Sometimes you need to replenish your electrolytes, and whether you're on a special diet like GAPS or just want to avoid the commercially prepared store version, it's good to have a few recipes ready in case you need them. Then you can just whip one up with a few simple ingredients.
I don't think I've ever ingested a commercially produced electrolyte because I've always known how easy it was to make at home. And if you need more persuading, take a look at the ingredient label. You'll find artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, artificial sweetener, maybe high fructose corn syrup for the knock off brands and to add insult to injury these drinks are usually expensive.
Recently my son got a mild case of stomach flu and I was concerned he wasn't drinking enough. He prefers to drink water, but I know that people tend to drink more when there's sweet involved so I decided to try making an electrolyte drink that would be ideal for using on GAPS.
Consider making a batch to have on hand if you are planning to be out in the heat, working up a sweat at the gym or if you've had a stomach bug as it will help you to replenish lost minerals. I think this would also be a big hit to bring for a picnic on a warm day.
The cherries are going to add a bit of natural flavoring so add honey [affiliate link] to taste. Some folks on GAPS that want to stay low on carbohydrates use Stevia and if that's you (even though it's not legal, it's a small cheat in my opinion) omit the honey and use Stevia to taste instead.
It would be very easy to change up this recipe. If you don't have limes, what about lemons? In a pinch you could even use apple cider vinegar for the tang. Add some cinnamon [affiliate link] and you'll have a flavor reminiscent of apple pie. Swap out the cherries with any other berry you have available. Blueberries, blackberries, or possibly a stone fruit, like peaches. The possibilities are endless – just put on your thinking cap!
Refreshing Cherry-Limeade
- 12 cherries
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon honey or more to taste
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt [affiliate link]
- 1/2 teaspoon Trace Mineral Liquid from Concentrace
- Puree the cherries (ideally in a high-powered blender) with 1 cup of water.
- Add remaining water, lime juice, honey, sea salt and Trace Mineral Liquid.
- Serve over ice.
- 12 cherries
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon honey or more to taste
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Trace Mineral Liquid from Concentrace
- Puree the cherries (ideally in a high-powered blender) with 1 cup of water.
- Add remaining water, lime juice, honey, sea salt and Trace Mineral Liquid.
- Serve over ice.