The benefits of drinking water can not be argued but the taste of water can. For some, the flavor of water is often a barrier to getting enough water in your diet and staying hydrated. The addition of fruit, vegetables and herbs to water adds flavor. Lemon, cucumber, mint and citrus fruits are popular choices. It’s simply a matter of taste. Be mindful of the produce choose. Use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) dirty dozen list to help select which produce is the safest and whether or not you should purchase organic.
Lemon water in particular is a fantastic way to start your day. It offers a myriad of health benefits, from boosting your immune system to giving an antioxidant boost, aiding digestion and alkalizing the body. It also increases your Vitamin C intake, which is great for your immune system and your skin.
Of course you can make infused water in any container or reusable water bottle. We love the Aqua Zinger because it’s dishwasher safe and really does an amazing job of infusing the water with whatever produce you choose to put in it. It’s a great way to combine different flavors and make delicious combos of fruit, veggies and herbs. [Pictured above. See it in action in this Joyus video with style + beauty expert Jenn Falik.]
As your water intake increases, you may find that your waist will start to shrink. A study in Obesity, A Research Journal found that overweight women who drank water before meals, lost more weight than those that didn’t.
Not only will your waist start to shrink but you’ll find that you’ll have more energy. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue. All your cells in your body, including your muscle cells, will not function properly. So, the next time you feel like you’re not able to work out to your potential, check to make sure you are hydrated. Instead of running to Starbucks, grab a glass of water and guzzle that down. You get the benefits of energy without the side effects of anxiousness and heart racing that happens with excess caffeine.
How do you know if you are hydrated? Well, what goes in must come out. Check your pee! Here is a chart to use to gauge your hydration status. (Note that the color of urine may be altered with supplement or medication use.)
