8 Best Post-Workout Drinks to Help You Recover: By Nirva Dietitians

8 Post-Workout Drinks That Will Help You Revitalise Your Body

We’ve consulted with expert dietitians to highlight the best beverages for recovery, helping you choose the right options to pair with your post-workout snack.

So, let’s dive in and explore eight thirst-quenching, nutrient-packed post-workout drinks that promise to speed up your recovery and prep you for your next workout adventure!

1. Water

Feeling tired or thirsty during or after your workout? Though it may sound obvious, water is your surest bet to replenish. Our Nutrition Expert, Dr Remya, says, 

"Every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies uses water to function." 

Our bodies pull water from food and fluids to manage temperature, remove waste, and lubricate joints. Hence, providing plain, clean water directly is the best, fastest way to rehydrate after a workout.

2. Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolytes are minerals your body needs to function well, including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. But an intense workout—and all the sweating that comes with it—can drain your body of those nutrients. This results in an electrolyte imbalance that can leave you feeling run down and dehydrated. So, what's the solution? Restore that balance with the help of an electrolyte-packed beverage. However, we advise sticking to the low-sugar varieties to rehydrate most efficiently.

3. Coconut Water

Love water but want to switch things up? Try coconut water. It's a natural source of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Thus, these make coconut water a great pick to help you replenish depleted minerals after a sweaty workout. It also contains natural sugars that can help restore energy after a tiring gym session.

4. Ayurvedic Herbal Tea

If water is too dull, but sports drinks are too much, settle in the middle with a hydrating glass of Ayurvedic tea after your workout. The antioxidant-rich concoction can help support hydration, muscle recovery, and overall health. We recommend fruit-flavoured chamomile, ginger, mint, and other Ayurvedic herbal teas. Just be sure to pick a decaf variety. Caffeine can cause further dehydration, which is the last thing you need after a tiring workout.

5. Chocolate Milk

Though a glass of chocolate milk might remind you of your elementary school lunchroom, it's also a great way to recover from an intense workout. Chocolate milk is a nutrition powerhouse when it comes to refuelling after exercise. Plus, it brings along all of those beneficial components for post-workout fuel: carbohydrates, protein, fluids, and electrolytes. Those nutrients can help restore depleted energy sources. Further, they give your body the sustenance it needs to repair and re-energise muscles that are stressed from exertion.

6. Vegetable Juice

Vegetables are an essential nutrient source to keep your body feeling and working at its best. So, why not use green juice to refuel after exercise? Juices that contain leafy greens, beets, carrots, and other veggies provide vitamins, minerals (including electrolytes), and antioxidants. According to our Nirva experts, these are needed to support muscle recovery and rehydration post-workout.

7. Smoothies

Not feeling an all-vegetable beverage? Cut it with some fruit. We recommend blending your favourite fruits and vegetables with your liquid and protein source of choice — like coconut water, almond milk, Greek yoghurt, or protein powder — to custom-make the smoothie of your dreams. This is an excellent option if you tend to lose your appetite after your workout. Why? Plant-based smoothies contain tons of nutrients to replenish your exhausted body without the need to prepare a whole meal. Bonus? It's delicious.

Wrapping Up

These 8 drinks can transform your post-workout routines. For more such tips about healthifying your daily workout sessions, connect with our Nirva experts. Replenish your mind, body, and soul with these and healthify yourselves.