Summer workouts hit differently.
Between the heat, humidity and long days outside, what you eat and drink before and after moving can make a difference in how you feel.
And with Lemonade Day here, there is no better time to introduce a summer Carrot favorite: the Matcha Lemonade.
Made with ceremonial Japanese matcha, lemon and honey, it is cold, bright, naturally caffeinated and made for the kind of days that start with Pilates and somehow end at the beach.
Consider it lemonade with a little more going for it.
Meet the Matcha Lemonade
Lemonade is a summer classic.
We just gave it the Carrot treatment.
Our Matcha Lemonade combines bright lemon and honey with ceremonial Japanese matcha for a drink that is tart, lightly sweet and refreshing.
Matcha naturally contains caffeine, making it an easy option when you want a little energy without reaching for another iced coffee.
Think:
- before an early workout
- after Pilates or a morning walk
- with lunch
- between meetings
- during the afternoon slump
- on the way to the beach
Lemonade Day, the Carrot Way
For Lemonade Day, we are making ours green.
The Matcha Lemonade brings together everything we want from a summer drink:
- bright citrus flavor
- ceremonial Japanese matcha
- natural caffeine
- served cold
- easy to grab on the go
If you already love matcha, meet your summer order.
If you are usually a lemonade person, consider this your upgrade.
And if your day includes a workout, work, errands and a little time in the sun?
Even better.
Why Matcha Works for Busy Summer Days
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea and naturally contains caffeine along with compounds found in green tea, including catechins.
Caffeine can help support alertness and focus, which is one reason matcha has become part of so many morning and afternoon routines.
Matcha also naturally contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea.
Together, that makes matcha especially appealing for guests looking for an energizing drink that feels different from their usual coffee order.
For summer, adding lemon makes it even easier to reach for.
Cold. Citrus-forward. Refreshing.
Your iced coffee can have the day off.
What to Eat and Drink Before a Summer Workout
When it is hot outside, your pre-workout routine should feel simple.
The goal is to give your body energy without eating something so heavy that you feel uncomfortable while moving.
If You Are Eating Two to Three Hours Before
Choose a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein and a portion that feels comfortable for you.
Carrot options might include:
- Avocado Toast
- A wrap or pita
- A Power Bowl
- A smoothie with fruit, oats or yogurt
Carbohydrates help provide energy for physical activity, while protein can help make the meal more satisfying.
If You Are Working Out Within an Hour
Keep it lighter.
Fruit, a lighter smoothie or another easy-to-digest carbohydrate may feel better than a full meal right before exercise.
Try:
- a fruit-forward smoothie
- fruit
- a smaller breakfast
- half of a larger meal before your workout and the rest afterward
And if caffeine works well for you, a Matcha Lemonade can be a refreshing option before a morning or midday workout.
Because everyone tolerates caffeine and food differently, timing should always come down to what makes you feel your best.
What About an Early-Morning Workout?
Some mornings, breakfast before Pilates sounds great.
Other mornings, absolutely not.
If you prefer something light before an early workout, try fruit, a smaller smoothie or a Matcha Lemonade alongside water.
Then follow your workout with a more complete breakfast or protein-forward option.
Browse Carrot’s All Day Breakfast menu for post-workout options.
What to Eat After a Summer Workout
After exercising, focus on three things:
Protein. Carbohydrates. Fluids.
Protein helps support muscle repair, while carbohydrates help replenish the energy used during exercise.
That can look like:
- a protein bowl
- chicken with rice or quinoa
- a wrap or pita with protein and vegetables
- a smoothie with protein
- breakfast with eggs, toast or grains
Coffee Mocha Power Smoothie
For days when you want something cold, caffeinated and protein-forward, the Coffee Mocha Power Smoothie is an especially strong post-workout option.
It has 39 grams of protein along with a bold coffee kick, making it a convenient choice after strength training, Pilates, a fitness class or a busy morning workout.
It is also made with espresso roasted by our partners at Imperial Moto, bringing together coffee and post-workout fuel in one drink.
Think of it as your workout and coffee run handled at the same time.
Do Not Forget About Hydration
Hydration matters year-round.
In the summer, it matters even more.
Higher temperatures and humidity can increase how much you sweat during a workout, which means paying attention to fluids before, during and after exercise is especially important.
Start hydrating before you exercise rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
Continue drinking water during your workout, especially if you are exercising outside, and keep rehydrating afterward.
For longer or more intense workouts where you are sweating heavily, electrolytes may also be helpful.
And while a cold Carrot Refresher can be exactly what sounds good after a hot workout, it should complement your water intake—not replace it.
Why Refreshers Just Make Sense in Summer
Some days call for coffee.
Some days are 90 degrees before lunch.
That is where Refreshers come in.
Cold, bright and easy to take anywhere, Carrot Refreshers fit naturally into summer routines.
They work:
- before a morning workout
- after a walk or Pilates class
- alongside lunch
- during the afternoon slump
- between errands
- on a beach day
- whenever you want something cold and flavorful
Alongside Matcha Lemonade, explore more options on the Carrot Matcha & Artisanal Tea menu.
Find Your Carrot
Whether you are cooling down in Miami, fitting in a workout in Fort Lauderdale or walking between meetings in New York, your next summer Refresher is closer than you think.
Browse the full Carrot menu →
Or order ahead through the Carrot app →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Matcha Lemonade have caffeine?
Yes. Matcha is a form of green tea and naturally contains caffeine.
What is in Carrot’s Matcha Lemonade?
Carrot’s Matcha Lemonade is made with ceremonial Japanese matcha, lemon and honey.
Is Matcha Lemonade good before a workout?
It can be a refreshing pre-workout option for people who tolerate caffeine well. If you need additional fuel before exercise, pair it with carbohydrates such as fruit, toast or another light meal.
What should I eat before a summer workout?
Choose carbohydrates for energy with some protein when you have enough time to digest. Closer to your workout, lighter options such as fruit or a smoothie may feel more comfortable.
What should I eat after a summer workout?
Look for a combination of protein and carbohydrates along with plenty of fluids. A protein smoothie, grain bowl, wrap or balanced breakfast can all work well.
Is the Coffee Mocha Power Smoothie good after a workout?
The Coffee Mocha Power Smoothie contains 39 grams of protein, making it a protein-forward option after Pilates, strength training or another workout.
Do I need electrolytes after every summer workout?
Not necessarily. Water may be enough for many shorter workouts. Electrolytes can be especially useful when exercising for longer periods, working out intensely or sweating heavily in hot weather.
Where can I find Matcha Lemonade near me?
Visit the Carrot locations page to find your nearest restaurant and check local availability.