Are you finding yourself getting sick of plain ol’ water? Do you find it hard to keep hydrated throughout the day? Well, you’re in luck because in this post I’ll break down the science behind why we need water while spicing it up with some fresh and infused recipes. Let me help you reach your ultimate hydration goals… with a splash! (Oh yes, pun intended)
So, why do we need water anyway? Other than making your pee clear, there’s a reason why our bodies can’t go very long without water. First, water transports nutrients from the foods we eat and supplements we take to all of our cells. Without it, those essential molecules would be comparable to me in NYC during an Uber surge trying to flag down a taxi. It ain’t happening folks!
Second, water regulates our body temperature. Have you ever done a HIIT class and came out looking like you just jumped in a pool? Thank you H20!
Heat triggers the activation of our sweat glands, and when water rushes to the surface of the skin it evaporates to cool our body down. Leaving our body temperature in an optimal range. Without this process, well we would simply heat up and pass out.
Good old H2O is also essential for muscle recovery. Remember how I mentioned that water carries nutrients? Turns out that it also transports a very important molecule friends named oxygen. And, the main cell that requires nutrients and oxygen? You guessed it, muscle cells! Especially post-workout since you are likely loosing a lot of water via sweat.
Being a dietitian in a clinical setting where most of my patients are elderly, I see something occur due to a lack of water all too often. That thing? Constipation. Listen up, if you want to be regular you need to drink yo water friends. Seriously, having regular bowl movements is so so important. For us women it helps us get rid of excess estrogen leading to an improved hormonal balance. For every body, going poo helps get rid of undigested foods, bacteria, and keeps our bowls healthy.
Finally, the last reason that I’m going to touch on to promote my good friend water, is all about the kidneys. Water helps your body get rid of toxins! It does this by promoting the kidneys to extract toxins from the blood and excrete it in the form of urine. If you are dehydrated then this natural body system in compromised. No water = Toxin build-up. This could lead to other health problems like kidney stones and chronic urinary tract infections.
Now that you’re convinced that water is good for you and you are loaded with additional justifications to carry around that gallon jug of water every where you go, I’m going to drop some seriously life-changing recipe bombs. Because, I know, water can get boring. Even I struggle to drink it sometimes! And, aren’t dietitians suppose to be the epitome of health or something!? (I hope my dietitian friends laughed at that).
Hot Cinnamon Apple Water: For the cold days!
During the cold months is when I struggle most to drink enough water. During these times I always opt for a warm tea or this hot cinnamon apple-infused water. It’s so cozy and delicious!
Recipe
Ingredients
- Water (one cup)
- Cinnamon (1.5 tablespoons)
- Apple (1 small apple)
- Stevia, munk fruit, or honey (optional) (~1 tablespoon)
Directions
- Boil about a cup of water
- Cut, peel (optional), and add apple chunks
- Add as much cinnamon as your heart desires, I like about 1.5 Tablespoons
- Add stevia, munk fruit, or honey for additional sweetness
During the warmer months, I cool this recipe down and serve it in wine glasses to feel extra fancy! 🙂
Watermelon Mojito Water: For any day!
Why hello there H20, you have a fantastic new look! Thank me later for never being sick of water again.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Soda water (club soda) (one cup)
- Watermelon (1/2 cup chunked)
- Mint (a handful)
- Ice (a glass full)
- Limes (2 limes)
- Stevia, munk fruit, or honey (~1.5 tablespoons)
Directions
- Put ice in a cute cup (pro tip this always makes me want to drink it more)
- In a separate dish place watermelon chunks, mink, and sweetener of choice. Smash, stir, and mix together.
- Pour club soda on ice and mix in your watermelon mixture
- Add squeezed lime and extra mint
Orange Ginger Infused Water: For an extra boost of Vitamin C!
Honestly, my favorite way to infuse water is with citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons!
When you add herbs to the citrus combo it really elevates the water to feel upscale and luxury. Hopefully, making you want to consume more of it!
Recipe
Ingredients
- Water (one cup)
- Crushed ice (half glass)
- Basil (a handful)
- Orange (1 medium)
- Ginger (1 clove)
- Stevia, munk fruit, or honey (~1.5 tablespoons; optional)
Directions
- Crush ice and place in glass
- In a separate dish place oranges, basil, grated ginger and sweetener of choice. Smash, stir, and mix together. Add some water as needed.
- Thinly slice a couple of oranges and place in cup
- Place orange mixer in glass
- Pour water in glass
- Top with orange zest and basil to taste
