Canada Day was awesome in Nakusp this year and the weather was spectacular. It was great to see so many old friends and new faces enjoying all that our town has to offer.
As nice as it is to have long, hot summer days it can also be hazardous to your health if you are not careful. We all know how important it is to use sunscreen, but it’s equally important to stay hydrated. Of course plain old water is always the best choice when looking for a healthy way to hydrate but let’s be honest, it’s not the most exciting beverage. Ice cold, fizzy, soda pop and sugary fruit juices are sure to tempt even the most health conscious person when the temperatures soar.
If you’re looking for a healthier way to stay hydrated you do have options, you can make your own iced tea by brewing your favourite blend at home and sweetening as you please. The same goes for lemonade, a few organic lemons and the sweetener of your choice is sure to surpass anything you’ll find on the store shelf.
If you’re looking for something completely different why not try an old fashioned drinking vinegar or “shrub” as they are also known. These sweet and tangy vinegar based drink concentrates can be added to water or club soda for a thirst quenching beverage that is quite unlike any other.
They first came into fashion during Colonial times as a way to preserve the fruits of summer when there was no refrigeration, and they were served in the fields to help keep the workers cool and hydrated. There are many health benefits to adding vinegar to your diet; it has an alkalizing effect on the body which is great for heart burn sufferers, and it helps regulate blood sugar so it’s the perfect precursor to a high carb meal. Recipes abound online for making your own shrubs and there are a few commercial brands available as well.
So get out there and enjoy our beautiful lakes and mountains during these wonderfully hot days, but be sure to pack plenty of liquids to keep you hydrated and safe.
