The fresh flavors of infused water will tickle your taste buds, helping you drink the eight recommended glasses a day
Water is essential; and drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day is always a principal rule of the road to good health. In the spirit of the season, we are thinking lighter and leaner, and looking beyond the boring to infusing plain, old H2O with fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Health benefits abound in infused water; as the fruit steeps, antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes seep into the water, giving you all the goodness without the extra calories.
Using filtered, room temperature water (hot water can harm beneficial vitamins), add in your fresh fruit, veggies and herbs. Use organic produce when you can—that way you’ll know no hazardous pesticides are leeching into your drink. If organic fruit and veg are unavailable, simply cut off the rinds or skins. Let the water sit—refrigeration keeps produce from spoiling—for a few hours and ta-da! your very own vitamin water without the additional cost, and questionable ingredients.
From berries to melons, and rose hips to mint, the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to infused water. Below are basics, but don’t stop there!
To Relieve Bloating:
Try citrus fruits like lemons, limes and grapefruit, plus some sprigs of mint to help with digestion.
For Weight Loss:
More citrus! Tangerines or mandarin oranges pack a flavorful, metabolism-boosting punch; add appetite-curbing cucumber for low-calorie, delicious drink.
To Boost Your Immune System:
Bright berries and kiwi fruit contain vitamin C and E, essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Try blueberries or raspberries mixed with rose hips for healthy hydration.