We’ve all heard dietitians and nutritionists say that soda is bad for you. Well… this is, for the most part, true. However, there are some tricks to making sure that you stay hydrated.
The human body can only survive for a few days without drinking water. Sixty percent 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.
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Infused water is a delicious, less-boring-than-water, and a low-calorie way to stay hydrated this upcoming winter. Infused water is also higher in nutrients than regular water because 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.
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 four 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.
[Photo Source/Pinterest]
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!
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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.
[Photo Source/Pinterest]
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!
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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.
[Photo Source/Pinterest]
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!
Sheena Pradhan is a 27-year-old actress, model, nutritionist, writer, and content creator. She always thought she would be a buyer for a big fashion brand, but in her winding journey, she has fallen in love with acting and modeling, which she does full-time alongside running her nutrition business, Nutritious Balance (www.nutritiousbalance.com). Check out Sheena’s work at www.sheenapradhan.com.
