Most people I know usually take advantage of January and clean up. Much as I naturally possess a rebellious personality with a propensity to go beyond avoiding bandwagons (I’d most likely burn it to the ground), I decided, after looking at how I’ve partied and drank myself to near oblivion during the latter half of 2018 (for an introvert, going out to an event more than once every two weeks was just too much), to have myself a clean January.
After I Konmari-ed our house (I’m still in the middle of it), in an effort to find even more clarity (and the blasted pair of shoes I’ve been itching to wear), I also chose to declutter my liver by avoiding alcohol for a while.
Yes, my name is Gail, and much as I’ve successfully built my equity in the alcohol industry (naysayers be damned), I just itched to have a sober first month of the year.
Having said that, I thanked my lucky stars that we built the website around more than just alcohol, which means… I can still keep the blog running by talking about the non-alcoholic stuff I’ve been drinking lately.
Lemon Water
I first learned about the benefits of drinking lemon water from a friend of mine who practiced martial arts. When she was here, she would order water with “a ton of lemon slices in it”. Waiters in Manila found it baffling (and I’ve had to explain what “a ton” means on several outings), and I asked her why she was particular about this. She told me that adding lemons to water is an excellent detoxifier and aids in digestion. Personally, I find it yummier than drinking plain water.
Bonus points for cucumber slices (which is helpful for bloating) and mint (because, yum).
Sparkling Water
Confession: When I started working at the front end of the restaurant industry, I often wondered why people ordered sparkling water (a staple we offered to guests in the form of asking whether they preferred still or sparkling water). I also made the observation that most of our guests who ordered sparkling water were Europeans.
Frankly, I never took to it…
…Until our last trip to Italy.
In an effort to be incredibly hospitable and stuff us to the gills with amazing food (and impeccable wine) coupled by the occasional language barrier, the waiters kept “accidentally” giving us sparkling water. Our family (both from the US and from Manila) just didn’t like it.
Hating waste and most likely bowled over by the romanticism of eating wild boar pasta (paired with Chianti, like a proper Medici) incredibly close to the Arno on a chilly November night, I decided to just take the already opened bottle of San Pellegrino…
Note: I was surprised about how affordable these babies were in S&R! I also love having this in a glass full of ice and lemon slices.
…And fell in love.
Health wise, there’s not much literature on the benefits of drinking sparkling water. While it is less corrosive on the teeth as opposed to soda, it can cause bloating (especially the ones made by dissolving carbonated gas as opposed to the “naturally geologically made” ones).
It sure is, however, a good substitute for soda addicts looking for a healthier alternative for that fizz. Also, after eating rich food and drinking full-bodied wine, it’s a great way to cleanse the palate.
I’ve had some of the fancy “came from the volcanic rock” of some faraway exotic location, but hey. I’m quite content with the supermarket variety (which doesn’t burn a hole in my pockets).
Of course, as our body is composed mostly of water (honestly, literature varies depending on the source), it’s always best to obey medical professionals and have the generally prescribed eight glasses of water a day.
How are you detoxing this January? Cheers!
