Pineapple Mint Spritzer

How is the weather in your neck of the woods? Seattle's weather fluctuates between really hot and fall-like temperatures. But, for whatever reason the sun always feels more intense in Seattle compared to the Midwest and East coast. It's a mystery that many of us have not figured out. 

Some claim it's the latitude, but science debunks that. Even if its 75 or 80 degrees, that feels like a tropical heatwave while sitting underneath the sun for hours on end. 

If you are in need of cooling off this summer, try this pineapple mint spritzer. This non-alcoholic version uses sparkling water. A lemon-lime soda or something bubbly like Champaign is another way to mix up this recipe. Perfect for picnics or pool parties, pineapple and mint are two natural digestive foods. 

Today, more than ever, people suffer from stomach problems. In my ten years of training and health coaching, I honestly believe that many of our stomach problems result from chronic stress and emotional instability. 

Our mind and gut is more connected than you realize. Our enteric nervous system (ENS) is responsible for this connection via the vagus nerve. The stomach communicates to the central nervous system through the ENS. I will write more on this topic in a different blog post. Just note, that if you do not have food allergies or a pathology like Celiacs, check into your emotions to see to see if your stomach issues flare up during stress.

We cannot beat biology and eating while stressed, or being stressed all the time leads to indigestion and the inability to absorb nutrients.  

Pineapple Mint Spritzer
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup sparkling water
8-12 mint leaves

Directions:
I find a 1:2 ratio of juice:sparkling beverage works well. However, adjust as needed. Also, mint goes far so for less minty flavor use 8 and onward up to 12 for a stronger flavor. 

Juice pineapple (or use store-shelf 100% pineapple juice) and split into two glasses. Muddle mint leaves (about 4-6 in each). From here you can leave the mint leaves in the juice or remove. Top with sparkling water. 

I also tried this by letting non-muddled mint leaves soak in the pineapple juice for several hours gave it a nice, cool refreshing taste. 

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