Was it two or three or even four litres that you've been aspiring to drink every day? Well, if keeping up with your daily water intake is a struggle for whatever reason, especially if you find it to be a boring or monotonous act, don't fret.
Infusing a few fruits, veggies and herbs can make your water sweet, spicy or just the way you prefer it to taste. The best part is that simple modifications can make your water intensely flavourful and nutrient dense.
Is Infused Water Healthy?
In short, fruit-infused water is absolutely nutritional for you. In addition to adding more water to your diet, you’ll also be getting some of the vitamin content and antioxidants from the fruits you’re using. Basically, we’re making your own “vitamin water,” but without the processed ingredients or high price tag. Here are several reasons why drinking water is so important:
Water helps with weight loss – if you feel hungry, it might actually be your body trying to get water – so drink some water and your hunger might go away!
Drinking water increases your metabolism which helps you burn fat.
Water provides extra energy for your muscles, and helps prevent muscle cramps and strains.
Water improves your judgement and thinking.
Water prevents headaches and minimizes illnesses.
Water improves your mood.
Water makes your skin look great.
And, everyone’s favourite, water keeps your bowel movements nice and regular.
Here are five simple water recipe hacks (some people even call it detox water) that will have you coming back for more:
1. Cucumber and mint water
Adding a combination of cucumber and mint not only adds a refreshing flavour to your water, it also increases the potency of vitamin B, potassium and magnesium in the body.
Add a thinly sliced cucumber, 8-10 fresh mint leaves to approximately two litres of filtered water. Stir gently and store it in the refrigerator for at least four hours overnight.
2. Strawberry, lemon and mint water
This is a refreshing drink that also works as an effective metabolism booster. The strawberry, mint and lemon enhances the potency of vitamin C in your drink and ramps up your metabolism, increasing your weight loss potential.
Add 1 cup of fresh strawberries, 2 limes (sliced or halved), 6 fresh mint leaves to 2 litres of water and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes before consuming.
3. Lemon lime mint water
A classic recipe, this is a basic but a must have if you're looking to add a refreshing zing to your water. Sure it doesn't taste like the sugary lemonade you get from the store, but it's got its own flavour too and is way better for your health.
Add 2 lemons, 1 lime, 6 to 8 mint leaves, 1 cup honey to 2 litres of water and refrigerate before consuming.
4. Mojito water
If you love ending your day with glass of alcohol opt for mojito water instead. Mint and lime along with a tad of sugar makes for an energising beverage that will leave you wanting more without feeling hangover.
Add a few slices of lime in a small pitcher, along with some mint leaves. Add water and ice to the pitcher and you're good to go.
5. Apple cinnamon water
This is match made in heaven when it comes to pleasing your taste buds. Apart from the standalone overwhelming beneficial properties of apples and cinnamon, it makes for an ideal meal for better digestion. It also makes for a great drink before and after a workout.
Combine sliced apple, 2-3 cinnamon stick and some pears or plums (for additional flavour to a pitcher) before adding ice water. Keep refrigerated to keep it refreshing.
I encourage you to find what works best for you. Let me know in the comments any fruit-infused flavours you love that I didn’t mention and feel free to add any tips for how to drink more water that have worked for you!
