Making your own electrolyte drink is as easy as chopping a coconut open with a cleaver. Ok, that can be a little difficult. Luckily, coconut water is available in most grocery stores thanks to its growing popularity. If you are looking for an alternative to processed and sugary electrolyte drinks, try nature’s original electrolyte drink: coconut water.

Coconut water contains 650 mg of potassium, 35 mg of sodium, and 25 mg of magnesium per 10 oz. serving. In comparison, a leading recovery drink contains no magnesium and 80% less potassium per 10 oz. serving.

To make your own electrolyte drink:

• Pour a 10 oz serving of coconut water into a standard 24 oz. water bottle.
• Top with water.
• Add ½ tsp of salt for additional sodium.
• Add 1 tbsp of honey if you are aerobically exercising for longer than 1 ½ hours.

Editor’s note: I tested this recipe during a Terracycle spin class and found that it was diluted enough to be palatable while exercising, but provided enough electrolytes to prevent the post-exercise headache that I tend to get if my magnesium levels are low. I’ll take nature’s solution over a processed drink anytime!