Do you know that I used to drink an entire two-liter of Diet Coke a day and thought it was normal? In fact, I can promise you that if you ask my former high school students what they remember about me, besides my energy, passion and applause machine (here’s hoping they remember all of that), they’ll tell you that a bottle of that stuff sat on my desk daily, and at times was followed by another can, or on a long day, another bottle. Just writing that makes me cringe. There were actually days I could barely remember if I consumed a glass of water. Now writing that just makes me feel dehydrated.
As health became more important to me, I introduced more and more water into my life. Yes, I said introduced, because to be honest, drinking H20 consistently was just not my jam for a long time. Until it was.
The thing with water is that once you get on board with it, you really can’t function without having a tall, cool glass of it regularly throughout the day. Before long it edged out my soda habit, and it wasn’t just because I felt so much better. Not to toot my own horn but beep beep people, I also looked better. My skin glowed. I wasn’t bloated (which I didn’t realize I was, until I wasn’t anymore). I lost weight. And I also knew that my poor body, that had been subjected to whatever the heck makes up Diet Coke, was now getting the hydration to keep me alive and well. My kidneys, muscles, gastrointestinal tract and brain were getting the TLC they deserved.
Now I know not all of you are consistent fans of water. Perhaps you’re not drinking it when you get up in the AM, and turn to coffee. Perhaps you only have it with meals, or during a work out. You can Google the health impact of this on your own. What I want to do instead is give you some “water recipes” that will tempt you to keep a glass within arm’s reach all day long. Trust me, it doesn’t have to be boring, and here’s why:
Water Recipes
1. Lemon Cucumber Water: This combination not only tastes incredibly refreshing but while you’re sipping away it will be working on your body. The lemon slices help support digestion and the elimination of toxins, and the cucumber will help you in the body bloat department. On top of that it will taste like you’re at the spa, even if the rest of your life doesn’t feel that way. I also add some mint for good measure, and while I’m muddling it together I pretend I’m making myself a cocktail.
1/2 gallon water
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/2 lemon sliced (I also squeeze a bit of fresh lemon in for good measure)
3-4 mint leaves
ice
2. Rosemary Orange Water: Pour this innovative take on water all day long for yourself, and then serve it the next time people come for dinner and they’ll love it and then steal the idea for themselves. I know because that’s exactly how I discovered it. When I first tried it I was instantly hooked, and that was before I knew about the health benefits. Rosemary is actually an antioxidant, is known to be a memory booster, it stimulates the immune system and is known for its anti-inflammatory powers. High fives to Rosemary Orange Water! Here’s how to make it:
1/2 gallon water
2-3 sprigs of rosemary (adjust to your taste levels)
1 orange – slice half of it and put it in the water, squeeze the other half in if you want a bit more of a zing
ice
3. Strawberry Mint Water: This delicious and hydrating drink also looks beautiful in your pitcher and your glass. Now let’s talk about your body: Strawberries one of the top ten antioxidant fruits and veggies and they are packed with Vitamin C which means they support your immunity, your eye health and even help flush fat from your liver. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid a phytonutrient that helps suppress the growth of cancer cells. Bottom’s up!
1/2 gallon of water
1/2 – 1 carton of strawberries – hulled and sliced
4-5 mint leaves
ice
Your Turn:
How do you take your water ladies and gents? Share your water recipes and H20 cocktails in the comments below!
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