Water is so important, especially over the festive period when we are eating more drying and challenging food. Keeping hydrated doesn’t just help our bodies but also our minds and our stress levels.
Water in the Chinese Five elements is linked to the emotion fear and the quality of stamina. So if you are flagging on any level then keep up with the water!
Drinking for hydration
• Fill a 2 litre bottle of water at the start of the day and try and finish it by the end of the day.
• Invest in a good stainless steel water bottle if you are on the move during the day. Plastic bottles degrade leaching nasties into the water
• Buy a mixed box of herbal teas so you can experiment with all the different flavours.
With your first mouthful of water take your time, hold the water in your mouth for 5-10 seconds, rolling it around your mouth and tongue and breathing over it. This will switch your body on to absorbing the water rather than letting it flood though like with a dried up pot plant.
Eating for Hydration
• Eat more raw fruit and vegetables; they are nature’s natural water storage units.
• Soak nuts and seeds; this deactivates the natural enzyme inhibitors and brings it back to life.
• Cook up some brown rice (preferably short grain as it naturally holds more water), which takes about 40 minutes, and then drain, cool and store in the fridge. This can be used to make quick rice salads and risottos through the week
Soothing Fennel tea
Herb teas are a great way to stay hydrated and sooth indigestion.
Crush 1-1 ½ teaspoons of fennel seeds and steep in boiling water for 10-20 minutes in a teapot, strain into a cup and enjoy