Most women I know enjoy drinking anything but water. The truth is we need quite a bit of water to not only keep our organs and skin hydrated but we need to flush out pollutants and toxins too.
Over the past couple weeks I've been amping up my water intake again but I have a little trick to make it more flavorful. Because I know of the side effects of such ingredients like aspartame and acesulfame-K (potassium), I refuse to drink such water enhancers like crystal light. But I've got some natural options to make water-dare I say- fun.
Here are some all-natural ways to gently flavor your water so you too can drink more of the good stuff. Try these in a large glass pitcher of filtered water (a brita works well), then let it sit for about 15 minutes in the fridge to 'marinate' and enjoy!
1. Fresh cucumber slices-I got this tip from a spa many years ago and it adds such a refreshing and unique taste to the water, perfect for a hot summer day.
2. Orange, Tangerine or blood orange slices-Not only do these add a little bit of sweetness and zing to your water but they look so pretty in a pitcher, perfect for a spring or summer BBQ!
3. (2) tbsp of pure fruit juice such as grape juice or pomegranate per glass. This gives the water a little color and flavor to make you believe you are drinking something other than just water. Many women I know drink one or more glasses of juice or iced tea per day. So, if you simply divide it up over the day you can still enjoy it but this way helps you consume more pure water in the process.
4. Lemon/Lime wedges or spearmint- Lemons are the old favorite and I love the zip they add to water-so refreshing. They too like oranges look pretty when sliced up in a pitcher as do limes. Fresh mint adds a sophisticated appeal and a cool taste sensation to the water.
Did you know that the amount of water we are supposed to consumer is our body weight in pounds divided by 14? This does not include dehydrating days out in the sun or your daily workout, so add more for those days. It may seem like a lot but it is specific to our body mass, this is why a set number like 8 glasses per day just doesn't work, we are all different in our size and therefore our water requirement.
By using a filled pitcher you should find it much easier to consume more water in your day. Keep one at your desk or in the fridge and you'll be surprised at how much more you'll drink. It almost becomes like a goal to finish the pitcher, then the next, etc. Before you know it, this will become your very healthy daily habit!
Do you like to flavor you water? What is your favorite way to do it?
Here's to your health!
