Homemade Energy Drinks

Homemade Energy Drinks

Energy drinks such as Red Bull and 5-hour Energy® are expensive. Do you know of anything that can be made at home with average, not exotic ingredients that accomplish the same boost?
Mary Ann R.

Buy Aldi's Energy Drink

While I'm not creative enough to make my own energy drinks, I do buy them at Aldi. They have a low-carb version for 99 cents each. They also have a version of Red Bull (4 pack for $2.99). They aren't quite like the originals in taste, but have the caffeine that I'm looking for.
Sharon

Unopened Can photo from Shutterstock

Keep It Natural and Healthy

I found some recipes for those times when a boost really is needed. Except for the first being sugar packed, these don't have the chemicals and body wrecking ingredients. They are natural and healthy.

• Cocoa Energy
• Fruit Energy Drink

B-12 for Energy

Don't spend your money on energy drinks. Take B-12. B-12 comes in both drops and tablets. You either put a dropper full under your tongue, wait 30 seconds and then swallow or put a tablet under you tongue until it's dissolved. B-12 is dissolved under your tongue so that it gets into you blood stream fast. I prefer the tablets although I have used both. If you read the ingredients on the back of energy drinks, they have a major dose of vitamin B-12 in them. The reason for the major dose is because you can't overdose on B-12. When you need more energy, take a tablet or drops. The dosage of B-12 tablets varies so purchase the mcg that you feel you need. As with everything, the quality and price of B-12 available varies by manufacturer so purchase from a manufacture you trust. You should be able to get 100 tablets for about $6 so even if you take five a day, you're looking at spending $.30 a day for a full day's energy instead of several dollars per can several times a day. You also will not be putting excessive amounts of sugar and other unnecessary stuff into your body. You probably won't need five a day. Two a day work great for me (500 mcg tablet). I take one in the morning to get me started and one around 2pm to fight the afternoon slump.
P.A. Hopkins

Natural Ways to Revive

Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. They're not good for you and can be addictive. Instead, you might try some natural ways to revive yourself.

• Eat an apple. It's supposed to have a better effect than drinking a cup of coffee.
  
  
• Get outside for a few minutes. Sunlight boosts energy and so does exercise so take a short walk while you're out.
  
  
• If you can't go out, find a window and just bask for a few minutes. Then do some stretches; movement revives you.
  
  
• Try aromatherapy. Peppermint and Citrus scents are supposed to perk you up.
  
  
• Put on headphones and listen to some upbeat music.
  
  
• Take a break. If you can find a private spot to lay your head down, set your phone alarm for a quick 15-minute nap. And make sure you get eight hours of sleep at night.

Most important of all, stay away from energy drinks and keep looking for alternative ways to boost your energy.
Donna

Good Strong Coffee for Caffeine Boost

Strong coffee can give a good caffeine boost, but I suggest that a good night's sleep is even better. Drinking energy drinks should be unnecessary if a person eats a good diet and/or takes a multivitamin and gets adequate rest.
Barbara in CT

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