Spa In A Glass

It's Monday morning, the alarm rings just before 6, glance at the blackberry-- 38 emails overnight. It's only Monday. We've all been there.

Since I had to abort my plan to do a morning yoga practice, and it was highly inappropriate to fix myself a stiff cocktail at that hour, I figured the next best thing was spa in a glass--a delightfully refreshing, souped up version of lemon water.

This heavenly concoction passed down to me by my friend Erin, is comprised of lemon, mint, cucumber and ginger and has several soothing and healing properties.

Straight up lemon water has been hailed for years as an aid for detoxifying and re-alkalizing the body. When we're stressed out or eat too many rich/processed/sugary foods, the body becomes acidic. A chronically acidic system or acidocis leads to decreased immune function, weakened mental capacity, inflammation, premature aging, and increased risk of degenerative disease. Although counter-intuitive (as lemon itself is highly acidic), the body's reaction to lemon water is alkalizing, helping to bring the system's pH back to neutral where it functions optimally.

Ginger aids in digestion, alleviates high blood pressure by increasing circulation, treats nausea and morning sickness and has also been known to lower LDL cholesterol.

Cucumber improves complexion, decreases water retention and helps soothe skin irritation.

Mint also relieves indigestion and its aroma has soothing and calming properties.

I try to keep a pitcher of this magical punch in the fridge so I can sip away the stress...Drink up!

You'll need:

• Pitcher of filtered water
• 2 lemons; juice of 1, thin slices of the second
• 1/2 large cucumber; thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 inch of ginger, grated

Add all ingredients to a large pitcher and let chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Pour over ice.