...you want JUST HOT WATER?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend (for those in the US).

I noticed this weekend while sampling some wonderful restaurants in San Diego with great company that I always get that strange look from waiters when I order my "just hot water, please".

...do you want lemon or tea with that?
no.
just hot water?
yes, just hot water, please, thank you.

My friends, boyfriend, company used to all give me that look when I had just hot water in the morning, in the afternoon, at dinner, after dessert.
It's an Asian thing, my sister told me.
It's a healthy thing, my mom said.
It's both those things but also an enjoyment thing. I've gotten so used to it from, well, my entire life. I've managed to convert many of the women around me as well now that I'm in the US.
Let me give you a run down on the hot water thing. Most of us are warm blooded, yes? So when we put ice water into our system, bright and early in the morning when our bodies are warmest, it shocks our system. Makes sense, no? The temperature difference means energy expenditure to equilibrate again. Now you could say energy expenditure is good, Aren't I burning calories heating up that ice water to re-equilibrate my system? Well, yeah kinda... but that doesn't mean it's good. Think of a hot pan, just off the stove top. What happens when you run it under cold water too soon? That sizzle, the steam. What about when you boil green beans and then blanch them? The action instantly stops the cooking. That kinda action on my insides, gross.
Instead of ice water doesn't it make sense to drink hot or at least warm water? First thing in the morning a mug of hot water jumps start your system. It warms your digestive tract, keeping the temperature up, soothes your organs, gives your metabolism a boost. I drink it throughout the day, throughout the year. It feels so warm and fuzzy going down. I'm not saying that a glass of ice cold water doesn't feel fabulously refreshing on a hot hot summery day, just that I save those condensation covered glasses for those sweltering days when I can't even think about more heat.
Anyway, so just hot water.
Try it, you might like it.