NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — We’ve been talking hydration over the past few weeks, including why hydration matters, what counts toward our hydration, and Molly’s top five picks for electrolyte-rich sports drinks that are also crazy-low in sugar.
This week, we’re heading into the kitchen where Molly’s shows Hank how to whip up one her favorite DIY sports drink. It’s savory and tart, also a little bit sweet and spicy.
It’s also rich in electrolytes, with 600 mg sodium, 360 mg potassium, and just 30 calories and less than one gram of sugar.
DIY Sports Drink | Ginger Lime + Sea Salt
- 16 ounces water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pinch of potassium chloride (or salt-free seasoning like ‘No Salt’)
- 1 to 1 1/2 ounces fresh ginger juice (recipe below)
- 1 to 1 1/2 ounces lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Plant-based zero-calorie sweetener like monkfruit or stevia, 1-2 teaspoons, to taste (optional)
Add all ingredients into a reusable or empty water bottle and shake well. Sip chilled.
To make ginger juice without a juicer: Blend about five ounces of peeled ginger with one cup of water, for about one minute, until smooth. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the juice to remove the pulp. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Per Serving: 600 mg sodium, 360 mg potassium, 30 calories, 8 grams carbs, less than 1 gram sugar
BONUS RECIPE: Beetroot Sports Drink by Grace Mobley of Grace’s Food Lab
Why beets? Beetroot extract can enhance blood flow to working muscles, improve muscle efficiency, also can help to improve blood pressure.
- 16-20 ounces water
- 1 teaspoon beetroot extract (approximately 3 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pinch of potassium chloride (or salt-free seasoning like ‘No Salt’)
- 1 bag of berry flavored tea
- 1 packet of stevia or monkfruit (optional
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Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s articles + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com and sign up for Eat Fit Wellness Bites weekly newsletter, here. To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org.
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