Easy to use products to restore your health
My favorite drink is water, especially from a good well or spring. However, when you’re sweating or need a boost, you need more than plain water.
Don’t worry. Coffee is on the list, too. And a few supplements.
The products I use have clean and minimal ingredients and come from trusted sources, with a lot of trial and error. I look for little to no added sugar or artificial ingredients with no side effects like stomach upset or sugar crash. Most of them are powders that mix well in water and take no time to use.
If I can’t find the products on Vitacost, I shop directly on the product websites — some offer discount codes from MindPump Media and Ben Greenfield Fitness.
I am not affiliated with these companies, so I do not earn anything from the following links.
1. Jigsaw Health
MagSoothe — It’s tasty, contains the relaxing type of magnesium (no, it won’t make you fall asleep), and comes in individual travel packets.
I use it for post-activity recovery and to promote quality sleep. You’ll love it in a pint of iced water!
MagSRT — Why battle cramps and muscle spasms? I take two tablets every morning.
MagPure Glycinate — I take one tablet every evening because quality sleep is a challenge.
2. Organifi
They make quality superfood powders that taste amazing. I’ve felt a difference in energy and immunity since I’ve been hooked on these:
Greens — I use a scoop in my morning smoothie or ice-cold water. I rarely skip a day of Greens — I’m obsessed with the fresh, minty taste. I use the individual packets when I travel.
Reds — I use a scoop in cold water pre-activity. I usually reserve this for more extended activities, although it’s nice to have as a midday treat. So skip the fruit juice and go for the Reds!
Golds — I use a scoop in hot water with oat or almond milk when I want my evening snack in liquid form. It’s a creamy, nourishing tea that helps you relax and recover.
3. Laird Superfood
Big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton is one of my favorite athletes, along with his beautiful wife, Gabrielle Reece. He puts as much thought into how he fuels his body as he does training. My favorite products from Laird are:
Pineapple Mango HYDRATE Coconut Water — It has a light, refreshing taste and will help you replenish during a workout or a sweat sesh in the sun.
Instafuel Unsweetened — I love this instant coffee for camping, or a quick pick me up. I use less than the suggested serving size since it’s rich, creamy, naturally sweet, and I’m not particularly eager to over-caffeinate.
Coffee Beans — One of my top choices of fresh beans. Laird loves his coffee, and I trust his resources.
4. Skratch Labs
I only use this to hydrate during high sweat endurance endeavors. It contains sugar, which your body needs when sweating for hours. Dr. Allen Lim created his company to provide professional cyclists with real food options.
Hydration Drink Mix Lemon and Lime — Yum! And bye-bye cramps!
Wellness Hydration Drink Mix — This is a must to treat dehydration induced by over-activity. Stash it in your first aid kit or pack on the trail.
5. Selena Naturally
If you eat primarily unprocessed whole foods and exercise regularly, you may not be getting the sodium you need. I love this Celtic Sea Salt because it’s high quality and contains vital minerals with great flavor. If you’re going to make your electrolyte mix, I suggest using their salt.
Celtic Sea Salt Electrolyte Powder — This is purely good stuff, but you have to like the taste of salt!
Celtic Sea Salt Fine Ground Shaker — I take it to work and travel because I never use table salt.
Celtic Sea Salt Light Grey — It’s coarse ground and a staple on my kitchen table.
6. Nuun
Nuun is a mainstream product you can buy at most retail chains and specialty stores. I use these easy-to-transport tabs periodically to enhance the recovery phase.
Nuun Sport Strawberry Lemonade and Lemon Lime — These two are my favorite flavors. Nuun provides a lightly fizzy, flavorful treat that doesn’t break the bank.
7. Speaking of Fizzy
Hello to the era of sparkling water! Bubbly, naturally flavored waters like LaCroix and Spindrift are refreshing, guilt-free indulgences without the sugar and calories! Because sometimes, plain water isn’t satisfying on a hot summer day.
I love this article by Women’s Health that lists the 11 best brands according to dieticians.
8. Larry’s Coffee
I buy these whole beans from a local restaurant, which makes the purchase even more rewarding. Of course, I still love to try other beans, but I always come back to the smooth, clean flavor profiles Larry’s has to offer. Check out their mission and production, and you’ll fall in love.
I use half regular and half decaf 100% of the time because I’m sensitive to caffeine, but I love the comfort of coffee.
Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend is by far the best plant-based milk I’ve found to mix in my coffee.
With a flavorful ground bean, French press, and creamy oat milk, who needs sweetener and dairy?
I also love to use a ceramic pour-over, which requires a finer grind.
9. Protein Powders
I’ve tried a billion protein powders and have narrowed down the most tasteless, least chalky products with only one ingredient. I like to rotate three types since I use them daily in a smoothie. I use vegan protein because I drink a smoothie early in the morning, and it causes no stomach upset or bloating.
NOW Sports Pea Protein — It’s my favorite because you can’t taste it, and it has the highest amount of iron and protein content. It also costs the least.
Sprout Living Simple Sunflower Seed Protein — It’s my second favorite and has a mild nutty flavor.
Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein —It’s my third favorite and also has a mild nutty flavor.
10. Carborocket
If you’re running 50K races and riding centuries (which I am not doing), you need their products. My husband and sister use them to fuel and love the results. I love their results, too, because I don’t have to worry about them bonking on a trail, alone, in the middle of nowhere when they fuel correctly. Just check out their website, and you’ll be sold.
333 All-In-One Endurance Drink — You must eat when you’re putting in that many miles and hours, and this helps you do just that.
Rocket Red Pre-Race/ Workout Superfoods Drink — Enough said.
The Takeaway
We can’t possibly get everything we need from our diets, especially when burning calories and sweating. I know if I don’t supplement, I suffer.
Here is an excellent list of reasons why you should supplement.
Cheers to healthy drinking — Lacroix can in hand!
