Styling and photography by Sara Goldstein

You read articles (maybe even some of mine!) that tell you to start your Purim off right with a balanced breakfast, and even though it sounds great in theory, you roll your eyes at how impractical it is.

Let’s face it: Purim is a day like no other. Spiritually, the accomplishments we can make are huge. Physically, the day feels haphazard and draining.

Everyone’s up crazy late on Purim night, after hearing Megillah, breaking our fasts, putting last-minute touches on costumes, and packing up our mishloach manos. The morning starts early with getting ourselves (and assorted pirates and kallahs and butterflies) dressed and running out to hear Megillah, then rushing home to start the mishloach manos marathon and prepare the seudah. Soon after, the house slowly but surely starts filling up with nosh, and as ravenous as we are, we’re going to be having some of it.

For lots of us, the day winds on with the adrenaline ebbing off into a hazy feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.

The Quenching Keystone

I talk about “keystone habits” a lot. Just like the keystone — that center stone in ancient arches — is the one that keeps everything else in place, our “keystone habits” help us keep other healthy habits in place.

Obviously, there’s nothing like a day when we exercise, eat macro meals, and hydrate after a solid night’s sleep. That might not all be practical for you this Purim. But keeping just one of those habits in place can have a ripple effect that cuts the drain and energizes you to make the most of the day.

My priority recommendation? Drinking… and I don’t mean alcohol.

Purim comes right after a fast day for many of us. And even if it doesn’t, it’s a day that’s so busy that we often forget about drinking. Even worse, we tend to rely on caffeine to get us through the day, and that’s even more dehydrating. (Experts say that for every one cup of coffee we drink, we need to replenish with an extra cup of water on top of our regular daily intake.)

Elect the Electros

Water is usually the perfect way to hydrate, but on busy days like Purim, when we need all the energy we can get, it can be really helpful to add some natural electrolytes to our water. According to Cleveland Clinic, electrolytes regulate chemical reactions in our bodies, and they also manage the amount of fluid inside and outside our cells, among other functions. Usually, we get electrolytes from the food we eat, and the excess is eliminated through kidney function and sweat. But after fasting, or on a day when we’re running on low for any other reason, extra electrolytes can be just the boost we need.

Most store-bought electrolyte drinks, like Powerade and Gatorade, contain large amounts of processed sugar and food coloring. Years ago, a generous friend shared her electrolyte drink recipe with me, and it’s helped hundreds of women since.

Recently, I developed a new, short-on-time electrolyte drink recipe, which isn’t quite as potent but is a delicious, fresh-tasting, energizing drink that’s just perfect for a non-caffeinated pick-me-up. Prepare a big batch and keep it in the fridge, and instead of coffee, go at it as often as possible all through the day. You’ll notice a huge difference.

Yes, Purim is a day like no other. We’ll be drained on some level at the day’s end, but holding on to one keystone habit — especially hydration — can help us get through it feeling more nourished, light, and focused.

A freilechen Purim,

Rorie

Rorie Recommends: Dynamic Health Pure Cranberry Juice Concentrate

Cranberry juice has been shown to promote kidney and urinary tract health, digestion, and even heart health. It’s also helpful for liver detox! Aside from its refreshing tangy flavor, I included it in my short-on-time electrolyte drink because it’s a good source of vitamins C and E, both strong antioxidants. I prefer keeping cranberry juice concentrate on hand over juice because when you’re only using small amounts at a time, you want something that will last a while in the fridge.

With juices especially, it’s always important to look out for added sugars. I like Dynamic Health’s pure cranberry juice concentrate, certified kosher by OU, because it tastes great and contains just one ingredient: cranberry juice concentrate!

Cranberry Boost Electrolyte Drink

With its sweet, tangy flavor and natural electrolytes, this is an excellent choice for a refreshing non-caffeinated pick-me-up to enjoy throughout the day.

YIELDS 1 SERVING

• 2–3 tsp raw honey (yes, it matters!)
• hot water (just enough to dilute the honey)
• pinch of pink Himalayan salt
• juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
• 2 Tbsp cranberry juice concentrate (see note)
• 3 cups water
• ice cubes (optional)

In a 1-quart water bottle, stir honey into a small amount of hot water until diluted. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and enjoy!

You can double or triple this recipe and store in the fridge for later use.

Note: You can substitute with grape juice concentrate for a sweeter, less tangy option, though I love the refreshing tartness of cranberry.

Rorie Weisberg, CHC, is the author of the newly released cookbook Food You Love: That Loves You Back. Her passion? Making a healthy lifestyle doable and delicious, favorite foods included. Rorie is the health ambassador of Kosher.com, a popular health columnist and lecturer, and founder and CEO of Full `N Free, LLC, an exclusive line of better-for-you baking essentials. To learn more about Rorie's story, product line, courses, and live demos, visit www.fullnfree.com.

All statements are suggestive only. Please consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 833)