BOOSTS IN A BOTTLE
Artificial energy shots have long been “one-hit wonders”: powerful enhancers to get you feeling more awake and energized, available in two fluid ounces. However, those boosts in a bottle are old news because of a new generation of all-natural and health-focused alternatives. Get ready for the next wave of the energy shot craze.
Wheatgrass
juiceland.com & dailyjuicecafe.com
Wheatgrass is nature’s medicine, filled with minerals and healthy doses of vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l, and K. Surprisingly, it’s also a quality source of protein, boasting 17 amino acids. And to top it off, wheatgrass shots have superior detoxification benefits. Luckily, wheatgrass tastes better than it smells. It’s sweet, with a slightly bitter bite, and has a strong grassy flavor. For those who can handle the potency: a shoot it back in its pure juice form. The concentration may cause a slight headache or nausea if you have a more sensitive stomach. However, a juice-like consistency allows wheatgrass to be easily mixed into a smoothie or juice (like TigerLily from JuiceLand or Sweetgrass Limeade from Daily Juice).
Take5
take5drink.com
A brand new shot to the market, Take5 promotes stress relief and focus by relaxing the body and mind with five pure ingredients. L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea, promotes relaxation. GABA controls cortisol to reduce stress. Magnesium calms the nervous system, and vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for brain health. Take5 has a light lemon flavor, with a water-like consistency, and a rosy tint. In addition to fostering a feeling of calmness during the day, it also helps you wind down at the end of the night. Take5 is a great option if you’re watching calories and sugar intake, and also highly recommended for anyone whose abundant energy gets in the way of their ability to calmly focus.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAKE5 DRINK
BrainJuice
naturalbrainjuice.com
BrainJuice is produced locally in Austin and contains vitamins C, B5, and B6. Additional ingredients such as green tea extract, L-theanine, acai berry, and chia seed oil make up the brainpower blend. BrainJuice provides natural stimulation for improved attention, clarity and memory, and the natural ingredients prevent you from experiencing a caffeine crash. This shot is ideal for those long days at the office that cause your energy to drag. But be cautious if you’re caffeine sensitive—it’s powerful enough to make you a bit jittery. Expect productivity to be improved due to better concentration; similar to coffee but without many of the negative side-effects.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAIN JUICE
Guayaki Brand Yerba Mate
guayaki.com
Yerba Mate is a high energy formula with caffeine from South American mate tree leaves. The Wildberry Reishi flavor contains reishi, an adaptogenic mushroom, for immune and endocrine support. This shot serves as an effective pre-workout supplement. Mix up your routine with this natural energy shot when coffee becomes boring. Guayaki Brand Yerba Mate also comes in a variety of other flavors, like chocolate raspberry, lemon, and lime tangerine.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUAYAKI
Red Ace
redaceorganics.com
Red Ace is concentrated beet juice with three organic beets per bottle. It’s intended to increase oxygen intake, improve stamina, and promote cardiovascular health. This bump of beets has a strong sweetness and a syrupy consistency. Go for the full shot before or after a workout. The superfood is growing in popularity among athletes due to its ability to aid in recovery, and Red Ace delivers all of the raved about benefits in just a single serving.
