Homemade juices packed with vitamins and antioxidants will quench your biggest post-workout thirst.

Hydrating before, during and especially after you exercise can make all the difference in your body’s ability to recover post-workout. While the electrolytes in sports drinks can help you, the processed sugar they contains can set you back.

If you want a more wholesome, yet sweet alternative, make one of these plant-based,  homemade juices from Delicious Raw.

Delicious Raw Hydration Juice

Everyone loves coconut water. Not only is it low in calories and fat, it also contains more potassium than bananas and is a super hydrator. While great on its own, it’s also a sweet base for a recovery juice made with other nutrient-rich, hydrating ingredients.

Aloe – Great for recovery, aloe speeds up wound healing on the inside and outside of your body by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death.

Watermelon – 92% water, Watermelon also contains high concentrations of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases

Cucumber – Almost 95% water, the flesh of cucumbers is a very good source of vitamins C and A as well as folic acid while the skin of the veggie is rich in fiber and postassium

Orange –  Not just high in Vitamin C, orange juice is also used for treating kidney stones and high cholesterol;

Lemon –  Another super citrus that can help with joint pain, insomnia, varicose veins, and several skin conditions.

Grapefruit – Helps to prevent and reduce high cholesterol, obesity, hardening of the arteries, as well as psoriasis.

RECIPE:

5 oz coconut water

4 pieces of watermelon

1 cucumber

3 oz grapefruit juice

2 oz orange juice

2 oz lemon juice

1 oz aloe

Pro Tip:  If you don’t have a juicer, just combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Since the watermelon and cucumber are so watery, all you’ll need to do is pour the concoction through a mesh strainer to eliminate any extra pulp.

Delicious Raw Superfood Smoothie

In addition to hydration, our bodies also need protein replacement post-workout to help muscles recover and grow stronger. With some added hemp protein & avocado, this smoothie is not only refreshing, but also more filling than a juice, perfect if you’re on the go.

Blueberries – Blueberries are among the highest antioxidant value fruits. They are low in calories, and high in soluble dietary fiber, and pigment anti-oxidants (like flavonoids).

Avocado  – One of the only fruits that contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that helps boost good (HDL) cholesterol and lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Vanilla Extract – A great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement, vanilla also has a great warm,  rich flavor that pairs well with the coconut in this drink

Agave – This natural sweetener is high in fructose and low on the glycemic index, making it a better option than refined sugar.

Hemp protein – A great plant-based, vegan protein, hemp also has a very high fiber content.  

Coconut oil – Coconut oil is great for your hair, skin and nail health, it helps with digestion and boosts your immunity.

Camu Camu – The powder form of an Amazonian superberry, camu camu has concentrated amounts of vitamin C. It can also help reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, reduce mood swings, promote eye health, and prevent cognitive disorders.

RECIPE

1 handful of blueberries (about 10-15)

½ avocado

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-2 teaspoons agave

½ tablespoon hemp protein

1 Tablespoon coconut oil

1 Tablespoon Camu Camu

1 cup coconut water

Adjust the amount of  agave depending on how sweet you’d like your smoothie. Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy.

Want more delicious recipes you can feel good about? Read on:

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