Protein Energy Drink | Herbs, Roots & Spirulina

A simple alkalizing meal replacement drink, especially for us athletes, made with spirulina, gota kola, maca root, ashwagandha root, and water.

If you have ever come to one of my pole dance, or stretching classes, you’ve probably seen me with my ominous black drink in a quart sized mason jar. I bring it with me to almost every class because it gives me energy, stamina and focus. I try not to eat heavily before working out, but I still need fuel for the 4-5 hours I’m without a meal. This drink curbs my appetite until after I’m done with classes.

Everyone always asks me what’s in it, when I say the words spirulina, gota kola, ashwagandha, and maca, it’s like I’m speaking a foreign language. And rightfully so, I had no clue what they were until I started doing research. That’s why I made this post, so now it’s all written out, ready for you to check out!

All of the ingredients are powder based, and all you have to do is mix it with water. Just a little bit of each powder is used at a time, so they will last a really long time. A lot of the ingredients I listed below are in large quantities, you can get smaller quantities by checking you local bulk spice section, herb shop, or buy it online from Mountain Rose Herbs.

What Does It Taste Like?

I have shared this concoction with many people, and they all do the same thing. They smell it, and give me that look like, “you really want me to drink this?” Then when I say “It doesn’t really taste like much.”, it just smells like seaweed. They take a drink, they’re faces immediately soften, and they say “you’re right it doesn’t taste like anything.” Or I get “It kinda tastes like tea.” Even the self-proclaimed pickiest of eaters say it doesn’t really taste like anything.

So lets go over what each of these crazy word ingredients are, and why I drink it while I’m teaching or performing fitness activities.

Spirulina

Spirulina is probably the most heard of, it’s making it’s way into mainstream because NASA reported that it may be the perfect complete food for their astronauts in space.

It makes sense because spirulina is a complete protein, it contains so many nutrients that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, and it’s super alkalizing! 

Check out this detailed article about how beneficial spirulina is, it’ll blow you away!

25 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Spirulina by well-beingsecrets.com

I usually get spirulina in a dark glass jar at my local health store, or I get it online.

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a root known for immunity support, and antioxidant properties. No matter where you are, germs are being shared, having a strong immune system is always helpful to ward off sickness.

It also helps to relax the central nervous system, which also relaxes the muscles, helpful for flexibility. However I suppose too much relaxation could be a problem. Like always monitor yourself, and be cautious. I will say I’ve never had a problem with being too relaxed, but we’re all different.

 Ashwagandha is a little bitter, but just a tiny bit is used so it doesn’t really effect the flavor. Sometimes, I’ll omit it, because it’s good for me in small doses.

Learn more at naturalhealthyconcepts.com – What is Ashwagandah? 

Here is a list of benefits from herbwisdom.com – Ashwagandha Benefits

Here is another great resource – 15 Powerful Health Benefits of Ashwagandha You Need To Be Aware Of

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Gota Kola

One of the benefits of gota kola that stuck out to me, was it’s ability to improve reflexes, and boost brain power. When I’m flipping upside down on the pole, I need cat-like reflexes, and I feel this definitely helps out.

There are so many nervous system benefits for gota kola, you’ll definitely want to know this herb.

Got kola doesn’t really taste like much, it’s very mild in taste.

Gota Kola Benefits & Information by Herbwisdom.com

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Maca Root

I love maca root for it’s energizing properties. It’s like coffee energy without the caffeine and without the crash. Only a little bit is needed, too much can leave you jittery, but just enough makes you feel a good sustainable energy.

It’s also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. They say people used this root to travel across the dessert with little food or water.

Maca root has a slightly spicy/earthy flavor, but again mixed with enough water and the flavor doesn’t have much effect. I like to mix it in my desserts like the peanut butter banana smoothie. Yum!

I usually buy maca in a package from my local health store or online. It lasts forever because so little is used each time.

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The Drink Routine

Basically this drink is great for when you want to feel full, but not heavy. Here are a few ways I incorporate it into my schedule.

My Favorite Morning Routine

For my morning routine, I’ll drink a quart of water, eat a plate of fruit around 7am, and make my way to classes with my black drink and a jar of various nuts that sustain me until around 1pm. Then I usually eat a huge salad, or a grain with a bunch of veggies for lunch.

This routine makes me feel my ultimate best.

My Favorite Night Routine

For my night routine, when I teach classes from 5-9pm, I usually eat a big lunch around 2-3 pm and then drink a quart of water and my black drink throughout the night. Then I can focus on a big dessert when I get home from classes. 🙂

Let me know what you think, when you try this awesome longevity promoting drink!