Drink More Water: Fruit-infused Water Recipes
Happy New Year! This is my first blog entry and I’m extremely excited to bring this new and exclusive addition to my clients. I didn’t want to do the normal FAQ, so my plan is to focus on some of the most popular topics that we have discussed and that I, myself have researched.
Where to begin? I decided to start with DRINKING MORE WATER! How important is this?!? I recommend 1 - 2 gallons of water daily to my clients. This isn’t as easy as it looks and one huge issue is that water is just plain, pure goodness! It may be the best thing we can consume for our bodies, but it’s not a nice cold soda or fruit juice beverage — it’s just water. I understand that without any variety, your taste buds may become a little bored. I have a solution — fruit-infused water!
Tips:
I purchased a pitcher from Amazon that had a special cylinder in the middle to hold the fruit, but you can simply use a mason jar. The only added benefit in purchasing an infuser, is the ability to put fruit like watermelon in the water without having to deal with the fruit falling apart.
I would let the infused water sit for at least 2-3 hours before drinking it. There are certain ingredients that may infuse within 30 minutes, but the longer you wait, the better the taste.
Most infused waters will last up until a week. I’ve had to remove my lemons and limes after 48-72 hours because it starts to leave a bitter taste.
Once you have drunk the infused water, refill the jar or pitcher with water and let the remaining fruits flavor the water again. The flavor won’t be as potent, but you can do this for up to 1 week. (After a week the fruits and herbs need to be discarded to make fresh water.)
Benefits:
Drinking water daily is essential for our health, but add in fruits and you create an immune booster, energy booster, a detox, the benefits are endless. Trying to create your own magical combination? Here are some benefits for the following fruits, veggies and herbs:
Lemons – a natural detoxifier and aids with bloating and fluid retention
Cucumber – help cool the inflammatory response in body. Hydrates body, reduces puffiness and bloating, and flushes toxins.
Mint – soothes the stomach and reduces inflammation
Watermelon – one of the lowest in calories and contains lycopene which appears to reduce cancer risk
Lime – helps with digestion and natural detoxifier
Basil – anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits
Strawberries – high in antioxidants and boost immunity
Cantaloupe – great skin and hair benefits
Pineapple – has digestive enzymes that aid in digestion
Blueberries – the healthiest fruit on the planet, high in antioxidants
Peaches – high vitamin C content is beneficial for the skin
Oranges – high in Vitamin C and helps to alkalize the body
thyme - is often used in aromatherapy practices for it’s calming and relaxing effects
Basil - a powerful antioxidant, promotes blood flow and is used in aromatherapy
Recipes
Here are some of my favorite water infused fruit combinations:
Cucumber & Mint
Blueberry & Orange
Watermelon & Basil
Cherry & Lime
Strawberry & Lemon
Blueberry & Basil
Grapefruit, Jalapeño, Pineapple
Pineapple & Mint
Orange & Grape
Mango & Pineapple
Strawberry & Thyme
Apricot, Raspberry, Mint
Strawberry & Pineapple
Peach, Plum, Mint
Lemon, Mint, Ginger, Cucumber
Orange, Blueberry, Mint
Strawberry & Lime
Lemon, Raspberry, Mint
Kiwi Orange
Watermelon, Mint, Lemon, Ginger
Strawberry, Cucumber, Ginger, Mint, Lemon
Blueberry, Apple, Orange
Honeydew, Raspberries, Lime, Mint
Mango, Strawberry, Grapes
Pineapple, Coconut, Mint
The key is to drink more water! Take the opportunity to get creative and dazzle your taste buds while you do it! Don’t forget to share these new recipes with your family — especially your kids!