Infused Water for Hydration
INFUSED WATER FOR HYDRATION
FOOD AS MEDICINE:
The human body is made up of more than 60% water and our muscles and brain are over 75%. Drinking half your body weight in fluid ounces daily is a sure way to keep on track for a healthy lifestyle! All too often our signals of thirst are misinterpreted as hunger. Water and tea infusions are an excellent way to improve the taste of your water, and they also add additional nutrients and antioxidants. Adding a solute to water also increases your body’s ability to absorb it and maintain electrolyte balance, so drink up for optimal hydration!
Reasons to drink more water:
- Prevents headaches
- Regulates your body temperature
- Keeps your skin looking young
- Helps burn fat
- Maintains bowel regularity (prevents constipation)
- Increases energy levels
- Carries oxygen to cells
- Flushes toxins out
- Helps with weight loss
How much water do you need?
Your body weight in pounds divided by 2 equals the number of ounces you need! For example, a 200 lb person will need 100 ounces of fluid.
Infused water recipes:
Pomegranate Spritzer
1 lime LaCroix
2 Tbsp pomegranate juice
2 Tbsp pomegranate seeds
Cranberry Breeze
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/8 cup orange juice
8 fl oz filtered water
Berry Antioxidant Booster
Rooibos tea, 8 oz brewed
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
8 fl oz filtered water
Vitamin C Boost
1 grapefruit
1 orange
32 fl oz filtered water
Fill pitcher with grapefruit, orange slices, and top off with water. Allow to infuse for at least 1 hour.
Spa Water
1/2 cucumber, sliced
4-5 mint leaves, chopped
32 fl oz filtered water
Fill pitcher with filtered water. Add cucumbers and mint. Allow to infuse for at least 1 hour.
More ideas to jazz up your water:
- Strawberry and Basil
- Cucumber and Mint
- Lemon and Rosemary
- Orange and Ginger
- Blackberry and Lime
- Citrus and Cilantro
- Grapefruit and Thyme
- Pineapple and Sage
- Kiwi and Strawberry
- Watermelon and Mint
- Raspberry and Lime
- Honeydew Melon and Mint
- Ginger and Pear
Just drop a few slices of your chosen fruit, along with a few sprigs of herbs in your stainless steel or glass container. You can even cut up individual servings ahead of time and make freezer packs to pop in your water on the go!
Green tea infusions:
You don’t have to steep your tea in warm water to receive all the benefits from green tea. Instead, try placing loose green tea leaves or tea bags into your water and let it infuse! Green Tea is high in EGCG, a catechin responsible for preventing lipid peroxidation in the body and thus aiding in the prevention of cancer. EGCG is also believed to aid in blood sugar metabolism and prevent atherosclerosis. Natural weight loss and increased energy are also added benefits to increasing your intake!
Green tea infusions to try:
- Matcha, Lemon and Honey
- Green Tea and Raspberries
- Green Tea and Citrus
- Green Tea, Mint and Peach
- Green Tea and Fresh Ginger
Which infused recipe will you be trying? Tell us on Facebook! Looking for even more ways to stay on track? The Naturally Nourished Cookbook offers over 100 delicious real food recipes, order yours today!
