drink up

I think I went through middle school and high school in a state of perma-dehydration, surviving on a glass of water at dinner and moisture from soup and produce. Sometimes I like to blame my parents for hourly forced rehydration every time I was sick, but I was only sick once or twice a year. Really, the problem is water itself; it bores me. I do not find it refreshing, and I have a strong aversion to any hint of plastic or chlorine.

But as every doctor will instruct, one of the most basic steps to overall good health and glowing skin is to stay hydrated. Juice, broth, citrus, melon, low-caffeine tea - all good things. Soda, not so much; any iteration is loaded with some combination of sugar, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners.

Seltzer water, on the other hand, has all the thirst-quenching sizzle of carbination, no calories, and a hint of natural flavor in place of syrupy sweetness or chemical aftertaste. My current favorite, Wild Cherry Vintage Seltzer, is a steal at 78 cents a liter (33.8 oz!) at Whole Foods, with an additional 10 percent off when you buy 12. Compare to 75 cents for a 12 oz can of soda or $1.25 for a 20 oz bottle of soda or water at our vending machines; not just an investment in health, a thrifty beverage choice as well.