We hear it over and over, day in and day out - drink water.
Unless the source is an untreated pond in the middle of the jungle or straight from the tap in L.A., nobody will ever tell you that drinking water is detrimental to your health...because the fact is, water really is the ultimate ingredient for healthy living.
But even though we all know how important it is to get your recommended eight glass a day, the majority of us probably cringe at the idea of forcing down eight full glasses of boring H20 every day. Luckily, you can supplement a few of those glasses with water-packed, healthy ingredients that not only taste far better than water, but provide your body [and professional voice] with serious health benefits.
We cooked up a week's worth of recipes that not only come loaded with valuable vitamins and minerals, but the all-mighty H20. And just in time for summer, these health-conscious recipes are fat-free and a part of a clean-living plan for those of you looking to show off more than your pipes this summer.
WEDNESDAY
Cucumber, Mint & Greek Yogurt Gazpacho
This fat-free, refreshing summer soup will not only help keep you hydrated, but it is packed with voice and body-friendly ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
1 1/2 cups cucumber or roughly 1 large cucumber, peeled and de-seeded
2 1/2 TBSP red wine vinegar
1 green bell pepper, chopped (no seeds)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (no seeds)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 TSP ginger, minced (not dried)
1 avocado, chopped
1 cup mint, chopped
1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
1 TSP salt
1 TSP pepper
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Garnish with chopped cucumber, mint, a dollop of yogurt, and cilantro.
Calorie Count: 450 calories for the entire batch!
Blend all the ingredients together, chill and enjoy!
Food Fact: Cucumbers contain approximately 96% water, making them at the top of the list for solid foods with the highest water content.
Vocal Health Tip:
One clove of garlic contains 5 mg of calcium, 2 mg of potassium, and more than 100 sulfuric compounds powerful enough to eliminate bacteria and infection. A single 1 oz. serving of garlic yields 23% of the recommended daily amount of manganese, 17% of vitamin B6, 15% of vitamin C, and 6% of the recommended daily amount of selenium (essential for immune health).
To speak with an ENT specialist, contact the ColoradoVoiceClinic.com.