Hydration Tips (What You Want To Know Wednesdays)
It is easy to become dehydrated; especially in summer. Many people find water boring, or they just forget to drink it. It can be more appealing to grab an ice cold soda, or lemonade than a bottle of water, simply for flavor purposes. Fortunately, it is easier than ever to make flavor infused water! There are special water bottles where you can add fruit and water and you will have infused water all day. It’s also easy to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink water. Here are some simple recipes to satisfy that sweet tooth with sweet and healthy hydration.
Strawberry and Cucumber Flavored Water
Place 8 ounces stemmed and thinly sliced strawberries and 1/2 thinly sliced English cucumber in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh strawberries and cucumber slices for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
All Citrus Flavored Water
Slice 1 orange, 1 lime, 1 lemon into rounds, then cut the rounds in half. Add to jar, press and twist with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. Press enough to release some of the juices, but don't pulverize the fruit into pieces. Fill the jar with ice. Pour in water to the top. Stir it with the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick. Put a lid on it, put it in the fridge, and chill.
Apple – Cinnamon Water
Place 2 thinly sliced apples and 4 cinnamon sticks in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh apples and cinnamon sticks for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bonus, this recipe can also help with blood sugar.
Pineapple, Kiwi and Passion Fruit Flavored Water
Combine 1 cup chipped pineapple, 1 kiwi peeled and sliced, 2 passion fruit, seeds and pulp removed, 1.5 liters of water in a bottle or jug and let sit for 30 minutes to infuse.
Orange and Vanilla Flavored Water
Combine 2 liters of filtered water, 1 sliced orange and 12 teaspoon vanilla extract, or a scraped vanilla bean in a jug/bottle and let chill in the fridge for an hour to infuse.
** Bonus tip, freeze herbs and berries in ice so there is extra flavor as your drink cools down.
** Bonus tip, use frozen fruit as ice for drinks to avoid drinks becoming watered down.
All recipes are courtesy of : The Food Network, Simple-Delicious-Food.com, Detoxinista.com, and the Yummylife.com
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