HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE DRINKS FOR GAMING

Getting lost in a video game is a fun and often relaxing experience for many gamers, whether casual or professional. However, a fun gaming experience doesn’t negate the need for eating and hydration. Many gamers will pick up a snack or sip on their favorite beverage while gaming. Keeping your body sustained as you game is vital and gamers often forgo healthy food and consume whatever is within reach. This can be especially problematic when it comes to gaming drinks. With many gamers filling their bodies with alcohol and pop, it’s no wonder avid players often get an unfair reputation regarding their physical health and well-being. While being a gamer doesn’t make you unhealthy, long periods of sitting combined with drinks containing empty calories can impact your health negatively.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives to unhealthy drinks to keep on hand the next time you sit down to game. Let’s look at some healthier–and tastier–alternatives to typical gaming drinks.

1. FLAVORED WATER

Hydration is critical when gaming. Drinking plenty of water throughout your gaming session is vital to keep your body functioning correctly. However, some people turn away from plain old water and toward unhealthy drinks that are typically tastier. If you scoff at drinking water while playing games, you can still get some essential hydration by turning to naturally flavored water.

Flavored water is undoubtedly one of the best gaming drinks available–and you can make your own. While many store-bought flavored water brands add artificial sweeteners and flavors, making your own flavored water is as simple as slicing up your favorite fruits or veggies and putting them in your glass. From lemons to cucumbers and delicious watermelon, there’s no going wrong with a refreshing glass of water packed with an extra punch.

2. KOMBUCHA

For many reasons, kombucha is a real contender for a healthier gaming drink. If you’re struggling to forgo pop while playing games, check out fermented tea with carbonation, like what you’d find in your favorite soda. Drinking kombucha over a pop can help lower your sugar intake, along with additional health benefits for the gut. Research has found fermented drinks and food are linked to health benefits because they provide probiotics and feed your gut microbiome.

3. COCONUT WATER

For gamers who love a nice coconut flavor, coconut water is a great gaming drink option. Not only is coconut water an excellent source of hydration, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals to ensure you get the best from your drinking habits. Along with electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, coconut water becomes one of the best rehydrating beverages and a perfect solution for gamers to stay hydrated with a tasty drink.

4. GREEN TEA

Whether you prefer hot or cold tea, you can’t go wrong with a healthy dose of green tea when gaming. Green tea is not only delicious: it’s one of the healthiest drinks you’ll find, making it ideal for people who spend long periods gaming but want to stay healthy. Green tea promotes health benefits, such as supports metabolism and heart health and a healthy dose of antioxidants.

5. COFFEE, BUT ONLY WHEN YOU NEED CAFFEINE

Coffee without loads of added sugar and cream can be a good alternatives to caffeinated soda, just don’t go overboard on how many cups a day you drink. Studies have shown coffee, in moderation, can provide a good sources of antioxidants and support some health outcomes. When you drink coffee in a healthy amount, coffee can help you focus on your game and keep you alert and focused.

6. SMOOTHIES

It’s nearly impossible to find a person who doesn’t like smoothies in any capacity. Considering the endless combination of fruits and vegetables you can incorporate into your smoothie, it’s easy to see why. Smoothies are a fantastic way to boost energy while providing your body with essential nutrients. Smoothies aren’t limited to fruits and vegetables. You can also add in other healthy ingredients, from nonfat milk or yogurt to flax or chia seeds, and even protein powders.
When you make a smoothie from the comfort of your home, you can play around with different ingredients to find the right combination to suit your tastebuds and keep your body fueled.

7. VEGETABLE JUICE

Don’t rule this one out based on its name–vegetable juice can be a great gaming drink and doesn’t always have to taste like liquid spinach. By chopping up some invigorating veggies and throwing them in a juicer, you can unlock the many benefits of veggies. If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, add some slices of your favorite fruit for some natural sweetness. Be aware of prepackaged veggie juices as some have sources of added sugars. Your mind and body will thank you when you have a nice glass of vegetable juice while playing your favorite games.

8. SPARKLING WATER

We get it–sometimes plain water doesn’t hit the spot like pop does. One reason you might not be getting the same satisfaction from water as your favorite soda is the refreshing, fizzy carbonation you’ve become so used to. The transition from soda to water might be more straightforward if you start with tasty sparkling water. With sparkling water or plain seltzer, you get the hydration benefits of regular water while still getting the fizz you crave from soda. Sparkling water typically does not contain added sugars, reducing your total intake of added sugars. The fizz and low to no added sugars are a win-win. Sparkling water earns its spot on our list of gaming drinks because of the refreshing properties, making it perfect way to stay hydrated as you take on your fiercest competitors.

9. A HEALTHY MOCKTAIL

We can’t deny playing video games pairs nicely with a fruity cocktail for many adults. If you consume alcohol too often when playing video games, a healthy mocktail could be a fantastic alternative solution. Cut out the alcohol while still enjoying the drinks you consume.
Mocktails can be incredibly simple to make, and many people don’t need to go beyond a mixture of sparkling water with fresh fruit juice. If you want to make things a bit more exciting, quickly search for a non-alcoholic alternative to your favorite cocktails–you’re bound to find dozens of recipes from people in a similar situation.
Check out some of our mocktail recipes: Find Some Healthy Recipes | GNC

10. KEFIR

Perhaps one of the more unique options for healthy gaming drinks, kefir shouldn’t be written off based on its unfamiliar name and somewhat confusing flavor profile. This drink contains fermented milk and has a tart, creamy, and rich taste. While it might not sound like the most delicious beverage, anyone who’s tried kefir can tell you you’re in for a pleasant surprise when you pick up this drink. Kefir is one of the best gaming drink alternatives for its unique taste. The drink, often considered to have the texture of drinkable yogurt, is packed with probiotics, vitamins, magnesium, and calcium, all of which will boost your overall health and well-being. By sipping on some kefir while you play your favorite games, you’ll feel satisfied as your body is nourished with health-supporting ingredients.

UNLOCK YOUR HEALTH POTENTIAL WITH GNC

These are only some of the best gaming drinks to consider when seeking healthier alternatives to your favorite gaming drinks. Instead of reaching for a can of pop or a bottle of your favorite beer, consider nutritious beverages for healthier alternatives. From flavored water to smoothies and lesser-known drinks like kefir, there’s no shortage of alternatives to try out during your next gaming session.

Additionally, you can reach your ultimate health potential with the resources and educational materials from GNC. GNC helps ensure a healthy lifestyle, no matter your hobbies. Casual and professional gamers will find essential guidance from the health advice at GNC.

Read more: Find Some Healthy Recipes | GNC