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Have you ever tried infused water? It’s easy to make. Many of my friends tell me about their distaste for water. Yet, water is essential for life and optimal health. Your body needs a certain amount of water every day to function efficiently. That’s why I think you should try infusing it with fruit, vegetables, and herbs so you will enjoy it more and get the hydration your body needs.
How to drink more water
According to The Mayo Clinic, water is a primary chemical component of the body, making up 60% of your total weight. Your organs, cells and tissues need water daily just to function properly.
The great water debate continues on how much water you should drink each day, but I think it’s more important to make sure you are drinking it each day.
Baby steps, right?
I have a suggestion. Be creative with drinking more water. Add fruit, herbs, spices and vegetables. It will give the water an essence of flavor. Plus, you may experience health benefits. Try one of these simple recipes this week and tell me what you think.
You can make them in a glass pitcher with an infuser lid, and infuser carafe or even a mason jar with a lid. Just add your ingredients, pour in spring or filtered water and wait. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor you get.
Infused water tips and tricks
If you don’t have an infuser, just use a water pitcher. Any jug will do. If you don’t want the ingredients in your glass, use a mesh strainer when you pour a glass. You may still have a little fruit pulp, but it’s all good!
- I suggest at least 4 hours of steeping, but overnight and even 24 hours will give you a good punch of flavor.
- Use high quality local produce and organic if possible
- Adjust the amount of produce to the size of the container you will use.
- Consume any flavor combination you make within three days. Fresh produce can go bad if you let it sit too long.
Here is a good rule of thumb: If your produce takes up a third of your container, that is usually plenty to get a good flavor.
The infused water recipes
I encourage you to make up your own combinations, but here are a few to get you started:
CHERRY LIMEADE
Halve and pit 1 cup of fresh cherries. Thinly slice 1 lime (rind on if organic). Place the fruit in a water pitcher. Add water, stir and let sit at least 4 hours.
CUCUMBER MINT REFRESHER
Cut 1 cucumber (peel if not organic). Thinly slice 1/2 of a lemon (keep rind on if organic). Pick a handful of mint leaves and add everything to a water pitcher. Add water and let sit at least 4 hours.
ORANGE CRANBERRY BLISS
Take one whole orange and slice it thinly (keep rind on if organic). Slice or crush 1/2 cup of cranberries. Place everything in a water pitcher. Add water, stir and let sit at least 4 hours.
ISLAND TREAT
Slice 1 cup of fresh pineapple and 1 cup of fresh mango and add it to a water pitcher. Pour in water and stir. Let sit at least 4 hours.
SPICE IS NICE
Slice one whole orange. Discard rind. Crush the fruit in a bowl and add it to a water pitcher. Add a cinnamon stick, one clove and half of an open vanilla bean or a smidge of vanilla bean paste. Pour in water and stir. Let sit at least 4 hours.
Let me know what you think about these and please share your favorite combinations!
