When we think of nourishing our bodies, I think most of the time we think about food, not drinks. And truth be told, drinks can be a really great way of getting in some excess nutrients without consuming additional calories.
A lot of the time we receive hunger signals, its actually a thirst signals as most of us, I think struggle to hit our daily 2 Litre a day target. So if you are constantly feeling hungry - a good idea is to pick up a glass of water, or this fab tea, have a drink, wait five minutes and then if you're still hungry head to the kitchen to whip something up.
Drinks can pack some awesome nutrients and flavours and do amazing things like Detox, and aid in immune support as well as the obvious hydration. But not only that, because drinks aren't usually heat treated, you have an option of using a liquid as a vessel to get SOOOO many more nutrients into your body and you can use certain herbs that wouldn't be used in cooking - Dandelion Root I'ma lookin at you!
So this iced tea does all of that! Aids in supporting the Liver to release chemicals, and also by using herbs such as Thyme, Ashwaghanda, Withania and Dandelion Root it also helps to support and nourish the Thyroid Gland, clean your blood, and the adaptogens even help to support your adrenal glands during times of stress!
Once you have your herbs down pat, knowing your way around fruits and vegetables as to what can aid in the specific concern you are trying to deal with, will help you nail flavour while nourish 'Dat Bod'.
For instance in this Iced tea, we have Raspberries, Lemon, Cucumber and our Tea Blend (I'll explain what's in this after). So here's the fruit and veg benefits of this tea. Raspberries contain Ketones that may help aid in fat burning and weight loss. When the Liver is over worked and can't function properly, it causes the body to purposely gain fat which the toxins can be stored in. This is why when you begin a weight loss journey, most often than not you will end up with more pimples than normal and even Acne. But this is good! Your body is getting rid of the chemicals that are stored in the fat! Raspberries also contain Vitamins C and B and they're also packed with Anti Oxidants. Lemons contain Ascorbic Acid which can aid in digestion. The acid helps to break down foods before they reach the small intestine. This is particularly beneficial if you have digestion concerns. Ascorbic acid has also been known to aid in detoxifying the body. Lemons are also rich in Vitamin C which is known to boost the function of your immune system and stimulates white blood cell growth. Cucumber actually aids in fighting free radical damage and inflammation. It also aids in slowing the aging process that is caused by stress. Cucumbers are also diuretics which means that they make you wee. Their awesome water content helps to flush the liver and kidneys (kinkeys if I'm talking to my children) and take any chemicals and toxins from the liver and kidneys on its way out. They also help with those that retain fluid!
The herbs in this particular tea aid in detoxification, and also contains adaptogens which helps in times of stress, as well as herbs that help in Thyroid Function and Nourishment. I made this blend myself.... I'm more of a 'get it inta ya' kinda person, so I buy in bulk my Thyme, Dandelion, Ashwaghanda (Holy Basil), Withania and Licorice Root and then I just empty them all in a big jar and mix together. Then when it's tea time... I use a tablespoon per Tea Pot (about 4 cups) . You can use any tea you like though. But make sure it is loose leaf and organic. Teas can contain a lot of pesticides so it helps to consume organic when you can find it! Head on down to your local health shop and see what teas you can find, however if you have some beautiful fruits and veg that help with detoxification you could always use a simple Lemon Grass and Ginger tea, or Chamomile - or really anything you want as your Liquid Vessel!
So give it a go and let me know what you think below!
Recipe
Serves - 1 - Over the Course of a day, or if you're near a toilet then go hell for leather if you like.
Time - 1 Hour before consumable
What you need:
1/4 Cucumber cut into slices
1/4 Cup Frozen Raspberries
1/2 Lemon (peeled if not organic)
1 Tablespoon Tea of Choice - I used Thyme and Ashwaghanda by Southern Lights
Hot Water, Ice
Large Tea Pot or Jug to Brew your Tea (and a tea strainer)
What to do:
Boil your kettle, and then fill your tea pot or jug with the boiled water. You can either wait for the water to cool below 60 degrees or you can add some filtered cool water.
Once below 60 degrees, add your tea and steep for 10 minutes.
When your tea is steeped, remove it and add your cucumber, raspberries and lemon.
Let this sit for around 1/2 hour minimum
After 1/2 hour, add your ice and serve!
