It happens to all of us. You’re given a gift and open it, only to be disappointed at what’s inside. Why did you get this? You’ve never expressed any interest in having a/an [insert random gift item here]. Worse, you’re not sure anyone ever has.
Your first reaction is probably to gush at the gift giver and thank them profusely for their generosity.
That is followed immediately by your second, and hopefully less vocal, reaction – to wonder how long you have to hold on to it before you can return it or post it on eBay.
If you’ve ever seen the face on a 9-year old boy who has just opened his third pack of socks on Christmas, you know what I mean.
But…
Every once in a while, the stars align and an unexpected (unwanted?) gift perfectly matches an unexpected (unknown?) need.
No Watered-Down Gift
This convergence of gift and need happened to me recently when I received a SodaStream – the device that infuses water with carbonation so you can produce your own sparkling water, juice or soda at home.
I never really wanted, asked for or showed any real interest in having a SodaStream. Sure, I was aware of them, and I enjoy a sparkling water at dinner. I just never gave any real thought to doing it at home.
Apparently, my wife noticed me drinking it at dinner. Or she was just sending a subtle signal that I need to drink more water. Or both.
More Water, Less Coffee
I know water is good for you. I know that it’s recommended that adults consume 2 liters of water (the “8×8” rule – 8 8 oz glasses) each day. Heck, we read “Potter the Otter” to each of our kids.
It’s just that I was never really the type to just drink a glass of water.
I get most of my daily water intake in the form of coffee and flavored creamers.
Coffee when I wake up. While dropping kids at school. Coffee while I work. After dinner coffee. Heck, I make a single-serve cup of coffee to drink while I get my first pot brewing. That has to add up to at least 64 ounces of water each day. Right?
Ok, maybe I have a coffee problem.
Enter the SodaStream
Let me start by saying that The Daily PBJ was not compensated for this post in any way. I just really like the product. When we come across something great for families, we like to share (see our love of the Slow Cooker).
From the first glass, I realized that the reason I was never much of a water drinker at home is that regular water was just too… regular.
I’m the type that is always drinking something throughout the day. Usually, that means coffee, juice, soda, tea… coffee – almost anything besides a glass of plain water. It’s flavorless, flat and downright boring.
I’m not sure what it is about sparkling water. Is it the way the bubbles add a little zing? Is it the slightly altered taste of the water? Whatever it is, I like it. It’s sort of like drinking a diet soda, but without the artificial colors, flavorings and sweeteners.
I’ve already started changing my water intake habits. After only a week of use, I’m probably drinking at least 1, and sometimes 2 liters of sparking water each day. I keep a bottle next to my computer while I work, I drink some during dinner, and have a glass before bed.
Cost and Benefits
There are many differing opinions on the health benefits (or issues) with drinking carbonated water. Some say the carbonation process makes the water too acidic. Some say it promotes tooth decay.
Yet, other opinions agree that while the carbonation process does increase the water’s acidity, it’s marginal. As for the tooth decay theorists, well, I just don’t get that. It’s water. As long as you don’t add any sugar or syrups, it’s still just water.
I figure if I can replace 1 liter of coffee (about a pot), soda or tea each day with carbonated water, I’m coming out ahead. Not only does the straight water come with its own health benefits, I will be consuming far less sugar and artificial additives. Even if carbonated water is slightly more acidic than regular water, it’s got to be far less so than coffee or soda.
Yes, there is a cost associated, especially with the SodaStream CO2 canister refills. However, a little web searching and a little handiwork, and you’ll find plenty of ways to hack the canister system to dramatically reduce those costs. Also, if I’m drinking a liter or two of sparkling water, I probably won’t need to go to the corner coffee shop and drop $6 for a latte a couple times each week.
All of this writing has made me thirsty. I need another cup of coff… er… glass of water.
Great post 🙂