Saturday, January 24, 2015

Healing Powers of WATER

I hear ya, water isn’t the most exciting drink in the world…

YET, drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your body. It’s very simple: Drinking water helps you lose weight. But sipping on the same old thing all the time can get boring, right? So how do you drink that much water, if you don’t like the taste of plain water?

Water is the easiest and most effective detoxification weapon. Get Creative! Trick your taste buds!

I am NOT a qualified nutritionist, nor an expert. This is just from my experience and experiments. Drinking water early morning on an empty stomach brings about great health benefits. 2 to 3 glasses miracle water is how I start my day! If you are wondering how to find time to practice the below, let me tell you it doesn’t take extra time or effort from your daily schedule.  

Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian curry, has a long history of medicinal use.

Different ways of Drinking Turmeric:
Half spoon Turmeric in a Glass hot water
Half spoon Turmeric + honey in hot water

Benefits:
  • Boosts your body's natural healing powers
  • A powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that help protect your body from unstable molecules that can damage cells.
  • Lowers cholesterol level
  • Beneficial herb in cancer treatment.
  • Anti-aging supplement
  • Good for skin
  • A weight-loss tea
NOTE: Use PURE Turmeric. Turmeric bought in supermarkets are usually adulterated.

Saffron

In India, elders advise you to drink a glass of saffron milk every day to give your baby fair skin(!) But there is no evidence to support this belief.

But drinking saffron water does have other health benefits.

Different ways of Drinking Saffron
5-6 strands of saffron in hot water
5-6 strands of saffron in hot water + Honey
(Saffron can be consumed with hot milk as well but since this post is about WATER consumption we stick to water J also for lactose intolerant people like me, water is the best bet)

Benefits
  • Appetite Suppression
  • Strengthening the circulatory system preventing heart disease
  • Have an uplifting mood effect.
  • Intestinal antiseptic
  • Good for skin
  • A weight-loss tea
I have been drinking saffron tea at least twice a week and can definitely feel the effects…I’m a pretty happy person but the tea lifts my spirits even more. Although a bit expensive, an ounce of Saffron will last for 2-3 months!

Lime/Lemon

Everyone has tried this at least once in their lifetime. And everyone swears by the results achieved.  I wont delve into this topic much for the reasons stated above.

Different ways of Drinking
Lime /Lemon juice + hot water
Lime /Lemon juice + hot water+ honey

Benefits
  • Stimulates the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Aids in detoxification.
  • A storehouse of vitamin C
  • Antioxidants revive dull skin and keep it healthy.
  • A weight-loss tea
Cinnamon

Sweet, soothing, spicy, and a little bit exotic. My favourite!

Different ways of Drinking
Hot water with Cinnamon powder or stick + Honey
Hot water with Cinnamon powder or stick

Benefits
  • Lowers cholesterol - and protects heart health
  • Filled with potent antioxidants
  • A natural blood thinner
  • Appetite Suppression
  • Boost metabolism
  • A weight-loss tea


Infused Waters


To fully fuse the flavors, combine your choice of fruits in a pitcher and let them sit for up to a day before drinking. If you're looking for a more flavorful way to get your H2O, try infused waters! Loaded with fruits, veggies and herbs, these supercharged waters will help you stay hydrated while relieving some of your biggest health complaints.

Different ways of Drinking
Different combinations of fruits
Different combinations of fruits + 1 Cinnamon stick
Different combinations of fruits + a spoonful of Apple cider vinegar
Different combinations of fruits+ an inch of ginger

Benefits
  • Boosts your metabolism.
  • Flushes toxins from your system
  • Good for skin
  • Great for weight loss
SO……Sip up, slim down!

I have been following this for almost a year now.. AND

I get asked these a lot:

1)   I don’t get time for all this.. I have kids and a family to take care of. How do I take time off to plan the schedule for this?
Honestly, I felt the same way. How do I find time amidst my busy schedule and work stress. And I can tell you, that my work or domestic life hasn’t suffered due to this. It’s simple. Do your regular chores. While in kitchen when you wait for your breakfast to get heated or while your coffee is boiling or even when you are sterilizing your baby’s bottles - just warm up a glass of water for yourself and mix your favorite ingredient and sip while you wait! Sip while you work on your desktop, sip while you watch TV, sip while you spend time with your kids! How hard can it get? I suggest easier combos listed below (hot water with turmeric/cinnamon/saffron during your busiest days.  Fruit infused waters don’t take time out of your schedule too. Before you hit the sack, just throw in some fruits/herbs of your choice in a mason jar to make your miracle water and refrigerate overnight. Sip on it next day whenever you like!


2)   How do we continue the habit and keep the momentum going?
No matter what, you will feel thirsty sometime of the day, right? Keep your bottle of warm water concoction beside you. If you do it for a week, I guarantee you, it will be a part of your daily schedule. Drink after a good workout, a walk, or for no reason at all!

3)   Do you do this only for Weight loss?
Yes. But NOT only for weight loss. Drinking water has a lot of benefits. Adding these ingredients just makes it even healthier. Not only do you hydrate your body, you also increase the intake of nutrients, antioxidants and lose weight.

4)    Does it really work?
YES IT DOES! You will see the difference in the second week. You will feel the increased energy, the supple skin and maybe even a pound lighter!
 


NOTE:
ALWAYS use pure form of these ingredients to get best possible results.
May not be suitable for pregnant women. ( Consult your doctor )