3 summer cool-down drinks with added benefits

Culinary nutritionist Trudy Stone is joining us with easy drink ideas that have added health benefits but sacrifice none of the flavours!

Enjoy these delicious drinks guilt free as each drink has its own added health benefits.

Drink #1 – Chia Strawberry Lemonade Refresher Cocktail

The star superfood ingredient in this drink are chia seeds. Chia seeds contain high levels of antioxidants. They’re also packed with soluble fibre which helps move food along your digestive tract and also flushes toxins from your body and aids in the absorption of nutrients. Exactly what you need to help counteract the effects of alcohol.

Bonus – they also help to fight belly fat! You’re also going to get a nice dose of vitamin C thanks to the strawberries and the lemons will also help flush toxins from the liver.

Drink #2 – Cucumber Basil Margarita Mocktail

Cucumbers are about 95% water which makes this veggie (although it’s technically a fruit) the perfect choice to help flush toxins out of your body and reduce bloating, while delivering powerful nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium. It’s also no coincidence that cucumbers are abundant in spas because they also contain multiple B vitamins that will help to manage stress and anxiety. Basil is a great source of calcium and helps with the absorption of Vitamin D. Also, low levels of calcium may lead to impaired memory, focus, depression, and anxiety.

Drink #3 – Coconut Oat Matcha Milkshake

Dates are not only a great natural sweetener in your smoothies and desserts they’re also really high in fiber which many people are deficient in. Fiber is important for blood sugar regulation so that you can avoid those energy crashes. You’ll also get a good dose of fiber as well as some iron and magnesium from the oats. Matcha is a great alternative to coffee if you need a pick me up. Although matcha contains some caffeine, the relaxing properties of L-theanine counterbalance the “jittery” effects of caffeine, which promotes concentration and clarity of mind without producing any of the nervous energy typically associated with coffee.

Ingredients

tbsp chia seeds

1-½

cup water

2-3

ripe strawberries, diced

lemon, juiced

oz vodka

tbsp maple syrup

lime wedge, for garnish

Cucumber Basil Margarita Mocktail

4-5

basil, leaves

1/4

cucumber, diced

limes, juiced

1/4

tsp pickle juice

1-½

oz simple syrup, (or 1 tbsp maple syrup)

oz club soda

salt rim, for garnish

lime wedge, for garnish

Coconut Oat Matcha Milkshake

3/4

cup coconut milk, (or almond milk)

1/4

cup oats

cup coconut ice cream, (can also use vanilla)

tsp matcha

scoop collagen powder

2-3

dates, pitted

1/2

tsp vanilla extract

pinch sea salt

cup ice

tbsp toasted coconut, (optional)

Instructions

Drink #1 – Chia Strawberry Lemonade Refresher Cocktail 1. Stir chia seeds into water and let sit in the fridge for 1 hour or more, so seeds can expand. Stir well so seeds do not clump together. (Pre-prepped) 2. Muddle strawberries with lemon juice using a muddler or a fork. Stir strawberry-lemon mixture into chia water mixture and add vodka and maple syrup if desired. 3. Garnish with lime wedge and serve well chilled. Drink #2 – Cucumber Basil Margarita Mocktail 1. First make simple syrup by adding 1 part water and ½ part sugar to a medium saucepan. 2. Bring to boil, reduce heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat. Allow to cool completely, then bottle and refrigerate. (Pre-prepped) 3. Slightly muddle the basil leaves and cucumber in a mixing glass, add remaining ingredients and ice and stir to combine. 4. Pour into glass rimmed with salt and garnish with a lime wedge! Drink #3 – Coconut Oat Matcha Milkshake 1. First, soak oats in almond milk for 30 minutes. This will make the oats softer and creamier. (Pre-prepped) 2. Place all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 3. Pour milkshake in a glass and top with toasted coconut if desired.

Nutrition

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