If you had told me that the thing I was going to be known for around a television network was a water that looked like a salad was in it, I would have said “uhhhhh ok…”. But 5 years after I began my career as a food stylist at a major television shopping channel, the term “Salad Water” has followed me and continues to til this very day. What started as a detox water for a few days with my fellow co-workers, has now become a daily staple in my life, even after my time at the tv studio ended. On air guests, television hosts, coworkers and even a few celebrities requested them and knew that I was the woman behind the water with the salad in it. The best part about it is that it’s easy, it’s extremely healthy for you and it’s a drink you can make in either small batches or large ones.
When you are surrounded by not just food, but various types of desserts, frozen meals and luxurious food, it’s really hard to keep to a healthy lifestyle. With endless amounts of snacks, candies, fried goodies and anything else you can imagine, it’s quite simple to start gaining weight. And I did. 20 pounds of it. Between all that food being so easy to grab and the fast paced world of live television, you grabbed what was available when it was available and kept the mind set of “I’ll burn it off”. Well, I’m here to tell you, that’s totally not true. Many of the other women on my team fought the same battle daily. We were always trying something to keep healthy food around, be satisfied by it and not snack too much.
After a few healthy food fails, my one colleague said that she had heard about detox waters. These were infused waters that were surfacing all over Pinterest. Various different combinations promised many different outcomes. More energy, kidney detox, fat flushes, metabolism boosters, you name it. So we decided to try them one day. After she made them once, I somehow ended up with the torch. Not being as environmentally aware as we should have been, we took the plastic quart containers that we had all over the place and made them our drink cups. This way we didn’t have to refill them as often, especially on show days. They soon became a main stay, with more and more teammates wanting one each day. There were times where I was making up to 8 some days with crew members and hosts even requesting them. Even on set, cameramen and various team members would either ask, “What is that!?” or would comment, “There’s the famous salad water”.
For the longest time, I only had them at work. But then I finally started making them at home. It’s deceptively simple. And there’s no specific recipe that I have found works best for anything that was promised. What I put in mine, is what I found works for me. Each ingredient plays its own part. with its own benefits. So let’s get into it.
First off, your container. Can you use a glass? Sure! But would a bigger container be better so that you push more water? Absolutely! The quart containers obviously held a quart or 32 ounces. I wanted a container at home that would hold just as much but be more environmentally friendly. So I got my first 32 ounce cup with a reusable straw. During Covid, while I was teaching at the school, I chose a wide mouthed 32 ounce container that I could tuck my straw into without leaving it exposed to open air. Now I have upgraded to an ironflask, which I think by far is my favorite. I upped the ounces to 40oz. It came with 3 different lids, including a pop up reusable straw, a coffee type top and a wide mouth top. This one also holds ice and keeps it cold all day, even in this summer heat. You can also simply make this in a pitcher and continue drink it all day.
I’m not a nutritionist. I’m not claiming any certain health benefits. I’m not saying this is going to fix any health issues. What I am saying is what I was taught and what I have found about these ingredients and what they have done for me.
Lemons: The research on health benefits of lemon water is endless. Better digestion, better kidney function, more energy are just some of the main ones. My favorite is the electrolytes that lemons give you. We lose electrolytes daily when we sweat and don’t gain it back by drinking normal water. Therefore, citrus is your friend to gain those back. Plus it has also been proven to help aid in weight loss.
Ginger: Ginger has long been a digestive aid. Why do you think we drink Ginger Ale when your stomach is upset? Beings that I have a long history of digestive issues, ginger was a no brainer. Plus fresh ginger is one of my favorite ingredients and smells ever.
Mint: Is there anything better then fresh mint? It has the best and brightest flavor. It also aids in digestion (Hello Mint Tea!) and helps with inflammation of the stomach as well as having many other vitamins as well.
Cucumbers: Every single spa water you have ever seen on tv or in person has cucumbers in it. Why do you think that is? It’s cause they are loaded with water as well. Thus, aiding in hydration even more when they are put in water. I personally am not a cucumber fan normally except for sushi. But in the water, I can do it.
Strawberries: Did you know the fruit highest in Vitamin C is not a Citrus fruit? It’s strawberries. Which can kinda suck in the winter when they are out of season and its flu season. So why not add them into your water and reap those benefits now?
These are my five staples but you can add a wide range of other fruit and herbs such as: Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Watermelon, Limes, Oranges, Rosemary, Basil, Kiwi, Pineapple and so much more.
I make one of these every two days, meaning that it lasts me two days. You can make it every day if you’d like too. I will say that the major key is putting that fruit in your glass or container first. That way when you do pour the water in, all that fruit goodness gets mixed in. I put these in glasses so that you can see it in all it’s glory!
I’m not a soda or tea drinker. I drink coffee and salad water. That’s about it. And I try to refill at least 4 times a day. It has helped my complexion, it has helped me from snacking, it has given me energy and it has helped me lose weight. I hope you can enjoy this and that it gives you some of these amazing benefits too! I didn’t expect to become known for an infused water drink, but I’m really happy that I am.
My Somewhat “Famous” Salad Water
Makes 1 32oz Container
1 half Lemon, cut into quarters
3 Mint Sprigs
3 1 inch wide pieces of fresh ginger, peeled
3 whole strawberries, cleaned with the tops cut off
3 Cucumber Slices
Ice
Water
In a 32 oz container, squeeze all four pieces of lemon into the container. Add in your mint, ginger, strawberries and cucumbers. Add ice and then pour in your water.
You can let this rest overnight and then start drinking or you can start right away. You are able to reuse the fruit through the day and still get a lot of flavor. Enjoy!