The Book
articles
Natural, Refreshing Alternatives to Soda
By Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., Copyright © 2005I used to be a Pepsi-aholic so I understand the allure and the addiction of soda-pop, otherwise known as liquid candy. Today I find the smell and taste of soda offensive as my taste buds have acclimated to a more natural palate.
If you are transitioning off regular soda, but not quite ready to let it go, try the more natural varieties now widely available such as Blue Sky or Hansen's. Eventually you will want to reduce these to a minimum or eliminate them altogether as they are not much better than the big brands.
Try these delicious beverages as an alternative. Realize that if you are accustomed to the *extreme* taste of soda they may not seem satisying at first. This will change, however, so be patient and give your taste buds a chance to catch up with your desire to make more healthful choices.
~ 1 ~ Tangy Lemonade
1 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 8-10 medium lemons)
OR
1 cup Santa Cruz organic 100% lemon juice (not from concentrate)
4 cups purified water
1/4-1/2 tsp. liquid Stevia
¼ cup + 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
¼ cup pure cranberry juice (optional, for pink lemonade)
1 lemon sliced very thin to add as garnishment
Mix liquids together in pitcher or 1-2 quart glass jar. Add thin lemon slices as garnishment. This is a tangy lemonade that can withstand a little dilution from added ice on a hot summer’s day. It's also a powerful liver cleanser.
~ 2 ~ Apple-Orange Soda
2 parts pure unsweetened apple juice
1 part pure unsweetened orange juice
1 part sparkling mineral water or plain Club Soda
If the fizz is what excites you about soda, this is a delicous alternative you'll love. This is the basic recipe for starters, but don't feel you have to stick to it. Children especially love to experiment to find their own favorite ratio of the ingredients.
~ 3 ~ Herbal Iced Tea
4 bags fruity herbal tea of your choice (blackberry, strawberry, apple cinnamon, etc.)
1 quart pure water
1/4 tsp. liquid Stevia
This mild, refreshing recipe is **so easy** to make! Just place the herbal tea bags in a quart jar, fill with pure water, add the stevia,shake and place in the fridge for a couple hours or so. Voila - fruity iced tea! Add a little apple juice for a bit more zing, if you like.
____________________
These refreshing drinks will keep you cool, satisfied and healthy all summer long. After drinking them regularly, soon you'll find you have lost the desire for regular soda and won't miss it at all.
Bring a quart or two to work and save all the money you would have spent on soda from the vending machine. Reward yourself at the end of the Summer by spending the money you saved on something special for yourself. (Perhaps a new outfit in a smaller size!)
Making the switch to healthier alternatives can be an enjoyable adventure. So, experiment and have fun!
********************
Kelly Hayford, C.N.C. is the award-winning author of If It’s Not Food Don’t Eat It! As a former junk food junkie turned nutrition and health coach, she has helped thousands reverse dis-ease, and restore their health, energy and natural weight. For more tips and teleclasses on healthy eating and holistic self-care, visit:
www.FoodFitnessByPhone.com or call 303.746.8970
Kelly Hayford, invites you to reprint this article in your publication, ezine, or on your website with the following requirements:
- The article & writer’s info must remain complete and unaltered
- All URL's must be set to hyperlinks
- Email distribution of this article MUST be opt-in e-mail only.
- Send copy or link of reprint to contact@FoodFitnessByPhone.com
Thank you for your cooperation and for spreading the word!
For more information:
E-MAIL:
contact@FoodFitnessByPhone.com
TELEPHONE: 303-746-8970