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How to Guide for Infused Water

Posted by Sarah on January 11, 2018

How to Guide to Infused Water

How-To Guide for Infused Water

When you’re busy with work and kids, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and eat a “real” meal, let alone get all of the nutrients you need each day. That’s why we love infusing water with fruits and herbs, because it’s a great way to sneak extra nutrients into your diet and stay hydrated. Below are some of the health benefits of infused water as well as some of our favorite ingredients and combinations.

Infused water helps you stay hydrated.

During pregnancy, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is to drink plenty of water. However, many moms struggle to drink enough water because they prefer tea, juice and even soda. Infused water can help with that because it gives you some of the flavor and sweetness you crave without artificial sweeteners and added calories being added to your diet. Just think, if you drink one soda per day at 150 calories, that’s the equivalent of more than 15 pounds in a year.

It also helps provide additional nutrients.

When you infuse your water, it’s not just flavor that is absorbed – nutrients are, too. While you don’t get the fiber or full health benefits you would if you ate the fruit, some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will still make it into your water. When you’re eating and drinking for two, every little bit counts!

Plus, you’ll have more energy.

If you usually drink sugary sodas, teas and juice, you’ll see a boost in your energy simply from removing the extra sugar and caffeine you were getting in those drinks. You can say goodbye to the late afternoon crashes that happen when your body craves more caffeine and sugar.

The benefits are almost endless.

Since your gut health effects most of your immune system, the combinations of cutting out less healthy drinks and adding additional nutrients of fruits and herbs will help you stay healthier overall. You may see a boost in your metabolism and even in your ability to fight off illnesses going around. Drinking more water can also help you to feel less hungry because thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.

Get started: choose your flavors.

Consider fruits and herbs that can be infused into multiple blends to maximize your spending. If you’re not sure what combinations will taste good, just think about flavor combinations you’ve seen in recipes, candy or drinks. Start simple and add more ingredients once you get an idea of what you like.

If you’re looking for a particular impact on your health, here is a cheat-sheet with some ideas to get you started:

      • Apples – rich in iron, improves heart health
      • Basil – antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
      • Blueberries – rich in antioxidants, great for your immune system
      • Cinnamon – boosts your brainpower, fights infections and viruses
      • Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) – great for energy, high in Vitamin C, helps to flush out toxins and improve digestion
      • Cucumbers – high in B vitamins, reduces stress
      • Ginger – improves digestion, anti-inflammatory
      • Kiwi – great for your skin
      • Mango – anti-inflammatory properties
      • Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew) – improves kidney function, boosts energy
      • Papaya – packed with vitamins A & C and rich in folate, which is a much-needed nutrient during pregnancy!
      • Mint – supports healthy cholesterol, decreases bloating
      • Rosemary – stimulates circulation and improves mood
      • Strawberries – rich in antioxidants and packed with potassium 

Some of our favorite blends include:

  • Strawberry, cucumber and basil
  • Grapefruit, lemon and mint
  • Watermelon and basil
  • Apple, ginger and cinnamon
  • Cucumber, kiwi and lime
  • Papaya and mango
  • Lemon, lime and rosemary

Invest in a water infuser.

These come in individual sizes (16-24 ounce) but they also come in gallon size containers so that you can make one larger batch of infused water to sip on all day. If you don’t want to spend the money on an infuser, you can also drop your ingredients directly into your water bottle or glass. You may get some seeds and fibers from the fruit this way, so take that into consideration.

Say cheers to better health.

If you drink a lot of sugary or caffeinated drinks, your body may take time to adjust to drinking infused water. You can experience withdrawal symptoms and feel more irritable for a short while, but after a few days you’ll be feeling more refreshed and better than ever!