A lot of clients are surprised when I reveal to them that I’m not going to make them completely give up alcohol. We all know that alcohol can slow down your metabolism, up your cortisol, raise your estrogen levels, and clog your liver. It’s true that consuming alcohol, is detrimental to human health. However, at the same time enjoying a drink or two and connecting socially can be incredibly beneficial to well being.
Good news: You can have your cocktail and drink it to. The key to getting away with small indulgences is to mitigate the damage by integrating some positives. In other words, if you’re going to have a drink, at least stay hydrated and support detoxification at the same time.
Here’s a list of ingredients you can mix together for a refreshing summer drink that also helps offset the harms of alcohol.
Watermelon
Watermelon is super hydrating due to its high water content along with vital electrolytes like magnesium. Staying hydrated is key to preventing the damages of alcohol that lead to hangover symptoms. Watermelon can also help keep your body temp down and prevent sunburn, due to high lycopene content. Bonus points when you’re sipping your drink out at the lake or at a BBQ.
Cucumber
Similarly to watermelon, cucumber also helps keep you hydrated and cool. High in minerals like magnesium and potassium, it helps to maintain balance that alcohol often depletes. Cucumber also helps flush toxins from the system and supports the kidneys.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a potent detoxifier. It’s able to bind to toxic substances, such as heavy metals, and support the liver in eliminating them. It also protects against oxidative stress and neurological inflammation that something like drinking would cause.
Lime
Citrus has a high amount of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, and helps support mineral balance. In Chinese Medicine, sour flavor is nourishing and supportive to the liver.
Good Quality Tequila
Finding a good quality alcohol is vital. This can be tricky since alcohol companies aren’t required to list ingredients. I opt for a high quality, 100% agave white tequila as the best option. While tequila is made from agave, which is high in sugar, the fermentation process eliminates most of the harmful effects. Unlike many other hard alcohols, 100% agave tequila doesn’t require grains and therefore doesn’t contain harmful gluten.
Watermelon Cucumber Margarita
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1/2 English cucumber, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 lime, zested, plus juice of 1/2 lime, plus wedge for rimming glasses
3 ozs. Casa Amigos or Corzo white tequila
1/4 cup course kosher salt (optional)
Directions:
Blend the watermelon and cucumber in a high speed blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to use. Mix 1/2 cup watermelon-cucumber juice with lime juice and tequila in a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake well to chill and serve.
