It’s true I’ve drunk a lot of tea in my time, quite a lot of coffee and yes I confess to a reasonable amount of imbibing.
Each of which robs my body of nutrients, raises my blood pressure, cancer risk (yes alcohol does that) and weakens my immune system.
Here are some options to crowd out the bad stuff and switch up the good.
6 drinks that make your fluids count
1. Chia fresca
One of my favourite drinks for a busy day is mixing up a glass of chia, lime & water. Like an Aztec warrior, I’m primed for endurance.
Mix 1 tsp chia to 1 glass of water adding a squirt of fresh lime. You can add more chia and some sweetener if you like. Let it sit for 10 minutes and stir again. Sip throughout the day and add more water as you go.
Benefits: Sustained energy, great source of omega 3s, and minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc.
2. Spiced tea
For those in the depths of winter try this warming spiced tea.
To four cups of water add 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or half a stick), an inch of rough chopped fresh ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp cardamom, 1/8 tsp ground pepper. Bring to the boil for several minutes. Steep and serve with a little sweetener. Chai just isn’t chai if it’s not sweet!
Benefits: Spices are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and great for warding off colds. Limit your amounts of fresh ginger if you’re on blood thinners.
3. Green juice
It woudn’t be me writing this if I didn’t mention green juice. Fresh juices and smoothies are an alkalizing start to the day. Make extra and you’ve got a serious energy booster for the after lunch lull.
Benefits: Alkalizing, nutrient-laden, easily assimilated goodness.
4. Miso soup
Another warming option that is full of happy healthy enzymes and proteins is a cup of miso soup. Try out a few organic unpasteurized options and you’ll find a favourite. Simply stir a heaped tsp into a cup of hot water.
Benefits: A ‘live’ food, miso is rich in digestive enzymes, nutrients, amino acids and essential oils.
5. Warming molasses
OK, so hot molasses won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but its good to try for two important reasons. First, it is high in iron and is an excellent source for kids and adults alike. Second, it makes you poop.
Take one tsp of blackstrap molasses and stir into a cup of hot water. I like it with a splash of soy milk. Or try it served cold in non-dairy milk on ice.
Benefits: Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium vit B6, laxative.
6. Water
Water, water everywhere but I’m not drinking enough!
Our brain cells especially like to bathe in fluid and often our mental fog is remedied by a big glass of water.
We also tend to eat when actually we’re thirsty.
Enhance your water by infusing it with mint leaves or other herbs, cucumbers, a stick of lemongrass, pineapple, lemon or watermelon.
Oh and do sip from elegant glasses & cups – a little ritual goes a long way!
