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 110 calories per cup
  • 25g carbs
  • Folate, manganese, potassium
  • Nitrates that convert to nitric oxide 

Benefits:

  • Widens blood vessels to boost circulation
  • Improves oxygen and nutrient delivery
  • May enhance stamina and performance 

Beet Tonic with Chia Seeds

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups beet juice
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Ice cubes

Directions: Stir to mix. Consume chilled after your training session.

             10.   Chia Fresca

Chia fresca supplies hydration along with antioxidants.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 100 calories per 16 oz
  • 19g carbs
  • 5g protein
  • Omega-3s, calcium, antioxidants 

Benefits:

  • The chia seeds provide hydration
  • Electrolyte-rich coconut water
  • Omega-3s reduce inflammation
  • Antioxidant-rich ingredients 

Chia Fresca Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups coconut water
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Ice cubes

Directions: Stir well before drinking to distribute chia seeds. Enjoy chilled.


       11.    Banana Smoothie

Bananas offer potassium to support muscle function.

Nutrition Facts:

  • 110 calories per medium banana
  • 30g carbs
  • 1g protein
  • 12% DV potassium
  • Vitamin C, vitamin B6 

Benefits:

  • Provides electrolyte potassium
  • Easy to digest source of carbs
  • Contains serotonin for mood support
  • Rich in antioxidants 

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 frozen bananas
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Ice cubes

Directions: Blend until creamy smooth. Refuel muscles with this shake.

Tips for Post-Workout Nutrition

Strategies to optimize recovery:

  • Consume carbs and protein in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio post-exercise.
  • Eat a high quality meal within 60 minutes after your workout.
  • Have a recovery drink within 30 minutes of finishing.
  • Include antioxidant-rich ingredients like tart cherries or berries.
  • Get adequate protein at each meal to promote muscle protein synthesis.

Proper nutrition before, during, and after training allows for quicker muscle recovery and growth.

Conclusion

Post-workout drinks containing hydrating fluid, electrolytes, carbohydrates, proteins, and anti-inflammatory agents help restore energy, repair damaged tissue, and speed overall exercise recovery. Use the best juices and smoothies to get the nutrients your body craves after training hard.

References

Akerstrom TC, Birk JB, Klein DK, Erikstrup C, Plomgaard P, Pedersen BK, & Wojtaszewski J. (2006). Oral glucose ingestion attenuates exercise-induced activation of 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase in human skeletal muscle. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 342(3), 949-955.

Gail Dutton (2021, August 17). 8 Post-Workout Drinks to Boost Recovery. Openfit. 

Sousa M, Teixeira VH, Soares J. (2014). Dietary strategies to recover from exercise-induced muscle damage. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 65(1), 151–163.

Wilkinson DJ, Smeeton NJ, Watt PW. (2010). Ammonia metabolism, the brain and fatigue; revisiting the link. Progress in neurobiology, 91(3), 200-19.

Read more: Best Fruit Juice For Muscle Gain

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