By Meghan Leigh

A Toast to Healthier Habits (Hold the Booze, Please)

Recently, I’ve been feeling every bit of my 46 years.  If age ain’t nothin’ but a number, I’ve got a number of aches, pains, creaks, crackles, and bloated moments to support the math.   

Because of the general malaise, I decided to take on a physical and mental strength challenge to kick-start a more healthy version of myself.

I’ve never been one to drink a lot of sugary sodas, but I do so love a nicely mixed cocktail or locally crafted beer.  As a self-professed “Bookish Biddie who Imbibes,” cutting out the alcohol has put a little cramp in my style.  So, since adult libations are not allowed during the challenge, I’ve been leaning on other fun options to keep my daily hydration varied and interesting.  

Mornings Are for Tea (and a Bit of Elegance)

First, I love tea in the morning.  Iced or hot, I’m on board.  Tea feels both simple and sophisticated at the same time.  If you haven’t tried Rishi Tea, you’re missing out.  While the company hails from Milwaukee, the international flavors they bring to the plate are bold and storied.  My current favorite is the Blueberry Hibiscus Herbal Tea.  And since it’s a looseleaf, if you don’t already have a nice infuser mug, it gives you an excuse to get yourself a well-deserved gift. Check out this ceramic one from Amazon.

The Bubbly Life: Sparkling Water Adventures

Sparkling water?  Check.  While there are typically four or five store-bought flavors in the fridge rotation, breaking out the SodaStream has been a great hack to keep up my water consumption.  And it’s super easy to make my own flavors without having to resort to the standard sugary syrups.  A little fresh lime, lemon, or grapefruit juice is all you need to get a tasty thirst-quencher.  I feel healthier just thinking about it!  A nice bit of bubbly to put some pep in my step.

Fruit-Infused Water: Fancy with Minimal Effort

And speaking of fresh juice with water … why was I sleeping on fruit infused water for so many years?  I always feel more fancy and upscale when I’m sipping on chilled lemon water at a restaurant.  Why not bring that feeling home?  I may not be the most elegant lady, but the berries floating around in this liquid hint otherwise.  (Cue a mental picture of me, sitting with my pinky held high, slowly swirling ice cubes with raspberries in a glass goblet.)  I’ve discovered some great recipe books including this one to help increase my creativity when it comes to this new fruity obsession too, and I’m totally here for it.

Kombucha: Dessert in a Bottle

Coming in clutch for me along this journey: kombucha.  Since I’m forgoing traditional desserts during the challenge, kombucha has been my substitute (well, that and blueberries … thank goodness for blueberry season.)  Any time I’ve had a sweets craving, kombucha has saved the day.  The sheer amount of kombucha I’m craving though has got me thinking about making my own at home.  There are so many great resources out there for home brewing – books, kits, other accoutrements.  Best case scenario, I’ll find a stellar recipe for blueberry kombucha, thereby combining my two current sweets obsessions.

Coffee After Dark: Don’t Judge Me

Last, but certainly not least: coffee.  It’s classic for a reason.  And although it may seem a bit strange, coffee is my nighttime wind-down beverage.  I love to have a hot cuppa when I sit down with my nightly reading.  This evening’s agenda calls for a chapter of “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel, accompanied by Door County Coffee Company’s “Vanilla Almond Kringle” flavored coffee. I can also highly recommend their “Turtles in a Cup” and “Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream”.  Yummmmmm.  These coffees are lightly flavored and feel like nice treat at the end of the day.  A little decadence before I tuck myself into bed.

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Is there a healthy beverage I’m missing out on?  Have you tried making your own kombucha?  And am I the only one drinking two cups of coffee before hitting the hay?  Imbibing minds want to know!  

Signing off in the name of love and liquid,
Meg

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