What are you drinking? The answer for this question must be completely reinvented for a recovering addict. Of course, alcohol free drinks can be just as delicious and fun as alcoholic ones. Are you drinking a beverage that’s packed with nutrients and will boost your energy levels?
Healthy Alcohol Free Drinks
Drink these six alcohol free drinks to enliven your body and soul:
1. Plain Water
1. Plain WaterYour body is made up of about 60 percent water, so it makes sense that you need regular water consumption to stay healthy. It purges toxins from your body, lubricates your joints, protects your sensitive spinal cord tissues, and regulates your body temperature. Skin will take on a healthy glow and you’ll have more energy.
The Institute of Medicine suggests that men drink 91 ounces and women take in 125 ounces of water every day from all beverages and foods for maximum health benefits. To reach your water consumption goal, I encourage you to drink a glass of water before every meal and another one as you eat. Plus, carry a water bottle everywhere you go and reach for water whenever you feel a craving for alcohol or unhealthy sodas.
2. Flavored Water
The amount of water we should drink can be daunting for some. Have you tried flavored water? There are countless choices to delight your palate, so feel free to experiment. Try tossing in watermelon, berries, lemons, limes, oranges, and other fruits into your water. You can also add cucumbers or mint leaves for a clean, refreshing sensation. If you want a zesty kick, add a pinch of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, or hot sauce to really fire up your metabolism and put a spring in your feet.
3. Green Smoothie
Energized bodies require healthy fuel, and you’ll find that when you eat dark green, leafy veggies like kale, mustard and collard greens, and broccoli. In addition to promoting heart health and preventing cancer, these super foods contain fiber, iron, calcium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K.
You can certainly eat these healthy veggies raw, in a salad, or steamed. However, I suggest you mix up a delicious green smoothie that’s perfect on the go or at any time of day. Simply process two cups of chopped kale, eight ounces of water, and either two peaches and an orange, one cup of pineapple and a medium apple, or one orange, two kiwis, and a pear in your blender, and your green smoothie is ready to enjoy. The thought of slurping down veggies may seem appalling, but I promise that the sweetness of the fruit creates a delightful, delicious balance.
4. Green Tea
Drink green tea to boost your immunity and reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The powerful antioxidants in green tea are what give it these amazing qualities. Plus, it has a pleasant, earthy taste that is both uplifting and grounded.
Enjoy the benefits of this healthy beverage when you sip up to three cups of freshly brewed green tea between meals each day. Steep it up to five minutes so that the flavor and antioxidants are fully released. It’s also a wonderful way to drink more water!
5. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice comes from the gel that is housed inside the thick leaves of an aloe vera plant. Studies completed by the National Institutes of Health prove that it’s safe to drink, which is great news because aloe vera juice improves your liver function, oral health, and immunity as it prevents or treats diabetes, arthritis, tumors, constipation, and high cholesterol. Enjoy these benefits by mixing the pulpy juice in with water, tea or your green smoothie. Although some may find the texture disconcerting, I personally enjoy the wholesome pulp.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, drinking vinegar sounds like an absolute horror. But there are countless ways to dilute it and make it more tasty. It’s completely worth it to try due to its status as a time-honored, affordable wonder remedy. Raw, unpasteurized brands are the only way to go for health consumption. The enzymes in apple cider vinegar can reduce heartburn and candida issues, promote a healthy gut bacteria balance, lower glucose levels, and help you maintain a normal weight. To cut the harsh taste, I recommend you mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into your daily glass of herbal tea or combine it with a few shakes of ginger powder, ice and water. I also find that lemon and honey are fabulous for softening the acerbic snap of vinegar.
These alcohol free drinks are fantastic additions to any healthy, clean and sober lifestyle. They’ll give vigor to your recovery journey and lift your health to peak levels. Add them to your exercise and quality eating regime and enjoy feeling great! For more sobriety tips and tricks, contact Morningside Recovery at 855-631-2135. Our aftercare program is full of ways to make recovery rewarding and fun!
By Angela Lambert
Photo by: Joanna Slodownik (Flickr)
