Infused-Water for Your Good Health
I don’t know about you, but the cold weather is leaving me feeling a little dehydrated. It doesn’t help to have wood heat and drink coffee either. Not surprisingly, lifestyle and other factors cause dehydration as well, such as stress, alcohol consumption, medication, and hormone imbalance. So how can we introduce more H20 into our lives?
Follow along as I up my hydration game. A plain glass of water is ideal but can be oh-so-boring. Here are some of the things I’m trying this winter.
Warm Lemon Water
I put 8-10 ounces of warm water in my favorite mug, and then squeeze the juice of ½ of a fresh lemon (Meyer lemon preferred) into the water. I don’t know if all the hype around the benefits of lemon water (pH levels, special toxin flushing abilities, weight loss, preventing cancer, etc.) is true or not. But I do know that the extra water and a little vitamin C are good for you. Oh, I notice that afterward that it's good to follow with swishing some water to get the acid off of my teeth.
Chicken Broth
Seems like everyone is talking about gut health right now and bone broth is all the rage these days. Again, the purported benefits of such are many (heals the gut, protects joints, look younger, sleep better, reduce cellulite, etc.). Decide for yourself. When I was little and we got sick with a cold or flu mom would make homemade chicken soup from scratch, and mom was always right. All I know is that broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and it tastes good.
Fruit Infused Water
Super easy and oh-so-fresh. Grab a pitcher and start with good quality, clean water and then add whatever combination of fresh, in season, fruit your heart desires. You can muddle the fruit a little to release some of the juices and refrigerate for about an hour before drinking. It's hard to find fruit in season right now so I'm using a combo of fresh lemon and some fresh-frozen blueberries from my freezer that I picked this past summer.
Organic Herbal Tea
I like non-caffeinated tea and add just a touch of honey from our own bees.
Turmeric and Ginger Infused Water
When we were in Kauai this October I discovered fresh turmeric root and we scooped up a bunch at the farmer’s market. I add about a 2-inch section each of fresh turmeric and ginger root, thinly sliced, to 4 cups of boiling water. Simmer for 30 minutes, leave it to soak overnight, and then strain it in the morning. This creates a great infusion that you can dilute and drink either hot or cold. I like to sweeten it up with a little honey. A squeeze of lemon is good, too. Good for the digestion and immune system. This one's been a game changer for me.
Here's to your good health!
Cheers!
