If you work out, you need energy. Eating or drinking the right things can help you stay energized throughout your work out and let you push your body to get the most out of your exercise time. Many people choose sports drinks to help their body refuel, but some natural foods may give you more benefits than just boosting energy. Here are three natural foods that will fuel your body.

1. Honey. A spoonful of honey before working out can be great for boosting energy during a work out. Carbohydrate blends which contain fructose and glucose are said to be better than straight glucose when is comes to helping your endurance. Honey contains both fructose and glucose but also vitamins and antioxidants. Put down that sports drink and instead add a spoonful or two of honey to water, juice, or a smoothie to boost your energy.

2. Chocolate milk. A glass of chocolate milk may help fuel you better than a sports drink. In one study nine participants exercised to exhaustion, rested for four hours, and started exercising again. During the rest period they drank low fat chocolate milk, a sports drink, or another carbohydrate replacement drink. The athletes who drink chocolate milk were able to exercise for about 50% longer time than those who drank the other drinks. Another upside is that milk contains protein, vitamin D, and calcium.

3. Yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics which are active cultures that keep your body healthy. Athletes who train rigorously are susceptible to a weakened immune system and respiratory tract infections. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that taking probiotics can enhance the immune system and clear respiratory tract infection symptoms. Yogurt also has calcium, carbohydrates, and protein.

Although sports drinks can quench your thirst and give you some added energy when working out or doing rigorous training, more natural foods can do the same while providing other health benefits.