We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, year round, but this is especially important in the summer. When the weather is hot and you are spending much of the day outside being active, it is extra important to drink more fluids than usual and most especially that you are doing so before you start feeling thirsty – as that is a sure sign you are on your way to dehydration.
Did you know that every single cell in the human body needs water to function properly? Much like the plants in your garden, your cells, too, can perk up immediately upon watering. It’s that simple.
What Does Water Do in My Body?
Water Helps Your Body with the Following:
- Getting rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
- Keeping it’s temperature normal.
- Lubricating and cushioning your joints.
- Protecting your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
Tips for Drinking More Water:
- Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning (I prefer mine warm with a little lemon).
- Carry a dedicated bottle or container with you are all times, at work, at home, even if you are just out running a few errands.
- Use an app on your mobile phone to track your water intake or simply set an alert on your phone to remind you.
- Choose water at restaurants instead of other beverages. not only will you save on calories while simultaneously hydrating yourself, but it also saves money.
- When you are hungry, start with a glass of water before you reach for the snack. sometimes feelings of hunger are actually your body telling you that it’s thirsty. it may just curb the cravings.
- Drink before you eat. 16 ounces 30 minutes before every meal can actually keep you from over indulging. make this a regular practice and you might even find yourself losing weight.
- Infuse and flavor your own water.
Today, I am sharing with you one of my very favorite ways to stay hydrated during the summer months…
INFUSED WATER!
Infused water is not only a tasty way to stay hydrated but it is nutritional, healthy, fresh and all-natural!
How-to Make Infused Water:
I N G R E D I E N T S :
Herbs, Spices and Botanicals
mint • basil • rosemary • lavender • thyme • ginger • cinnamon • sage • rose petals • vanilla • lemongrass • cardamom • parsley • lemon verbena • cilantro • cloves • cardamom • hibiscus • black pepper • chammomile • lemon verbena • stevia AND MORE
Fruit and Veggies
strawberries • blackberries • blueberries • raspberries • cherries • pineapple • watermelon • cucumber • orange • lemon • lime • grapefruit • watermelon • cantaloupe • honeydew • mango • grapes • pear • apples • peaches • plums • nectarines • blood orange • meyer lemon • tangerines • pomegranate • kiwi • carrots • celery • peppers • fennel AND MORE
Optional Add-ins:
sweetener
chia seeds
coconut water
sparkling water
R E C I P E :
For infused water, there really is no recipe, exactly. There are no right or wrong measurements, it’s all based on taste and what you have on hand.
Generally, I just add all of the ingredients to my pitcher or jar (or glass), slightly mashing up any fruit to release their juices. Next I bruise the leaves of any herbs (in my hands) to release the natural extracts and oils. Finally, top with some filtered water and enjoy! I find letting it sit in the fridge for an hour or so really allows the flavors to mesh together. The longer it sits, obviously the better and stronger the flavor will be.
You can also blend the water and fruit together with a touch of sweetener for homemade agua frescos.
N O T E S :
select fresh organic produce and herbs whenever possible, you want your ingredients to be pesticide-free
you can peel citrus before infusing to avoid excess bitterness.
for smaller herbs and botanicals like dried lavender or peppercorns, add them to a cheesecloth when infusing
S T O R A G E :
Infused waters can be stored in airtight jars or pitchers as shown above, mason jar, glass pitcher, water bottle, gallon jug, etc. Whatever works for you. Infused waters keep in the refrigerator for about a week or until the flavor is no longer present. We tend to drink and add more water to replace the water we just poured out, adding more fruit or flavors as necessary, until it just no longer has a pronounced flavor.
Here are 4 of My Favorite Flavor Combinations:
cucumber strawberry thyme infused water // also great with mint or basil
ginger pear cinnamon vanilla bean infused water // also great with apple
grapefruit rosemary infused water // also great with sage or other citrus fruits
blueberry lime cilantro infused water // also delicious with blood oranges
Here are just some of my other favorite flavor combinations:
grape + lemon + parsley
strawberry + lemon + basil
cucumber + mint
orange + berry
grapefruit + sage
honeydew + basil
blueberry + lavender
apple + cinnamon
watermelon + jalapeño
peach + vanilla bean
raspberry + rose petal
mango + mint
carrot + ginger + lemon + apple
cherry + lime + mint
orange + cinnamon + ginger
pineapple + mint
strawberry + vanilla bean
orange + berry
peach + lavender
pineapple + ginger
blood orange + mint
cucumber + kiwi
strawberry + rosemary
peach + sage
orange + hibiscus + vanilla bean
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!
Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System
As important as staying hydrated is and as delicious as infused waters are – it is also just as important to know the purity of the water you are drinking. We have an Aquasana Powered Filtration System in our home and I have to tell you, I had NO CLUE that water could actually taste better. We always had a run of the mill filtration pitcher in the fridge to do the best we could to purify our water but when I received the Aquasana Filtration System, it was a whole new ball game.
What Makes Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System So Much Better:
- Patent Pending Powered Filtration Technology never before available in a pitcher. Delivers performance of a professional grade installed filtration system for a fraction of the price – no plumbing or installation required.
- Fast Filtration in just seconds. Traditional pitchers use gravity to slowly trickle water over filter granules. The Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System uses power to filter water fast, right before your eyes.
- Ultimate Purity – Filters 10x the contaminants (60 total) of the leading pitcher filter and is the only pitcher on the market tested to remove 96% of chlorine and chloramines (chlorine + ammonia disinfectant).
- Longest Lasting Filter & Lowest Cost Per Gallon. Aquasana Claryum filters deliver 8x the gallon capacity of the leading pitcher filter for half the price. (320 gallons vs. 40 gallons at 9.4 cents per gallon vs. 20 cents per gallon)
- Ultra delicious – the purest water you’ve ever tasted. Naturally occurring minerals in your water like Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium are retained by our selective Claryum filtration, leaving you with healthier, delicious water!
What You Need to Know about the Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System
- All components are BPA free.
- Complete System – includes a portable ½ gallon pitcher you can easily fit in your fridge and a one gallon dispenser for on-demand water at the push of a button.
- Includes your first Claryum filter that will last 320 gallons or 6 months before needing a replacement.
With the Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System you get faster filtration, more contaminant removal, longer lasting filters for half the price per gallon compared to the leading drip pitcher filter.
This post is by sponsored by Aquasana. I received an Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System to review and was compensated for my time. I was under no obligations. All opinions are all mine.
100 Responses
I stay hydrated in the summer by drinking at least one or two glasses of cold water when I first wake up, along with carrying a small water bottle with me most places I go. Great giveaway & beautiful blog! 🙂
Oh my! I would love to win this filtration system! I currently use a Britta filter and it takes forever! But we wouldn’t dare go without it, our water is funky! Keeping my fingers crossed.
Megan
I drink lots of water–it’s almost all i drink right now. I’m super intrigued by the filtering system, thanks!
I follow those tips – water first thing in the morning and before every meal. Then I drink water all day at my desk, too!
What a fabulous post — I’m definitely guilty of not drinking enough water, so i really need this tutorial!
Maybe I can get my husband to drink more water with your infusing ideas! I’ve been off any sodas for two years. Water is my main drink and I love it!
I’ve started using an app to keep track of my water consumption. It definitely reminds me to keep drinking water throughout the day!
Love infused water! One thing I’ve noticed is it is a great detox for me! Law at feel so energized!
I’ve been looking at aquasana filters! I love this giveaway!
I take water with me everywhere to try and stay hydrated.
I went to a vegan place in Philly where they had water with cucumber and lemon! I made it at home as soon as I could and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Perfect for summer and bikini season!!!
I drink water all day long, especially while I’m out walking dogs (my day job), but I’m super excited to try these infused waters!
The water at my house is pretty yucky but I haven’t been able to afford a filter. It would be wonderful to have one and be able to try all these yummy infusions with filtered water. In the mean time hopefully the infusions will help with the taste of our water.
Would LOVE to win this aquasana water filter. Trying to get my husband to drink more water. It’s like pulling teeth! lol. Maybe this and your recipes for the flavored waters will help. Thanks for the opportunity.
I hate tap water but wasn’t sure what kind of filtration system to use. I would love to win this system and then infuse my water. I am terrible at drinking enough water!
I am terrible at drinking enough water each day. Infusing it is a great idea! My tap water tastes terrible – it would be great to win this filtration system.
I fill 3-4 qt mason jars with water and lemon every day and keep in the fridge. I would love to win the aquasana filtration system! Thanks for the opportunity.
These look amazing!
Happened upon your blog recently and love your fresh ideas. I drink a lot of herbal teas as well as straight water to stay hydrated throughout the day, but I’m going to start making some infused water right now!
Absolutely love water with lemon and cucumber or strawberries and mint – so refreshing!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefod
awesome post! love it. thanks so much for the insight & ideas.
Well Beth, You’ve done it again! Wonderful post and giveaway. Love all the water combinations that you posted!
I am six months pregnant so I try and drink as much water as possible. I also juice twice a day. This water filtration system would make an excellent addition to my house!
I love infused waters to stay hydrated in the summer….I’m definitely going to try adding some spices/herbs since I’ve only ever experimented with fruits!
I stay hydrated all year round by starting off my day with 1 glass of pure water, 1 glass of water mixed with Greens powder and a smoothie also made with filtered water. Then I continue to drink water throughout the day.
Hi i love this entry because i want to be more healthy and i want to win this filter ,it looks amazing
I always bring filtered water from home. Sometimes I add a lemon.
I have never heard of this water filter and it sounds like a wonderful item that will help
will me having safe water to drink which I have been wishing for. I’m 66 and it’s not on my
retirement plan. I would love to win this because it would be the only way I would have one.
I sorry I don’t twitter or tweet and do little face book and as for instagram I have no ideal what
that it. I am doing good to email so I just stick to that, and if I knew how to do the others in order to win I would do it. But I still hope I have a chance to WIN. Would LOVE, LOVE,
Love, it. Oh and I love your web sight I have learned a lot from you.
Thanks,
This post is gorgeous, milady! Love infused water. So simple, but such a great way to stay hydrated in the summertime. 🙂
I keep cases of water bottles on reserve and my fridge stocked with cold bottles at all times. I make a goal to drink a certain amount per day, and aim to achieve that goal daily.
It is very hard for me to stay hydrated — I try to drink lots of water with a straw and green smoothies. Thank you for another great giveaway! 🙂
i stay hydrated by drinking water both plain and also infused concoctions!! i love making new flavour combinations and will definitely make some of the combinations you post about here!! they all sound delish~! 😀
It would be such a treat to win this awesome filtration system for my family! Thank you for this opportunity, Beth & Aquasana!!
~Jacqui
plenty of water with lemon!
I drink infused water all day long!
I am OBSESSED with infused water and always drink at least 60 oz everyday as I’m supposed to! This would be amazing to win because my PUR filter is getting pretty expensive to maintain and the water doesn’t taste much different than our tap water. Really hope I can win this for our family!!
I just started to infuse water with fruit and herbs,as well as cucumber..
I would love the opportunity to use this filter system..I only use tap water now…
I can only imagine how much better the water could taste…
thank you
Already doing infused waters. This filtration system looks awesome, hope to win.
These would be great for a party they are so pretty!
We still drink water out of the tap….but I’ve been wanting a filtration system for some time. Love your infused water combos.
We make smoothies, drink coconut water, regular water or a cup of tea everyone in a while. Would love to try these water infusions! 🙂
Hi Beth! Although I rarely comment, I want you to know I love your blog and thank you for what you do. I have a question about the infused water (which I’m so excited to try!). Do you ever put the leftover fruits/veg/herbs into a smoothie after the week is up, or is it usually too far gone by then?
Thanks!
Hi Tory, thanks for taking the time to comment and for your lovely words! I appreciate it. No usually after several days or up to a week of the ingredients sitting in the water, all of the flavor and nutritional content is gone and infused into the water and they are of course, quite soggy 🙂 I just add them to the compost bin. Hope that helps. xoxo
I so far have really only added lemons or limes to my water in the past. Recently I have started using cranberry concentrate and lemon essential oil or cherry concentrate and lime essential oil. Using fresh ingredients makes it look even more refreshing! Will have to try it. 🙂
I like to make ice with fruit in it to put in my water, but these recipes look so good.
I stay hydrated with at least one coconut water per day, and by carrying around a mason jar of water, but these flavored waters look AMAZING. Will be trying them for sure! First up, the grapefruit/rosemary one. Thanks for this!
I’ve been searching for the best the best filtration system. Would love to win this!
Water, water, water, iced tea, and more water 😉
Water and fresh fruit! I recently started infusing my water and was amazed at what a difference it makes! I’m excited to try out some of these different combos!
I drink water and tea as much as I can. These recipes will help more!
These recipes sound great, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the giveaway. We have horrible quality local water so a filtration system is a must.
I drink water and eat raw food.
I start hydrating with a glass of room temp lemon water. Take a 20 oz plain water and a 20 oz infused water to work each day.
I stay hydrated by carrying my 1.5 liter Nalgene with me wherever I go. I also have a 2 liter mason jar to ensure I drink enough water throughout the day. I have just started diffusing water with strawberries, blueberries and cucumbers and it has been so tasty. I cannot wait to try these other combinations.
🙂
Sounds delicious! Thanks!!
Right now I’m drinking just water from a Brita filter. Would love to try this filter system!
I take a big water bottle with me first thing in the morning to the gym. I then take my infuser water bottle with me all day and refill it as necessary. Trying to get at least 106 oz of water is hard to do when not carrying water constantly.
Here in Florida we drink a lot of coconut water which may be the most hydrating water of all; I imagine that these drinks would taste wonderful with the ingredients infused into the coconut water.
Lots of water and herbal tea. The water infusions look awesome!
What an absolutely fabulous idea. I never thought to go this far beyond lemons. Xx
My fave combo is cucumber, ginger and mint
Thanks for all the great ideas! You must try pineapple + rosemary…. so refreshing!
I use sodas team and my favorite infusion is with lemons, limes, cherries, strawberries, & blueberries.
I drink a lot of water all day long! I love your blog! I gonna try your infused water recopies,I love them! And of corse I’d love to win the filter system….. 🙂
I stay hydrated by using a 20 oz. clear water bottle and try to take it with me wherever I go (even just around the house). Only three times through the bottle and I’m pretty set with water intake for the day. It helps tremendously having the visual of how much water I have drank/have yet to drink.
I make and drink infused water all the time. This was my go to when I stopped drinking soda. I drink up to 115 ounces of water a day so, infusing it with fruit, herbs and spices helps.
I use lemon infused water every morning and throughout the day. I also drink fruit, veggie, and herb infused water during the day to help boost my water consumption. I love it!
these photos are all so lovely!! i can’t decide if i’d rather drink the waters or stare at them. so beautiful, beth!
This would be awesome! I have a hard time just drinking plain water so I’ve been adding a little lemon juice. I love the recipes for infused water. and can’t wait to try them. Glad to come across this 🙂
Thanks for making such a fitting post for these warm summer days. Water doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless anymore! I will be making more than a few of your recipes in this summer.
Cheers
Jess
I stay hydrated by filling up a gallon jar and trying to drink it all by the end of the day! I look forward to trying it with these different flavors.
I carry a large bottle of water with me at all times. This filtration system sounds like it would help a lot with keeping that bottle full of filtered water!
LOVE THIS POST!
JUMBO Brita filters + refilling VOSS water bottles. I love your suggestion about taking them with you everywhere though. I’m just about to leave the house and I know I’ll end up thirsty. Got to stay hydrated in the Florida heat!
I haven’t experimented with herbs but I’ve tried: lemon, lime, mixed berries + lemon, cucumber + mint + lemon. So I guess mostly fruits.
I can really tell the difference with a filter. Would love to try this one.
and here I thought just having mint in my water was infusing it…I have never tried puttin gfruit & herbs together! YUM.
Sarah M
I don’t do a great job of staying hydrated in the summer, honestly. Maybe a jug of infused water on the table would be a good reminder!
I didn’t lots of water with Pink Grapefruit:)
Another great add-in is green tea! Zero calories and full of antioxidants. Mix the chilled tea with some mint and lemon and you have a delicious drink full of vitamins and antioxidants!
water with lemon juice & a pinch of salt
water with ultima replenisher
I stay hydrated with filtered water and a slice of lemon. I also make an herb tea with loose herbs that I allow to steep overnight. After straining it in the morning, I take a quart of it to work with me. This filter would improve both my beverages, thank you for the offer.
~ Kathy
I would love to try some of these recipes. Looking forward to it! They sound delicious
I try to stay hydrated by choosing water over anything else. I love water infused with natural things, it’s so refreshing.
I love this Aquasana Filter . thanks for the great ideas of drinking water for an interesting taste.
I drink water, lemon water in the mornings, though I am going to do so much more with these recipes. Thanks.
I always have a full glass of water sitting on the kitchen counter. I’ll down the entire thing (and refill) every time I pass it.
I drink lots of liquid especially water!
Lemon water, and infused water with lemon and basil. I enjoy infused waters on a hot summer day, very refreshing! Can’t wait to try some of your favorites! Thanks for the ideas!
I would love to have this!!!!!
Freeze watermelon to infuse water and drop in fresh basil…or cucumber and mint.. So refreshing!
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We drink tons of water. I like infusing my water with watermelon &!spearmint fresh from the garden.
I love an ice col glass of watermelon water with spearmint fresh from the garden
[…] Infused Water via Tasty Yummies | Right Infused Water via Dorian […]
wow, such a fantastic way to make water fun and tasty! I especially love the strawberry, cucumber and thyme – it tastes delicious, and makes it much easier to drink more and stay hydrated. thanks for sharing this 🙂
Thanks Katie! Glad you enjoyed.
Not sure if this has been asked but how do you do things like pear water, apple water and peach water without either bitterness or no flavor. I have been trying for year (i have an infuser bottle and I jucast seem to make it work) I know I am a little late to the thread but I hope someone can respond
I like different water tastes to be refreshed of during the day. Thank you.