Healthy Drinks to Make at Home
Since I started working from home, I've been finding it more tempting to snack all day- the kitchen is literally right! there! One thing that really helps me stay full longer & fight off cravings is making simple but effective changes to the drinks I enjoy throughout the day. While I'm not a huge cook or particularly creative in the kitchen, these easy-to-make drinks have been such a lifesaver and offer so many nutritional benefits while still being super delicious. The recipes and ingredients are linked below, let's jump in!
Spa Water
The first drink I want to talk about is the one I start with every morning- Spa Water. I first came across this recipe on The Skinny Confidential blog, and have been hooked since. A lot of health gurus recommend drinking hot water on an empty stomach in the morning, and that's because its benefits are truly amazing. This practice actually originates from ancient chinese medicine, which suggests having hot drinks in the morning to help to flush toxins, promote digestion, and help prevent breakouts (warm or hot foods and beverages are actually great for improving skin). Since I started drinking this to start my day I have seen improvements in all of those categories, and start my day feeling rejuvenated and rehydrated. I know you're on the edge of your seat, so here's the recipe:
Dash of cayenne pepper
1 small cube of fresh ginger
Handful of mint leaves
1/2 squeezed lemon
Hot water
Honey to taste
Simple, but so so amazing! You can customize your hot water any way you want, but I found these ingredients to be the most effective. I love to mix this up in my Yeti mug, because it keeps it hot for hours and I just feel like it does a great job of steeping all the ingredients & keeping everything nice & fresh. It's also portable if I need to go somewhere or want to have my water on the way to the gym.
When I'm in a rush & don't have time to make my spa water, the go-to is Ginger Turmeric Tea from Trader Joe's. One of my favorite skincare Gurus, Felicia Lee of Beauty Within, recommends starting the day with hot water and pure turmeric powder, but honestly I find it hard to get down due to the earthy taste of the spice, and prefer the simplicity & added benefits of this tea. And it tastes sooooo good. Be sure to include a dash of black pepper to help the ingredients absorb more effectively (you can barely taste it, especially when you add honey).
Inulin Coffee
This next drink is perfect for those practicing intermittent fasting and can be used to break your fast in the morning or early afternoon. I have in the past and would fast from 8PM-12PM, but since we've been social distancing I am more about eating when it feels good to my body. Regardless, If you need something to keep your belly full I highly recommend mixing Inulin powder into your coffee. Inulin is found in several different types of plants, is high in fiber, and increases the amount of good bacteria that grows in your gut (particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, if that means anything to you). Not to get too gross, but essentially it dissolves in the stomach and forms a substance that slows digestion, increases fullness, and reduces cholesterol absorption. It's basically a super food that keeps you fuller longer while doing all of these amazing things to keep your body healthy and regulated. This is how I incorporate this amaaaazing plant into my every day routine:
Stir 2 scoops of inulin with 1 spoonful sugar (or however much sweetener you want in your coffee)
Add in whatever milk alternative you like (I love almond milk for this recipe)
Pour your espresso or coffee over the mixture
Be your sexy self with your fancy coffee! Amazing!
This recipe can be served hot or iced, but I personally prefer hot coffee in the morning. It's important to mix up your inulin with the sugar just so you don't get those annoying little clumps in your drink (my pet peeve of life). I'm linking my two favorite brands of inulin, with my #1 being Simply Go. The Now Inulin is also great and half of the cost, but I find the former just works slightly better for my body and I feel the effects a little more. When you begin using inulin it is recommended to start with smaller doses (~1 scoop a day) and drink plenty of water to prevent bloating or digestion issues. I have to warn you though, It does make you a little gassy when you first start taking it, so be prepared to mute your zoom meetings at any time.
Green Ginger Smoothie
The last drink I'm obsessed with is my Green Ginger Smoothie. Ginger has so many health benefits, but above all I love the way it makes me feel; it's extremely soothing on the stomach and is a great anti inflammatory. I struggle to get my greens in every day (I know, groundbreaking) so this is a great way to make sure I'm eating enough veggies. I love a protein smoothie after a workout or in the late afternoon if I'm feeling sluggish, and this one always nourishes and restores me.
handful of spinach
3/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup frozen mango
1/2 frozen banana
1 scoop protein powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 small cube of fresh ginger
Add it all into a blender, blend to your heart's content, pour it into a cute cup that makes you feel like a boss & enjoy! One pro tip is that I never pay for frozen bananas; I always have 1 or 2 overripe ones that I forgot to eat throughout the week, so I un-peel & cut them up and freeze them. Less waste, and now you don't have to buy frozen & fresh bananas. For smoothies I always love using silicone straws, just because I think they look so boujee and are easy to clean! I'm linking my favorite ones from Amazon, they are a must-have in your kitchen.
Whew that was a lot of beverages! But I hope you found these recipes easy and helpful, they all kick ass in their own ways and are so good for your body. Remember to take time each day to care for yourself, weather that's making a green smoothie or eating chocolate cake because that's what your body is craving. Love you all, hope you try something new to shake up your routine this week!