Elizabeth Marglin
Need to drink more water—but feeling uninspired to keep sipping? We asked yoga teachers around the country to share their favorite H20 add-ins that inspire them (and hopefully you, too!) to stay hydrated.
We all know the importance of staying hydrated—especially during summer. But chugging liters of plain water can feel like a chore. In fact, even the most health conscious among us often struggle to reach our recommended daily quota.
One solution to water fatigue: Upgrade your water with superfoods, supplements, or other creative add-ins that make your water tastier and healthier. In fact, your water can be a carrier for almost any kind of enhancement you can imagine.
Can’t think of anything more inspired than a lemon wedge or a few slices of cucumber? We asked 9 yoga superstars for their go-to picks for supercharging their water. Whether you copy their ideas or use them as a launchpad for your own H2O add-ins, here’s all the inspiration you need to drink up.
1. Charcoal
Yogi: Chelsea Jackson, PhD, an Atlanta-based yoga teacher and educator devoted to bringing yoga to new populations.
“My go-to for charging up my water is adding activated charcoal powder. I experience occasional GI issues, and adding a teaspoon of charcoal powder helps detoxify my digestive system. Bonus: It also helps to whiten my teeth.”
2. Apple Cider Vinegar & Cayenne Pepper
Yogi: Corey Phelps, a Washington, D.C.-based nutrition expert, personal trainer, and yoga teacher
“Drinking plain water is great, but some days you want a little extra pizazz or need your H2O to work double-time, nutritionally speaking. Two of my favorite add-ins, which I add at the same time, are apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper. Apple cider vinegar is known to lower blood sugar levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, aid in weight loss, and improve heart health. Cayenne pepper gives it a kick, plus contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids, which help improve circulation, lower cholesterol, and provide a metabolic boost.”
3. Redmond’s Real Salt
Yogi: Alison Litchfield, a Boulder-based yoga teacher
“One of the ways I supercharge my water is to add up to 1/4 teaspoon of Redmond’s Real Salt to a quart of water. Mined from deep underground deposits of a naturally dried ancient sea bed, Real Salt supplies the body with missing trace minerals and many major minerals necessary to maintain optimal function. It helps to balance electrolytes, restore any fluid loss from your yoga practice, and reduce inflammation in the body.”
4. Beauty water
Yogi: Kathryn Budig, international yoga teacher
“I use Sakara’s Beauty Water (rose water infused with 72 trace minerals) in my morning water, and often pour it from a container that has a chunk of rose quartz in. The rose water calms the adrenals, and the quartz energetically charges me.”
5. Crystals
Yogi: Giselle Mari, a San Francisco-based yoga teacher
“I just found these gorgeous, super-fun water bottles from Soji Energy. They come in a variety of crystal colors that all bring a particular energy to your water—and they are definitely a conversation piece.”
6. Herbs & Cucumber
Yogi: Victoria Gordon, a New York City-based yoga teacher
“Particularly in the summer, I like to cool off and hydrate with fresh herb and cucumber water. I simply place 2-3 cucumber slices, which are rich in vitamin B-5, into my water bottle in the morning and add some fresh mint, basil, parsley, or cilantro. The herbs add an extra kick of flavor and refresh my breath. Throughout the day, I refill the bottle with filtered water and it continues to keep my thirst quenched. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can add 1-3 drops of therapeutic, food-grade peppermint, lavender, or oregano essential oil and dilute in your bottle of water.”
7. CBD
8. Ginger
Yogi: Kelly Morgan, a Fairfax, Virginia-based yoga teacher and health coach
“I add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to my water for a spicy, energizing drink. Ginger is especially nice when your stomach is upset, as numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in counteracting nausea.”
9. Moonshine
Yogi: Bibi McGill, a Portland, Oregon-based yoga teacher
“I prefer to drink water that is untampered with by humans. The Pacific Northwest has some of the best water in the country, so I forage my water straight out of a local mountain waterfall. The water is regularly tested for its purity and safe to drink. For an extra charge, I set the water in glass jars outside at night under the full moon. Finally, I pour my water into a 2.3 liter, TC Energy Design Carafe with a Gold Flower of Life pattern inscribed in fine detail on the bottom. Talk about high vibes!”
Grab your FREE Yoga Kick Start Kit HERE while they’re still available.
