It may not be official yet, but in terms of the heat...summer is here! It's already in the mid-90's here in Houston, and on the courts, the temps are at least 10-15 degrees hotter. That's why it's SO important to stay properly hydrated.
Water is the single most important nutrient, period. About 60 to 70% of the human body is made of water; it's required for every single bodily process, including circulation, digestion, and regulating your temperature. So making good old H2O your beverage of choice is a no-brainer.
But what if you're not crazy about the taste? Infusing your water with fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices is a great way to create flavor without any processed powders or artificial sweeteners. And as a bonus, you'll be adding vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants too.
Here's how to make 5 flavorful waters that are infused with health bennies and deliciousness, and I can't wait for you to try them out! Grab a pitcher, some fruit, and a crazy straw, and let's do this thang!
Pineapple | Orange | Basil: If you're only going to try out one of these, make it this one! This is the one that a favorite brunch joint serves up. I honestly thought it wasn't going to be my sort of thing but peeps, THIS. STUFF. ROCKS. In fact, I'm putting together a pitcher the minute I'm done typing this. The citrus + basil flavors pair beautifully with the pineapple:
- 6 wedges of pineapple
- 6 orange slices, quartered
- A few sprigs of basil.
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Grapefruit | Rosemary: This one is definitely more of a sophisticated flavor. The grapefruit provides a slightly bitter, slightly sweet flavor while the rosemary adds a piney, almost tea-like taste to the infused water. This is what I think of when I think fancy spa water! If you're hosting a shower or a spa party, make this your go-to infused water recipe:
- 6 grapefruit slices, quartered
- A few sprigs of rosemary.
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Strawberry | Orange: This one is a staple in my house...especially when it's my turn to host the end-of-Spring-season team party. Every time I've put a bowl of this stuff out, it's gone in a flash! If you're a newbie to flavored waters, this is the one I think you should try first:
- 6 large strawberries, sliced
- 6 orange slices, quartered
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Blueberry | Lemon | Mint: Lemons are pretty much what you think about when you think about water. I mean, they're only just hanging off of every glass of water that you're ever served at a restaurant, right? A sprig of mint helps give it some natural sweetness and blueberries add a nice boost of antioxidants to your diet:
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 6 lemon wheels, quartered
- A few sprigs of mint
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Lime | Strawberry | Cucumber: Elevate your cucumber water game! The lime adds brightness and the strawberries help boost your metabolism:
- 6 lime wheels, quartered
- 6 large strawberries, sliced
- 8 cucumber slices
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
For more great healthy recipes for pre-match, post-match snacks and meals, check out our other recipes in our "Nutrition" section as well as our "Recipe Box".