We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, yet somehow water is still THE most common nutritional deficiency in our culture. Good news is, it’s a super simple one to remedy! There are plenty of varying formulas from all different sources in regards to how much water to consume, but it’s best to know that whatever formula you subscribe to, just like the nutrition from food and the dietary guides that we each subscribe to, we are highly bio-individualistic beings and there is no one definitive firm answer out there. Listen to your body and pay attention to what works for you.

As a guideline, I recommend to my clients that they shoot for half your body weight in ounces every day. For example if you weight 150lbs, shoot for 75 ounces of water daily, taking into account the need to rehydrate additionally for the consumption of diuretics like coffee, tea, fruit juices, alcohol and sodas or excessive perspiration. I also subscribe to the idea that we don’t want to be consuming too much more than 100 ounces of water daily, as too much water can also have negative affects, like diluting/flushing our electrolytes and causing mineral imbalances.

The best practice to follow is to slowly and mindfully sip on high quality filtered water throughout the day, all day, every day. Drink water before you start feeling thirsty – as thirst is a sure sign you are already 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.

“Chronic cellular dehydration of the body is the primary etiology of painful degenerative disease.” – Dr F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. 

What Roles Does Water Play in the Body?

Water Helps Your Body with the Following:

• Improves oxygen delivery to cells
• Transports nutrients
• Enables cellular hydration
• Moistens oxygen for easier breathing
• Cushions bones and joints
• Absorbing shocks to joints and organs
• Regulates body temperature
• Removes wastes
• Flushes toxins
• Prevents tissues from sticking
• Lubricates joints
• Improves cell-to-cell communications
• Maintains normal electrical properties of cells
• Empowers the body’s natural healing process

Excerpt from “Water the Ultimate Cure”

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 water. 

BONUS: Add a pinch of high quality sea salt to your water, it adds trace minerals and helps to balance electrolytes

Today, I am sharing with you one of my very favorite ways to stay hydrated…

INFUSED SPA 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 Spa Water at Home:

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
sea salt

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, what you like 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!