Swap Energy Drinks For Better Options

If you're heading for a workout, a sports or energy drink seems like the obvious option for quenching your thirst. But guess what? Most so-called energy drinks are made from little more than sugar and caffeine mixed with water, and most are considered to be bad for you. There are loads of better -- and cheaper -- ways to get hydrated before you hit the gym. Such as:

• Tea. Yerba Mate tea contains caffeine and other natural stimulants, and green tea is full of healthy antioxidants.
• Chilled tea. Don't fancy a hot drink? Try mixing your favorite fruit juice with some chilled, unsweetened green tea.
• Chocolate milk. In recent studies, chocolate milk was determined better for athletes' performance than sports drinks.
• Plain old water. There's nothing like the original -- it's really all you need prior to a workout.

What do you drink before you exercise?