Detox this summer

Come summers and everyone has to increase the intake of water to keep the body hydrated. It is also during this season that I indulge in a lot of detox drinks that help me flush out the toxins from the body and yes also keeps me away from my poison, Red Bull! Why I like to drink these is because it adds a different taste to water and I experiment with new tastes every week so that I don’t get bored. Please note that I do not drink this to lose weight. If you are looking at options to lose weight with these drinks, please consult your doctor or dietitian  You might need to follow a strict regime to do so.

While you will find dime a dozen such drinks on the web, I have listed some of my favourites

The Mint Cucumber and Lemon Cooler

This one was introduced by a cousin and is one of my fav’s. In 1.5 litres of water, add half a ccucumber ( you need to wash it thoroughly and cut in circles), one lemon cut into rings and a handful of mint leaves. Stir and let it steep overnight in the fridge. Strain the amount of liquid you wish to drink in a clean glass. Finish this quantity in one day and always use fresh ingredients in the second lot. This drink helps to flush out impurities from your skin and no you will not notice a difference in one day! Give yourself at least a month or two! I typically switch between basil and mint leaves for this drink.

 

Ginger Lemon Cooler

This one does not need to steep and it has to be made instantly.  Take a glass of water. Squeeze the juice of half a lime and add roughly half an inch of grated ginger to it. Mix well. Let the ginger settle down and then drink it in small sips. Most people like to kickstart the day with this drink. I stick to my cup of green tea that I always start my day with. Two sachets of Tulsi green tea brewed in hot water.

Apple Cinnamon Drink

Take a big jug that can hold about 2 litres of water. Drop one thinly sliced apple ( I use half green and half a red apple) and one big cinnamon stick into the pitcher. Cover with about 30 – 40 cubes of ice and add water ( about 1 litre). Place in the fridge. Let it steep for at least 4 hours.  Drink this all through the day.
Note: You can re-fill water 3-4 times before replacing apples and cinnamon

Minty Pineapple

Add about 100 gms of cut pineapple in a pitcher. Add a handful of mint leaves. With a hand blender mix these for just 2-3 seconds. Fill the pitcher with ice and let it steep in the fridge for about 2 hours at least.

Blend in a mixer half a pineapple cut into chunks, juice of two lemons, seeds of one pomegranate and two inches of ginger. You can add a little water to this. Strain. Drink!

Watermelon and Basil Water

Take a big jug that can hold about 1.5 litres of water. Add about 200 gms of cubed watermelon. Add a handful of basil ( tulsi) leaves. Let it steep for at least 3 hours before you consume it.

All images are sourced from the net.