Boost Your Hydration Game with Infused Water

One of the most important things you can do to improve your fitness journey is to drink enough water. And while most of us know that proper hydration is essential for our body to function well, a lot of people still don’t drink enough of it!

 

Who can blame you? Plain old H2O can be boring. Sure, it helps regulate body temperature, keeps our cells functioning properly, aids our digestion, and keeps us feeling fuller but it’s not as exciting as a bottle of juice or soda. The problem is that most of the alternatives we have to water can be loaded with excess sugar and calories which isn’t great for our waistline.

 

Here’s where infused water shines best. These fruit, vegetable, herb, and water combo isn’t only pretty but it can also boost your hydration game easily.

What is Infused Water

 

Infused water is a beverage made from water that has been infused with the flavors of fresh fruits, vegetables, and even herbs. Since you’re only getting the flavors of the add-ins you like, infused water contains very few calories.

 

It’s an excellent way to spruce up your water without the added sugar you normally get from bottled juices.

How to Make Infused Water

 

Making infused water is as simple as putting adding any combination of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a pitcher of water. There are special infuser pitchers you can buy at the store but any container, even a mason jar, will work just fine.

 

Some flavor combinations you can try:

 

  • Strawberry, basil, and lemon
  • Honeydew, cucumber, and mint
  • Blackberries, orange, and ginger
  • Blueberries, lemon, and raspberry
  • Pineapple, coconut, and lime
  • Watermelon, kiwi, and lime
  • Grapefruit, pomegranate, and mint
  • Mango, raspberry, and ginger

 

Let your infused water steep for 2 to 4 hours before consuming so that your add-ins can impart their flavor well.

 

Remember that some ingredients can last longer than others. Homemade Infused Waters will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind you may want to remove the fruits and herbs after 24 hours, so they do not break down and leave the water bitter.

Benefits of Infused Water

 

Detox water has been claimed to help remove toxins, help with weight loss, balance your pH, and boost your immune system.

 

However, the real benefits of infused water can be attributed to the water itself rather than the ingredients you use to infuse it with. Drinking infused water as a part of your daily hydration plan includes:

 

  • Raising your metabolic rate. Drinking more water helps boost your metabolism and reducing your hunger levels so you tend to eat less throughout the day.
  • Improving digestive health. Hydration is important for digestive health and maintaining regular bowel movements. Chronic dehydration can cause constipation, which can make you feel bloated and sluggish. Drinking plenty of water may help food pass smoothly through your gut and prevent you from becoming constipated.
  • Improving energy levels. Even mild dehydration can affect mood, concentration, and energy levels. if you aren’t drinking enough, increasing your water intake could improve your mood and give you more energy.

 

If you want to get nutrients from fruits and vegetables, it’s better to eat them whole.