The Italian Beverage That'll Naturally Boost your Energy

While in Italy this past summer, I wanted to maintain some healthy practices (in an effort to balance out my three main vacation food groups, wine, gelato and pasta). So, I began each morning with my drink of choice, a Canarino.

Canarino is a hot beverage made up of warm water and lemon peel — similar to the ever-so-popular hot water with lemon drink, but not. The rind contains more vitamins (Vitamin C and A, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc) than the juice itself. In fact, there's absolutely no pulp or juice involved, as the Italians believe that can be too sour for the drink. It'll naturally help with digestion, deliver a great dose of antioxidants and vitamins, and of course give you that natural boost of energy we all so desperately crave in the mornings.

While it sounds a bit complicated, I assure you making a Canarino is not. Here's how to make it:

Canarino Recipe:

• Wash your lemon
• Heat water on stove top (the water should be warm but not boiling)
• Peel lemon in a 1 inch long ribbon (with either a peeler or knife). Avoid the pith (the white part) as that can make the drink bitter tasting
• Place the peel in a mug, pour water over and steep for 3-5 minutes
• Optional: Sweeten with a little raw honey (if necessary)