(Ok, a bit corny on the title, I know, but I couldn't wesist!)

If you're looking for creative ways to stay hydrated, check out the suggestions below. Be sure to let me know some of your homemade concoctions!

Some like it hot – Who says water has to be cold?  A cup of plain, hot water is shockingly tasty. Don’t believe me?  Try it!  Still aren’t sure?  Add a piece of lemon.  Voila!

Make an herbal infusion – Any decaffeinated herbal tea will work but Stinging Nettle is a rock star when it comes to health benefits.  A basic recipe is 1 cup of organic loose herbal tea in a quart jar and pour 1 quart of hot water over the tea.  Cover and let it steep as it cools on the counter overnight.  Strain the herbs and store the liquid in the fridge for up to four days.  You might get a few more rounds out of the tea but it will get weaker with each brew. Drink this mineral rich preparation warm or cold.  You can dilute it with plain water (“flat” water) or mineral water (a.k.a “water with gas” or “sparkling water”) if it’s too strong for your liking or use it in another beverage recipe.  Pro-tip: If it starts to go before you can finish the batch, use the leftovers to rinse your hair or water your plants.  

Chill out – Cold soups! I’m surprised I forget about them because I enjoy them so much! While they’re good anytime, they really hit the spot when the weather is warm. Fruit purees, cucumbers and cream, Gazpacho, Vichyssoise, Hungarian green bean and dill, there are so many delectable recipes – you must give one a try!  Just pop “cold soup” into your favorite search engine and you’ll make yourself hungry looking at all of the colorful bowls!

Eat your water – Yup, you read that right.  One of the absolute best (and delicious) ways to stay hydrated is to enjoy fruits and veggies with a high water content.  They have the perfect balance of H2O and nutrients, like minerals, to keep your electrolytes in check.  No measuring, just eating!  Think melons, cooked cabbage, raw carrots, cucumbers, berries, citrus, and ripe fruits for starters.  Make up a dish of colorful favorites but be sure to include one you’ve never had before just for fun!

Drink bone broth - Full of gut healing nutrients, it’s an excellent alternative to coffee.  Simmer a pot of water with boney parts of your favorite fish, fowl or beast. Carrots, celery, onion, garlic or other favorite soup veggies are optional.  Toss in a few egg shells for calcium and chicken feet, if you're daring. A small splash of raw apple cider vinegar and a handful of hours later and you’re on your way to a delicious cup of soup.  Skim the top from accumulated foam/debris and finish it with a handful of organic parsley.  Simmer, season and strain for easy drinking out of your favorite travel mug.

Moove over water!– When we think of staying hydrated, we usually overlook milk. Full of nutrients including calcium, magnesium, protein, and vitamins, it’s a highly nutritious way to keep hydrated.  It’s a little more filling so it makes a great snack and, adding chocolate makes it an ideal after physical activity drink!  Just be sure to invest in raw dairy.  It has a much better nutritional profile and is superior to processed milks when it comes to supporting a healthy digestive system.  Can’t drink milk, you say?  Give raw dairy a chance.  It’s a life changer.  

Enjoy citrus- Add a slice of lemon or lime, especially to your morning water.  Put a piece in the water you set out by your sink at night and it will be full of flavor in the morning.  Tired of the L&L duo getting all the press?  Give grapefruit or orange a chance to shine!

Make it fruity or vegetably (is that a word?) - Plop in pieces of your favorite fruit or veggie and let the water draw out the yum. To intensify the flavor, cut it into small pieces so more area is exposed.

Herbs, Herb! – Muddle a small, fresh sprig of herb to add a refreshing taste to your water.  Remember, herbs are medicines so find one that offers benefits to you.  Need inspiration?  Mint is a classic, Lavender is calming, and Sage is great for opening airways!

Switchel – To make a very basic glass of an old time favorite, add raw, organic vinegar (with the mother) to a glass of water.  To get fancy, you can stir in a smidgeon of honey, molasses or maple syrup and if you’re feeling adventurous, boost it with a dab of ginger and/or a bit of lemon or lime.  To make this probiotic digestive wonder especially delicious, use mineral water such as San Pellegrino and cheers – you have your very own (healthy) mock-tail!   

Bubbly Beverages – Mineral waters such as San Pellegrino or Perrier are fun way to add zip to your sip.  Alone or embellished, these beverages are a classic way to add H20 and trace minerals to your diet.  Steer clear of canned fizzy waters unless you know the ingredients are from reliable sources. Many of these popular drinks don’t use quality water as the base and the flavors might not be suitable essences. If you do find one that passes muster, add a few drops of liquid minerals (such as ConcenTrace) to make your own homemade mineral water.  Two mock-tails worth trying: San Pellegrino, diced cucumbers and fresh mint muddled; Perrier, lime, watermelon, and muddled basil.  Refreshing!   

Go nuts for coconuts! – Coconut water is an outstanding way to get your electrolytes and stay hydrated.  It has even been used for short-term intravenous fluid replacement therapy! Don’t be afraid of versions that have added (natural) sugar.  Sugar isn’t evil – but we’ll save that for another post.  Stick with basic preparations and make your own exotic flavors instead by adding a slice of lime or a piece of pineapple for a tropical delight.

Get creative – Why not put in a piece of fruit, a bit of vegetable, a pinch of sea salt and a few herb leaves?  Show off your sassy side and make your own concoction!  Be sure to share your favorite creation!

As I’ve mentioned in other writings (search tags "water" and "hydration"), whatever way you choose, remember to sip (not guzzle) your water and, whichever method appeals to you, remember to use good quality sourced ingredients.  If enjoying water plain, be sure to include a few drops of liquid minerals or a dash of sea salt in every serving to help maintain balanced electrolytes, assuming you are not getting them from other areas of your diet.  Save for comfort sips, stop drinking about 2 hours before bedtime to eliminate dead of night trips to the loo.  And if your wondering how much water you need to drink or would like to better understand things I've mentioned (like raw dairy), ask your favorite FNTP (that’s me!) for guidance. We can devise a hydration plan that is tailored to your bio-individual, uniquely-created, very special you!

Bottoms up!
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP

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