Clean Eat Education :: Benefits of Coconut Water

Wondering about coconut water? Is it all just hype or is there something out there about this often touted, "amazing" recovery drink? We've compiled some research for you and the results, though short, are pretty astounding!

Clean Eat Education :: Benefits of Coconut Water

• Coconut water is naturally high in potassium, essential for normal cell function and proper recovery. Potassium is a key element in reducing leg cramps. In a similar serving size, coconut water can contain as much as 5x the amount of potassium as Gatorade or Powerade (without those processed sugars and dyes).
• Coconut water also contains minerals that are essential for refueling your body after a moderate workout. (Just be careful - if you are a marathon runner or engage in extreme sports, your body may require more sodium to refuel than the traditional cup of coconut water provides.)
• Coconut water contains cytokinins, a plant hormone that stimulates cell growth. Ingestion of cytokinins has been show to have to have anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic (reduces carcinogens), and anti-thrombotic (reduces risk of blod clotting) properties.

What's the nutritional content?

Most coconut waters are around 50 calories per 8oz serving and contain anywhere from 10g to 15g of sugars (albeit, natural sugar). 

There are so many brands out there! What is your favorite?  Here are a few of our favorites!

Calorie Saving Clean Eating Food Swaps

Want a FREE Dessert & Treat eCookbook?

Join our newsletter and instantly get your copy of our favorite dessert and treat recipes like Clean Eating Cookie Dough and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Cookies! Click here to join now.

Note: We're on Snapchat now! You can find us under hesheeatclean. We will be posting more of our meals, workouts, and money saving tips! Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

---

Try these Calorie Saving Clean Eating swaps in your favorite recipe to "clean it up" or choose these options to simply save some calories and jumpstart your New Years Resolutions. 

Note: With the oil for applesauce combination, you will use equal amounts of whatever a recipe calls for. This swap is best used when baking cakes, muffins, brownies and breads. 

What is your favorite swap?

P.S. If you are looking for Cocoa Nibs, the most cost-effective place we have found them is our old stand by, Amazon. The Alive and Aware Organic brand seems to be the best pricing per pound ($9.95 currently).

Clean Eating Food Ideas For Your Road Trip

We love to travel. Our preferred method is a plane (that is going out west!) but sometimes we do take road trips in the Southeast. We always pack food because we have been known to get hangry and no one wants to be stuck in a car with people who are hungry and there is no food in sight! It's just safer for everyone. ;-)

If you are planning a road trip you should also be prepared! Here is our list of go-to road trip foods that are clean and will keep the entire family happy and ready for their vacation.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check our disclosure policy for more details.

Clean Eating Food Ideas For Your Road Trip

Proteins:

• Protein Powder (Chocolate & Vanilla)
• Tuna Packets or Cans
• Canned Salmon
• Canned Chicken
• Boiled Eggs
• Greek Yogurt

Carbs:

• Dried Fruit (no sugar added)
• Brown Rice Cakes
• Granola (try to keep sugar under 5 g per 30 g serving)
• Apples

Healthy Fats:

• Peanut Butter (ingredients should be just peanuts or peanuts and a little salt)
• Almond Butter
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Cashews

If you have room to take a bag below is the food that we recommend because it travels well.

Recipes:

• Monster Meatloaf
• Salsa Chicken/Italian Chicken
• Zesty Grilled Chicken
• Protein Bars (All of the recipes for protein bars that we have travel well, just beware: they MUST stay refrigerated or on ice or they will spoil!)

Have a safe and fun road trip!