As we go into the winter, many people feel the need for a little self-care. However, this can be difficult with so much to get done during the holiday season. It’s important to find little things that you look forward to each day rather than waiting for an opportunity to do something big.
Making a special drink can be a quick way to take care of yourself in these busy times. Now I’m not suggesting you make a cocktail or put vodka in your water bottle; there are plenty of fun healthy alternatives that you can enjoy without guilt.
In addition to lifting your spirits, these drinks provide hydration and health benefits. It doesn’t take much to grab these drinks during a busy day if you do a little preparation ahead of time.
Let’s take a look at some drinks you may enjoy.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink. It is made when you combine tea, sugar, and a SCOBY. That funny word is an acronym for a “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast.” As the bacteria eats the sugar it produces probiotics which are good for your gut and help keep the bad bacteria in check.
There are many flavors on the market today. Some brands have high levels of sugar, so be sure to read the label before buying a jar. Kombucha is also relatively easy to make at home which allows you to control the ingredients even more. Check out this article about the benefits of kombucha and how to make it.
If you are ready to make your own kombucha, you can get the Urban Kitchen organic starter SCOBY. Otherwise, you may enjoy premade kombucha from these brands…
Water Kefir
Traditional kefir is a fermented drink made from milk with a variety of bacteria and yeast. As you would probably guess, water kefir is made following the same process using water as the base.
It is difficult to find premade water kefir, but it is really easy to make. Simply get the grains, put them in sugar water, and let them ferment. It will be ready to drink after the first fermentation which takes a few days. Some people enjoy adding flavor and fermenting it for another couple of days to enhance the taste and make it a little bubbly.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in making your own, check out this article. You can find the Florida Sun Live Kefir Grains on Amazon. They will multiply over time, so you shouldn’t have to buy more and will eventually be able to share them with friends.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is naturally sweet making it taste great. It is a good source of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. In fact, it has more potassium than a banana.
Some studies suggest that coconut water may provide antioxidants, lower blood sugar in those with diabetes, decrease the risk of kidney stones, and support heart health. However, more research is needed to support these claims. For more information on the health benefits, check out this article from Healthline.
It is important to look at the ingredient list when purchasing coconut water. Some companies add sugar, preservatives, or additives. Paloehacks has done your research for you in “Six Healthiest Coconut Water Brands.” Here are some of the top brands.
Mineral Water
Mineral water with a splash of juice is a lovely treat; you can choose any juice you like. It will give you the flavor without the higher sugar levels of straight juice.
You can also put a couple of tablespoons of balsamic in your sparkling water. Yes, it sounds gross, but don’t knock it until you try it. Start with a fruity flavor such as mango, blueberry, strawberry, peach, or lemon. For a tried and true recipe check out the Sparkling Balsamic Refresher from the Vintage Olive.
Tea
Tea has been used for centuries all over the world for its many health benefits. It is thought to decrease inflammation while improving gut health. With so many flavors, tea is a great alternative to coffee.
As with most things, quality matters. I like Teamotion's loose tea. Its ethically sourced organic ingredients are carefully selected to support your emotional wellness.
In addition, traditional tea bags may actually release harmful chemicals and mycotoxins as they steep. Organic loose-leaf tea made with an infuser is a safer way to go. Here are some good infusers…
Gel water
Gel water is a newly identified phase of water with an extra hydrogen and oxygen atom, making it H3O2. It exists in plants and can be found in fruits, vegetables, & seeds.
It can be made by adding the juice of a lemon or lime to water with a little salt. Sometimes adding five drops of trace minerals to a cup of water is nice as well or simply having bone broth.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in making your own check out this article about the benefits and how to make it.
Adrenal Cocktails
An adrenal cocktail is a mineral-rich drink that focuses on supporting sodium and potassium levels. It also contains Vitamin C which helps in the utilization of these vitamins and provides bio-available copper.
There are several ways to make an Adrenal Cocktail. You can simply combine one cup of coconut water, the juice of a lime, and 1/4 a teaspoon of salt. Mix it up in the morning and sip on it throughout the day.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in making your own check out this article about the benefits and how to make it.
Zevia
If you aren’t quite ready to give up your soda, maybe you would be willing to try Zevia. It is a soda that only contains pure ingredients and has lower sugar levels than traditional soda. There are many different flavors that mock popular drinks on the market.
It is becoming more popular and can often be found at Target, Jewel, Whole Foods, and Walmart. This would be a great alternative if you feel like you need soda. You can try some of the other drinks in this article while you make the transition.
Taking care of yourself, even for a few minutes, can make a difference and help you enjoy the holiday season even more.
Dr. Jamie
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through our links.