Thirst quenching to the max!
To be completely transparent here, I’ve started writing these posts a bit in advance since our little girl could be making her entrance into the world any day now. I came up with this Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink recipe in the hopes that I could have some on hand when I start going into labor. (My days of overly sweetened Gatorade are behind me.) For the latest updates on whether Baby D has arrived yet, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
But seriously, I’m really excited to share this recipe with you, and even more excited to have a hydrating Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink recipe in my back pocket for when I can finally get back to working out at my normal (fairly high) intensity, or even when I just need to replenish after a higher-than-normal level of partying or a long day of travel.
Staying hydrated hadn’t always been really important to me, but when I was spending almost every waking hour during high school playing volleyball, I learned firsthand what a difference a drink with some electrolytes and potassium can make in performance and recovery.
I think it was my freshman year the first time I experienced extreme dehydration. It was a couple of hours after I had gotten home from a long day of volleyball, and all of a sudden a horrific migraine came on…My eyesight was blurry, I had a horrible headache, and any light or noise just made everything ten times worse. Oh, and the nausea…It was INTENSE. It got so bad that I threw up and the only thing that seemed to make me feel better (aside from laying in a dark, quiet room with my eyes closed for a few hours) was a big jug of cold Gatorade.
I quickly learned that, due to the amount of sweat I was losing during training, I needed to be replenishing my body with more than just straight water DURING these times. I started bringing Gatorade with me to every practice and game, and made sure I sipped on it continuously throughout. Although the dehydration migraines have happened to me a few more times since then, it really is a one-off and I can usually pinpoint why they happened after they do.
Of course, the peak of my athletic days (high school and college, more than 10 years ago) were way before trendy coconut water made its way onto the scene, and I am very happy to now have that as a more natural rehydration option as opposed to artificially sweetened (and colored) Gatorade. Coconut water is now my go-to when I’ve been through an intense workout or feel the need to fill my body with all the good electrolytes and potassium.
This Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink does indeed contain coconut water, but there are a few other ingredients that make it extra-special and hydrating, namely citrus juice, Himalayan pink sea salt and some maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
Here’s everything those components contribute to us when put them together in a big ol’ Mason jar and chug it down:
Coconut water – Contains more potassium than a banana
Fresh citrus juice – Also contains potassium and immune-boosting Vitamin C
Himalayan pink sea salt – Creates an electrolyte balance
Maple syrup – Contains antioxidants and fights inflammation
As you can see, not only is this Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink perfect for athletes/workout enthusiasts, it’s also going to be a godsend for me as I go through this crazy thing called labor. It also comes together quickly and can be stored in the refrigerator for at least a few days, so you can prep it and have it on hand at a moment’s notice!
I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty excited to have this to sip on during labor and throughout my recovery. It’s such a better alternative than sports drinks and I’m all about getting back on my feet (and in the gym) as soon as I’m medically cleared to do so.
Tell me, do you have any tips for rehydration and/or making it through labor? I’m all ears!
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Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink sea salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup coconut water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a Mason jar (with a lid) and shake to combine.
- Add ice and enjoy immediately or place in the refrigerator to have on hand at a moment’s notice (just be sure to shake again before drinking.)
Nutrition
Can this be frozen ?
Afsheen, I do believe it can be frozen although I have never done so myself. Please let me know if you try it!