The Heat Is On Hot and tasty drinks to help you recover
Warm up and recover fast after winter runs with these hot and healthy drinks
Boost recovery with: turmeric latte
A turmeric latte is an excellent postrun drink at this time of year. Curcumin, the compound behind the health benefits of turmeric, has been used in India for centuries to relieve pain, and for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help you recover after a tough run. So get the kettle on and speed your recovery. TRY Turmeric Latte mix, £9.99 for 70g (35 servings), turmericlattemix.co.uk
Improve sleep with: Pukka Night Time Latte
A good-night’s sleep is vital for your recovery between runs and also helps you to recharge. If you are struggling to get to sleep at night, try relaxing with a sleep-inducing brew. This night-time latte is warm and comforting, thanks to the malty oat and carob, infused with lavender, chamomile, ashwagandha and nutmeg. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen known to help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, allowing you to wind down before you hit the sack. Chamomile contains apigenin, which binds to your brain’s receptors to promote sleepiness and help prevent insomnia.
TRY Pukka Night Time Organic Latte, £4.99 for 75g, ocado.com
Improve gut health with: miso soup
As well as being a source of vegan protein, miso is great for supporting healthy gut function. Miso soup, made from a paste of fermented beans (usually soybeans) has been part of the Japanese diet for thousands of years. It can also be made using certain grains, such as fermented barley, rice or oats. A hot cup of miso soup contains an abundance of beneficial probiotic bacteria, helping to aid healthy digestion. You can also add miso paste to savoury dishes such as soups and stews for a major boost of beneficial bacteria.
TRY: Miso Tasty Soup Kits, £6 for 2, misotasty.com
Boost your immune system with: mushroom cacao
The reishi mushroom, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, is also known as ‘the mushroom of immortality’. So it should come as no surprise that it has immune-boosting properties. Studies have shown that the mushroom can help to fight infections in athletes under high stress. The reishi (which is sometimes called the queen of mushrooms) is also known to help fight stress and anxiety, so a mushroom cacao infusion is a good evening drink if you struggle to switch off in the evenings. Cacao also has many run-boosting benefits – it contains antiinflammatory properties, and it can help improve blood flow.
TRY Four Sigmatic Mushroom Cacao Mix,
€20 (£17) for 10 servings, foursigmatic.com
Protect against colds with: lemon, ginger and honey home brew
If you prefer to take a homemade approach to your healing brew, you can help protect yourself against colds with this immune-boosting winter remedy. Lemon provides vitamin C, a key nutrient, while ginger contains the bioactive compound gingerol, which is known for its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Add a little grated ginger and a squeeze of fresh lemon to a cup of boiling water and stir in a half teaspoon of manuka honey, which will not only soothe a sore throat, but is also an effective antibacterial agent, helping to combat infections.
Boost your energy with: mint hot chocolate
While there are limited studies supporting the health benefits of fresh mint consumed as a tea, a number of studies have shown that peppermint oil can help ease digestive upsets, and improve energy levels, concentration and even athletic performance. Simply pierce a Lamberts Peppermint Oil capsule and squeeze the contents into hot water or into a healthy homemade hot chocolate.
TRY Lamberts Peppermint Oil Capsule, £7.50 for 90, revital.co.uk
Kim Pearson is a qualified nutritionist, with more than 10 years’ experience. She loves running and pasta in equal measure. kim-pearson.com; @kimmypearson