This was originally published here: http://www.browngirlmagazine.com/2016/10/infused-water-ideas-to-keep-you-hydrated/
We’ve all heard dietitians and nutritionists say that soda is bad for you. “Pretty much every drink other than water is bad for you,” say these “experts.”
Well… this is, for the most part, true. However, there are some tricks to making sure that you stay hydrated this summer, and well, always.
The human body can only survive for a few days without drinking water . 60% of the adult body is made of water and every cell needs water to function . On average people need 6-8 cups of water each day, this is both in the summer and in the winter It is especially important to drink water during and after exercise and when exposed to direct sunlight . Contrary to popular belief, it is just as important to stay hydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. Winter air tends to be drier and can dehydrate you faster
Regardless of this, there is nothing more refreshing than a cool drink in the summer. Infused water is a delicious, less-boring-than-water, and low-calorie way to stay hydrated this summer. Infused water is higher in nutrients than regular water. Nutrients leak out of fruit and herbs directly into the water. Make sure you drink your water within 24 hours for the most nutrient benefits (http://www.infusedwaters.com/faq).
The infused water recipes below all use fruit that adds flavor to water quickly like citrus fruits and cucumbers, as well as herbs to give your water extra potent flavor. All of the recipes below make 4 cups, or servings, of infused water.
Citrus Mint Infusion
The lemon and oranges in this recipe add a healthy dose of vitamin C to your diet. Oranges also contain the B vitamins pantothenic acid, thiamin and folate. Lemons also provide small amounts of B vitamins, vitamin A, and various minerals. Mint is a good source of vitamin A. (https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/)
[Insert Image: “Citrus Mint”] [Photo Source: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/243264817350383235/]
Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh mint
1 cup orange, sliced
1 cup lemons, sliced
1 quart filtered, spring, or sparkling water
Directions:
- Place orange slices, lemon slices, and mint into a mason jar.
- Fill to top with filtered or spring water.
- Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
Green Sea Breeze
Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin K, basil is a good source of vitamin A, and lime is a great source of vitamin C. (https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/)
[Insert Image: “Cucumber Basil”] [Photo Source: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/189573465534745984/]
Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup lime, sliced
1 quart filtered, spring, or sparkling water
Directions:
- Place cucumber, lime, and basil into a mason jar.
- Fill to top with filtered or spring water.
- Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
Pink Herbal Twist
Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and C and also has some calcium, magnesium, and various B vitamins. Rosemary has small amounts of vitamins A and C, iron, and manganese. (https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/)
[Insert Image: “Grapefruit Rosemary”] [Photo Source: Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/453456256211407247/]
Ingredients
3/4 cup fresh rosemary, leaves stripped from stems
1 grapefruit, thinly sliced
1 quart filtered, spring, or sparkling water
Directions:
- Place rosemary leaves and grapefruit slices into a mason jar.
- Fill to top with filtered or spring water.
- Seal mason jar tightly and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
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Sheena Pradhan is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist that specializes in wellness and sports nutrition. She runs the private practice called Nutritious Balance. Nutrition and fitness is her passion. She learned to use her knowledge of nutrition as a model, former semi-pro triathlete, and former beauty queen. Today, she loves using her knowledge to help her clients live happier and healthier lives and to reach their performance goals. Sheena has been published in the Huffington Post and is a regular contributor to India.com and Brown Girl Magazine. She has consulted for Seventeen Magazine, ZeeTV, Rogers TV, and DNAinfo. As a model, Sheena has been featured in campaigns by Laura Mercier, Yotel, G.H. Mumm, 123 Glow, East Point Sports, and has modeled swimwear on national television multiple times for Fox and Friends.
