Staying hydrated and drinking sufficient amounts of fluids is always vital, but more so when you are pregnant. This is because hydration aids in your baby’s growth and development, helps produce sufficient amniotic fluid, and supports your expanding blood volume.
What’s more? Sipping on fluids can also help replenish your body and manage other pregnancy concerns like constipation, haemorroids, and fatigue. However, drinking plain water constantly to amp up your hydration levels can become pretty boring quickly. The next best option? Energy drinks. But be informed, not readymade energy drinks but healthy homemade ones. Ready-made energy drinks contain a lot of additives, sugar, and other ingredients that can be unsafe for you and the baby. Therefore, you should stick to drinking homemade energy drinks made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.
Why Should You Avoid Readymade Energy Drinks During Pregnancy?
Readymade energy drinks are high in calories and contain excess amounts of sugar, caffeine, and B vitamins. They should be avoided due to the following reasons:
- Energy drinks have a high caffeine content, which can lead to miscarriages and low birth weight in babies. Caffeine can also pass through the placenta and interfere with the baby’s breathing patterns and heart rate.
- The excess sugar content in energy drinks can pose problems for women with gestational; diabetes. It can also add extra calories to your diet.
- Most branded energy drinks contain an excess of vitamins that could lead to the overconsumption of vitamins.
9 Refreshing Homemade Energy Drinks That You Can Try
Lemon Water
Lemon water keeps you hydrated and replenishes electrolytes in your body. It is high in Vitamin C content that helps the body absorb iron for the formation of red blood cells. Moreover, consuming lemon-infused water can help control your blood pressure and manage morning sickness symptoms.
How to prepare:
- Squeeze a lemon in a tall glass filled with ice water.
- Add a bit of ginger and stir the glass of water.
- Garnish with mint leaves and your cool lemon water is ready to enjoy.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a natural coolant that is rich in calcium. It’s a perfect summer drink that contains probiotic bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system. It also helps reduce gastric problems that may arise during pregnancy.
How to prepare:
- Blend water and curd in a mixer till you get a homogenous mixture.
- Pour the blend into a glass and sprinkle salt and your preferred spices.
- Add some ice cubes and enjoy the cool drink.
Fresh Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink rich in potassium, electrolytes, chloride, and magnesium. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, calcium, and Vitamin C. Drinking coconut water can help restore the lost salts in your body, prevent dehydration, and aid in lowering your blood pressure. Natural coconut water is readily available in markets and can be enjoyed chilled on hot summer days.
Herbal Teas
Herbal tea is free of caffeine and you can consider starting your day with a warm cup of herbal tea instead of coffee. Try one of the herbal teas mentioned below:
Mint tea: It reduces symptoms of morning sickness and soothes inflammation in the body.
How to prepare:
- Put fresh mint leaves in boiling water.
- Add the tea leaves and let it steep for two minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and add a little bit of sweetener to taste.
Rooibos tea: This tea is rich in antioxidants and can help improve your digestion.
How to prepare:
- Add a teaspoon of rooibos leaves to boiling water.
- Steep it for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: This tea can help strengthen the uterine walls and regulate contractions during labour.
How to prepare:
- Take a teaspoon of red raspberry leaves and add it to a pot of boiling water.
- Steep the tea for 10 minutes and then strain it into a cup to enjoy drinking it.
Fresh-pressed Fruit Juices
Fresh fruit juices are rich in vital nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin C, micronutrients like folate, and essential immune-boosting antioxidants. They also help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. However, make sure to avoid packaged juices as they contain added preservatives, artificial flavours, and high sugar. You can make a mixed fruit juice by blending seasonal fruits such as watermelon, sweet lime, pomegranate, and muskmelon, and serving them chilled with ice. Drink the fruit juices without adding any sugar or salt to them to increase their nutritional value.
Vegetable Juices
Vegetable juices are rich in vital nutrients that deliver a good dose of fibre and help meet your daily nutritional intake during pregnancy. They are also a good source of folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects in the baby.
How to prepare:
- Dice up your vegetable of choice (spinach, broccoli, carrot)
- Add the diced veggies into the blender and add a cup of water to it.
- Blend the veggies till you get a thick consistency.
- Pour the juice into a glass and add some ice cubes to it.
- Consume it fresh without adding sugar or salt.
Chia-infused Water
This is a great alternative to caffeinated beverages. Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants and can help keep your body hydrated for long.
How to prepare:
- Soak some chia seeds in a glass of water and stir well.
- Leave it for 10 minutes or until the seeds swell up.
- Add fresh lime to enhance the taste and then drink it.
Dairy Drinks
Milk and non-dairy milk alternatives are rich sources of Vitamin B12, calcium, and protein, making them a must-have drink during pregnancy. You may drink fresh sweetened lassi, skimmed milk, or yogurt to help keep your body cool and hydrated.
Iced Tea
Iced tea makes for a refreshing summer tea and helps curb morning sickness symptoms such as nausea. However, you should have it in limited quantities, specifically one cup a day, since it contains caffeine.
How to prepare:
- Prepare a glass of water and add as many ice cubes as you want.
- Place a tea bag into the cup and let it steep for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the teabag and add your preferred form of sweetener, honey, or sugar, and stir well.
- You can also add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves to enhance the flavour.
Homemade energy drinks are much safer as compared to readymade ones. The drinks that you make at home contain fresh and natural ingredients and are free of artificial flavours and preservatives. These refreshing drinks maintain your energy levels and also help meet both your nutritional and calorie requirements per day.