Junk Food Makeover: Ginger Ale

Make your own ginger ale. (Photo: Jeff Burns)

What better way to rid the body of excess bloating than to kick back a super healthy ginger ale? Ginger has tons of benefits: from giving you an extra boost of energy in the morning to healing migraines or flus, the aphrodisiac ingredient should definitely become a part of your daily routine.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh ginger, grated
  

• 1 cup filtered water
  

• 1-2 tablespoons honey, depending on taste
  

• 1 liter sparkling water
  

Yields: 4 servings

Method:

1. Place ginger, water, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   

2. Bring to a boil. Then, let simmer for one hour.
   

3. Remove from heat. Let cool.
   

4. Strain syrup through a fine strainer. Discard the ginger.
   

5. Place in a pitcher and pour in sparking water. Give it a stir and serve over ice. 
   

Tricia Williams is a chef and nutrition educator and founder of Food Matters NYC, a customized meal delivery service in Manhattan.

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