I love summer! After several weeks of “May gray” and a couple of “June gloom” here at the beach, we have finally emerged from our marine layer and are enjoying the glorious weather we live here for!

One of the benefits of the longer days is the extra time we have to spend outdoors. Whether it’s lounging on the beach or by the pool, working in the garden, playing golf or tennis or just going for a walk with your dog, try to get out and enjoy some fresh air. My daily routine includes time in the gym followed by a long walk or a swim, and I start early. Your routine may be different, but we all benefit from exercise, and the more of it we can do outdoors, the better. Sunshine is actually GOOD for us! (Who knew?)

It’s important to hydrate before and after exercise. Even if you exercise later in the day, try to begin your day with a large glass of pure, filtered water, or even a cup of hot water with lemon if you prefer. Herbal teas are a healthful alternative to coffee, and can also be delicious chilled. Get creative and try combining them! One of my favorite combinations is served at a wonderful little vegetarian restaurant in Hermosa Beach called The Spot. (Recipe follows.) Feel free to experiment with different quantities, and add lemon or lime juice and/or stevia to your liking.

I recently discovered coconut water, and it has become my new favorite after-workout pick-me-up! Coconut water is the juice from the inside of a coconut. The older the coconut, the thicker the coconut meat, but the less juice it will contain. So if you want to acquire your coconut water from a fresh coconut, be sure to look for one labeled “young coconut.” Personally, I find it convenient and cost-effective to purchase packaged coconut water from a natural foods store. There are several on the market; just be sure to purchase one that is all natural and doesn’t contain any added sugar.

Coconut water is naturally sweet and fat-free. It is a perfect post-workout beverage as it is high in potassium (more per serving than a banana) and loaded with electrolytes. Chilled, it’s great on its own. Substituted for water when making almond milk, it’s absolutely delicious. And as a base for smoothies or “shakes” it is heaven!

Many people who like the flavor of coconut have an aversion to the texture of coconut meat. Coconut water is the answer to their dilemma.

Coconut milk, which is made from a puree of the coconut meat, is another delicious alternative to dairy that can be used in a variety of beverages. Unlike coconut water, it contains coconut oil, which is a healthy fat rich in lauric acid. Lauric acid is known for being anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is also used by thyroid sufferers to increase metabolism. (This makes sense because so many thyroid problems have a fungal ideology!) You’ll find canned coconut milk in the Asian section of most supermarkets. As always, read labels and buy only natural, unsweetened coconut milk, preferably organic.

Following are a couple of recipes to get you started, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Tip: If you like your drinks thick and frosty, freeze part of your coconut water or coconut milk in ice cube trays and/or add regular ice cubes to your mixture. Of course, the more powerful your blender, the better.



Coconut-Almond Milk

In blender, add one handful (about ¼ cup) raw almonds to one cup cold coconut water. Blend thoroughly. Strain, or not, to personal taste. (I like the added protein and fiber from the ground nuts, but if you prefer your almond milk clear, strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve.)





“Mock” Chocolate-Chip Shake

1 Cup cold coconut water
¼ cup raw almonds
4 cubes frozen coconut milk
2 regular ice cubes
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa

Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy. Sweeten to taste with stevia.
Add to blender:
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa nibs
Blend just until nibs are broken down, but not pulverized. The Spot Iced Tea

To make enough for a crowd;
7 bags chamomile tea
7 bags cinnamon apple tea (Celestial Seasonings)
5 bags Lemon Zinger tea (Celestial Seasonings)
Pure, filtered water

Place all tea bags in a 2 gallon jar. Fill with water and place in the sun until brewed to desired strength.