What can I drink?

determinedgirl1

I am just starting my new Primal / Paleo lifestyle. I am starting out slowly by giving up processed foods, then dairy but I do have a few areas to overcome (late night eating)...but other than that, it is going well.

My question is what can I drink? Typically I would add crystal light drops to my water...but I can not have artificial sweetener. I do not like the taste of fruit in my water...it tastes "watered down"...so what else is there? God ol' fashioned H2O? This could be the demise of my Paleo journey. I am determined to stick with it...so if I have to drink plain water I will...but I will be SO cranky. I gave up soda 2 years ago, so that is not a problem, I have one cup of coffee in the morning...but I don't drink it on the weekends (only at work)...so I don't think that will be a problem...Any suggestions?

100andOnward

Water, coffee, tea, 100% fruit juices (in moderation!!)... I like Trader Joe's Peach Mango Orange juice and mix it with 2/3 orange bubble water (again, in moderation!). V8 is OK in moderation, too.

I liked mixing up my water--drop in some lemon slices and basil leaves, or basil and peppermint and leave it in the fridge. After a day or so, it's delicious, and the lemon adds a hint of flavor without too much of a watered down fruit taste.

You'll probably find, too, that your tastes will change as you follow a Paleo lifestyle. Things that didn't hold much appeal may start to seem better, and things that sounded AMAZING eventually become "meh". I found that a lot of things I used to love just became WAY too sweet after a few weeks.

Akimajuktuq

I really don't understand when people can't/won't drink water. No matter what that should be the main liquid consumed. Sometimes it just takes awhile to get used to it again. I don't always like something new the first few times I try it but as i perservere and work on my attitude it gets easier and then eventually enjoyable. It's a CHOICE... like all things needed to be healthy in our modern age of convenience and junk. If drinking water is what breaks your Paleo journey you might want to reassess things.

I definitely drink coffee. Not because I think it's healthy or necessary but I love it. I do set limits on myself or I would drink 10 cups + per day. I drink tea as well, Earl Grey, black, and my current favourite is Stash Merry Mint. Coffees and teas are always fair trade (they history of stimulants and global trade is an interesting one) and usually organic.

Mostly I drink water. Not tons, just what i need. I keep a water cup by me most of the time.

I do NOT recommend fruit juice at all. I have used a dash with club soda for vodka mix (wedge of lime or lemon is better)... but I'm talking a few times per year max. V8 is also a highly processed product, as are most juices one buys in a box or can. If you choose juices it's best to make your own. Savoury smoothies can be much like V8.

determinedgirl1

Akimajuktuq, I didnt say I cant or wont drink water, actually I said "if I have to drink plain water I will". Water is the ONLY thing I drink, other than coffee a few times a week. I like to add flavor to my water and I am looking for ideas from individuals that have been successful with the Paleo lifestyle...with that being said. I just dont like the taste of water - maybe it will grow on me. Thanks for responding.


MyNameIsCaffe, Thanks for the info & the encouragement. I hope that my taste will change as I go forward but until then I will try some of your suggestions.

Akimajuktuq

God ol' fashioned H2O? This could be the demise of my Paleo journey.

You also said that.

I'm sorry if my bluntness was offensive; however, I have not found all changes easy or automatic either. I have had to learn new cooking skills, open my mind to unfamiliar foods, and develop new tastes which can be very challenging when an important food has been absent for generations (fermented foods, organs, bone broth, seafoods etc). It takes commitment and much effort at times, but overall it's been a wonderful and worthwhile journey and we have awesome health to show for it. It's not just my health that relies on expanding my food horizons, but that of my child and future generations.

MikeFlyMike

While I gave up soda many years ago, I found soda water a great addition. A soda stream is my favorite appliance right next to the crockpot. (I don't put anything in it). There is always caloric coconut water and for gut health some kombucha.

Clothwright

Water is the best but not all waters are the same--are you drinking water from your tap? I have certainly lived in places where drinking tap water was... not what I expected it to be. Just out of curiosity it might be worthwhile checking with your county to see what kinds of things are in your water. For instance I grew up near a spring with heavy iron content and I loved the water, but some people couldn't stand it. First thing I would suggest is to filter your water. If necessary buy bottled, though imho that's a less optimal solution because it usually comes in plastic.

Things to ad to water:
lemon or lime juice
mint leaves
tasty ice cubes: puree some fruit with a bit of water and stick the solution in an ice cube tray. Once frozen you can put one in your drink and it will get a tinge of flavor as the ice cube melts. Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango... or just use frozen fruit. This does add some fruit carbs and sugars so if you are very very low carb might not be a good option.
Fruit juice can be added in small quantities for some flavor--again, with the sugar caveat. Don't think of it as drinking juice, think of it as flavoring your water.

You can also make infusions, basically flavored water, and cool them if you like your drinks cold. My favorite is ginger tea: take a big pot of water, put in some sliced ginger, a cinnamon stick, some whole cloves, whatever else sounds good to you. Bring to a boil then simmer until the volume is reduced to about 3/4 or 1/2 of what it was. Chill then drink. I find it refreshing, though as another poster noted, it might be a taste you work around to rather than one that tastes good immediately.

justaspoonfulofsugar

I am a water fanatic and have been since I was a child.I find it the only thing to satisfy my thirst.
If I want to add a little something to my water,I would dilute straight up juices.I find most pure fruit juices far too sweet and cutting with water is the only way to make it drinkable.
Frozen pieces of fruit in water are quite nice..I also like lemon in my water.As a first port of call in the morning,some hot lemon water is very good as a mild detoxed and helps to balance out the body with something alkaline.
I have some really good loose teas,green and citrus rooibos,both are good enough to be drunk hot or cold.
As you go further into paleo,your palate will change and some things that used to taste awful will be better.