8 Drinks That Can Boost Your Energy Levels

Here's something most people can agree on: It's awesome to find ways to maintain energy levels during the day, especially when they don't require much effort. A great example? Taking a few sips of drinks that will speed your metabolism. Luckily, there are a few out there can do the trick, and they taste pretty good. Win-win. What's more, drinking regularly throughout the day will also keep you hydrated and help limit the munchies.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on feeling energized, confident, and balanced during the day. First step? Checking your diet. It turns out that what you eat and drink can seriously affect your mood, appetite, and alertness (both mental and physical). The good news is you can keep your body in tip-top shape just by eating well and drinking the right types of substances that can help your body performance at its best. Having a high metabolism is a great way to increase performance and find more success in achieving your health and fitness goals. Here, 7 surprising drinks you should be stocking up on, for a speedy metabolism and strong stamina. You can also mix a few ingredients or add some natural flavoring to shake things up.

1. Water

Don't ditch plain water just yet. Turns out, water is one of the best things you can drink all day long to keep your emotions stable, avoid fatigue, and burn more calories naturally, with a faster metabolism in place, explains Rebecca Gahan, Kick@55 Owner and Founder, over email with Bustle. Gahan recommends 1 oz. of water per pound of bodyweight. "The biggest mistake people make is only drinking 8 cups of water per day, which dehydrates the body and forces it to retain water and slow down metabolism. This might seem like a lot of water but is actually what your body needs to function at maximum efficiency," Gahan further explains.

2. Hot Water & Lemon

Here's a great way to wake up on the right note. "The hot water combined with lemon detoxifies the liver and speeds up metabolism first thing in the morning, to help you torch calories all day long," explains Gahan. Try and take a few sips within 15 minutes of getting out of bed, says Gahan.

3. Coffee

Getting that shot of espresso with lunch isn't such a bad idea. "A little caffeine in your coffee, skipping the cream and sugar, actually increases your BMR (basal metabolic rate), the number of calories you burn, if you never did one physical activity," says Gahan.

4. Green Tea

Not a coffee drinker? Switch to green tea, instead. "Green tea’s catechins – beneficial plant compounds – have been found to increase metabolism," says Gahan. Make sure to replenish with plenty of regular water when drinking lots of green tea or coffee, Gahan suggests, as caffeine can mildly dehydrate you. What's more, you should drink 3 cups a day (avoid supplements), says Pamela Nisevich Bede MS, RD sports dietitian with Abbott’s EAS Sports Nutrition over email with Bustle.

5. Protein Shake

According to Lauren Blake, RD at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, over email with Bustle, eating or drinking protein can keep your metabolism elevated in the day, so drinking a protein shake could be a good way of getting those benefits. Plus, it's delicious and filling.

6. Rooibos Tea

If green tea isn't your favorite tea, have no fear: You can drink rooibos tea and still get those metabolism boosting benefits. An added bonus? Drink it before bed, as it'll help you burn more calories when sleeping and help put you to sleep. Drinking a warm mug of tea can be super relaxing before hitting the hay.

7. Grapefruit Juice

You might know that grapefruit has been shown to be an appetite suppressant and an aid in speeding the metabolism and improving insulin resistance. In fact, studies back this up, as shown in the Journal of Medicinal Food. Instead of halving one and eating it for breakfast, juice it. Drink plain or add some extra veggies or fruit for flavor.

8. Spicy Drinks

Bede says that "capsaicin boosts the metabolism slightly, but it’s real potency is that is helps thwart appetite and helps you eat less." Plus, Bede adds, "You can now find capsaicin in some drinks or you simply sprinkle the red pepper into a shot of lemon water and gulp."

If you want a speedier metabolism in the day, try drinking these super-power beverages throughout the day to stay hydrated and maximize your burn. What's more, they are all really good for your health, too. Bonus.