Hello again! Welcome back. Summer is in full swing here in Florida. It brings us a wonderful selection of fresh veggies, outdoor activities and an interesting display of natural weather phenomenon and bugs. Yikes! From the time I step outside in the early morning until late into the night, the weather is sweltering, reminiscent of a steamy sauna. Staying cool and refreshed is a Herculean effort. Staying well hydrated is another issue all together.

For years, I have been a strong advocate for drinking clean bottled water or reverse osmosis water. Living in a health conscious home taught me the dangers of drinking water straight out of the tap. Lord knows how many pharmaceutical drugs are flowing out of the tap, not to mention the plethora of unknown man-made chemicals! Talk about the mother of confusing issues, how did something as simple as water become a clouded issue? As a child, tap water was fine for everyone. On rare occasions, a pipe would burst somewhere in our neighborhood and a notice would be taped on our doors telling us to boil our water for a day or so. End of drama. Then the fluoride added to school drinking fountains became an issue. Charcoal filtering systems became fashionable. When that was not enough, water distillers made an entrance. Soon we hear that reverse osmosis water is dead water and not healthy at all. Next thing we know, billions of bottles of water are clogging our landscape in our effort for healthy hydration. Studies are released telling us that the expensive bottled water we are drinking is actually just tap water cheaply filtered! Back to square one...

So, where does that leave us now? "Well, Stacey. What is our healthy, environmentally conscious and ethically viable hydration solution" you ask? Quick answer... back to the tap is right. Yes, I know, what about the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, heavy metals, etc. that run rampant in our tap water? Answer. As people, we have made amazing advances in many areas. We can circle our planet (and others), replace limbs, and invent devices that boggle the mind. Why should our water be any different.

Recently, I was introduced to a new counter top water machine by a colleague of mine. She had mentioned the device several months prior and I finally had time to give it a good look. I am glad I did! What a difference this machine has made. In the few months since I have been drinking the water from the Enagic Leveluk SD-501 (sounds like something from a science-fiction movie, doesn't it?...)I have noticed several immediate changes. Here are a few:

I used to drink about 10-12 (16 oz) bottles of water a day. At the end of the day, my lips would still be chapped and I was still thirsty. After about 2 weeks of drinking the Kangen water, I noticed I was drinking about 6 large glasses of water. For the first time in years, I FELT hydrated!
Whether it is a side effect of finally being hydrated or not, I noticed a significant increase in energy.
Next, I started swishing the 2.5pH water through my mouth like mouth wash. Shortly after, I noticed that my teeth were very white and my gums had stopped the occasional bleeding while brushing.
I used the 2.5pH water to remove a stain in my carpet that had been there for months. (I heard about this from a friend who removed a stain left by her dog and had to try it for myself.)

Take a moment and check out our page on Kangen Water. We also have several quick-read articles for you to check out on our library page. A few of my favorites are about bottled water and expert advice on alkaline water.

Well, thanks for reading. Hopefully, I have piqued your interest in our water controversy. Have a healthy, happy day!

Sincerely,

Stacey

Healthy Recipe of the Month:

As we do every month, here is a fun healthy recipe idea. Organic foods are suggested; they are the best for our bodies and for longer living!

Farfalle with Organic Summer Veggies

Bring fresh organic vegetables to your dinner table with this simple and delicious plate of pasta, lightly sauced with refreshing cr�me fraiche and lemon juice. Delightful served hot or cold, it also packs well for a late season picnic pasta salad.

Serves 4�6

2�3 cups fresh organic vegetables (green beans, corn, bell pepper, peas)
16 ounces (dry) organic farfalle (bowtie) pasta
2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup cr�me fraiche, organic if possible
1 tablespoon organic lemon juice
freshly ground organic black pepper, to taste
sea salt, to taste
1 large organic tomato, chopped
1 organic green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh organic basil
1 teaspoon fresh (or 1/2 teaspoons dried) organic tarragon
2 teaspoons minced fresh organic chives

Stem vegetables over boiling water until tender crisp. Set aside.

Cook pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to cooking pot over low heat. Stir in olive oil, cr�me fraiche, lemon juice and black pepper until well combined. Add tomato, green onion and herbs and toss until tomatoes begin to wilt. Add vegetables and toss quickly to combine. Remove to serving bowl and garnish with minced chives.

Nutrition Info

Per Serving (6 oz-wt.): 380 calories (80 from fat), 9g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 5g dietary fiber, 12g protein, 65g carbohydrate, 5mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium