Vanilla Bean Spa Water

When I gave up processed foods the absolute most difficult part was changing what I drink.

Here’s the short list of what I used to drink: 1) Diet Coke, 2) Skinny mochas from Starbucks, and 3) SkinnyGirl Cocktails. While those drinks are low in calories they are abundant in artificial, chemical sweeteners.

Today here’s my short list: 1) Spring water, 2) Numi organic tea (Rooibos Chai is my fave!) with half a packet of Stevia extract, 3) Sparkling mineral water, and 4) Homemade spa waters.

What’s spa water? You know, when you go to the spa and there’s the pretty glass pitcher with ice cold water and some variation of sliced fruits (or cucumber) floating in it. The fruit gives a subtle sweetness and flavor to otherwise pure water. If you haven’t tried making this at home, it’s really easy and delicious. Simply cut up a handful of your favorite fruit and put it in a pitcher of spring water in the fridge to chill.

A week ago, while in Maui, I visited a spa in Kaanapali. The massage room was open to the beach, and the tropical bird songs lulled me into a sleep during my 80 minute massage. When I awoke the masseuse handed me a chilled glass of spa water, and to my surprise it was flavored with sweet, delicate vanilla bean.

It was so delicious, and I wouldn’t stop talking about it, so the kids begged me to make some for them when we got back home. Now we all have a favorite new drink!