Sometimes it’s difficult to stay hydrated – especially when you sit in the cab of a truck all day. With the allure of sugary, carbonated beverages, water can seem boring, tasteless and difficult to drink. Consuming your recommended daily water intake (based on your size and activity level) can seem impossible. But one thing is certain: Increasing hydration levels can improve one’s well being. Want to reduce your risk of non-communicable diseases, improve blood flow and aid digestion? Drink more water.
So what to do if you just can’t bring yourself to drink plain water? Try the following infused water recipes to add some flavor to your healthy choices.
Note: Each recipe can be made in a 32-oz. jar or pitcher. Recipes can be reduced by about half to accommodate for a 20-oz. water bottle. For some, purchasing a new bottle or pitcher with an infuser may be a good choice.
Apple Cinnamon Infused Water
Not only does the apple provide a slightly sweet flavor to this beverage, but the addition of cinnamon has been shown to be a health benefit as well. According to various research, cinnamon has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and may aid in processing sugar.
½ apple, thinly sliced
½ cinnamon stick
Place ingredients into container. Fill with cold water and refrigerate at least one hour.
Strawberry, Lemon and Basil Infused Water
With the combination of sweet strawberries, tart lemon and bright basil, this drink is refreshing and energizing. To top it off, lemons contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
4 strawberries, cut into quarters
¼ lemon, sliced
⅛ cup basil, slightly mulled
Place ingredients into container. Fill with cold water and refrigerate at least one hour.
Orange, Cucumber and Mint Infused Water
Take the zing of citrus, mix it with cool cucumber and add a touch of mint to create an infused water that’s healthy and refreshing.
1 navel orange, sliced
½ lemon, thinly sliced
¼ large cucumber, thinly sliced
⅛ cup mint
Place ingredients into container. Muddle with a spoon for 1 – 2 minutes to release flavor. Fill with cold water and refrigerate at least one hour.
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber and Mint Infused Water
Fresh, light and reminiscent of a poolside summer beverage, this fantastic new flavor for water leave you refreshed and rehydrated.
½ cup sliced strawberries
¼ large cucumber, thinly sliced
1 lime, sliced
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, slightly muddled
Place ingredients into container. Fill with cold water and refrigerate at least one hour.
Short on time to prep these recipes?
Buy frozen fruits and pour them right into your water. You likely won’t find lemons or herbs frozen, but it can cut down on some of the prep time.
Additionally, some grocery stores offer pre-cut fruits. Pick up a couple packages and store the leftovers in your fridge for snacking.
Fruit trays are the perfect quick fix to avoid having to slice your fruits.
