Soda Substitutes:

Getting off soda can be difficult.  Diet or regular, our taste buds have been spoiled by the artificial sweetness.  But soda is so very bad not just for for your body but for your teeth!    Other beverages such as flavored waters, vitamin drinks and powdered mixes (like Crystal Light) may also contain Nutrasweet, Splenda, or other artificial flavors and chemicals that are not good for your body.

Realize that you may have an adjustment period while your taste buds "reset" and relearn to enjoy the natural goodness of healthier beverages.   

Teas:
Hot or cold, green, white, black and oolong teas are very good for you.  They are possibly as high in polyphenol anti-oxidents as some fruits and vegetables.  Herbal teas have different properties, providing the same benefits as taking the same herbal supplement.  Peppermint tea eases headaches and digestive problems and promotes relaxation. Chamomile tea calms the nerves and promotes sleep.  Echinachea and Pau D'Arco teas are wonderful for boosting the immune system.  Sweeten teas only with stevia or a natural sugar.  Beware of bottled teas which often have hidden artificial flavors or sweeteners. 

To Water add:

Liquid Chlorophyll  for a fresh, minty taste. 

For Orange-Vanilla water: slice one orange and add one vanilla bean (extract doesn't work the same) to 1/2 gallon of water, chill for 4 hours.

To a glass of mineral water add:

* Add a generous squeeze of lemon or lime juice
* 2T of a concentrated anti-oxident juice such as pommegranite, blueberry, cranberry or Thai Go



To reduce edema:

* Add 2 dandelion tea bags and 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice to a 64oz pitcher of water.  Sweeten with stevia if desired.