Pimp Your Water
Water is obviously the best way to hydrate during hot weather or a heavy workout, but sometimes we want to tickle our taste buds with something new and refreshing. Here are some great alternatives to traditional sports drinks and plain H2O for a healthy, natural way to pimp your water.
One of the most popular and easy ways to pimp your water is to infuse it with fresh fruit.
For best results, we love preparing the fruit infused drinks at least 24 hours in advance. It gives the fruit a chance to really seep out and flavor the water.
Lemon slices
Orange slices
Strawberries
Watermelon and Cucumber
If you feel the need to sweeten up your drink, try using local honey!
Coconut Water
Another popular hydrating drink is coconut water because of low calories and high potassium.
You might be familiar with the old wives’ tale that you can prevent leg cramps by eating a banana, and that’s been attributed to potassium.
But did you know that coconut water actually has more potassium than a banana? It’s true! There is approximately 660 mg of potassium in coconut water compared to 422 mg in a banana. It’s rich in calcium and magnesium too.
So, next time you’re looking for a water alternative, consider this a super drink and keep the banana on the side in case you get hungry.
Herbal Tea
Natural and caffeine-free teas are great for hydration. And depending on the weather you can drink it hot or iced.
Some of our favorites include:
Chamomile tea
Hibiscus tea
Dandelion tea
Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and a dab of honey for a pure, refreshing alternative to water.
Chia Water
Did you know chia is a Mayan word for strength? Packed with fiber, protein and other beneficial nutrients, chia water is a healthy and different alternative to plain water for your hydration needs.
Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to about 20 oz. of water and let it sit refrigerated overnight. If you’d like to sweeten it, add about a tablespoon of local honey.
Now here’s the thing about this drink; it has kind of a lumpy consistency that takes some getting used to. If you’re trying this for the first time, pour a little bit of your prepared chia into a glass and add more water (or coconut water), add your sweetener, mix well and drink. Maybe the next day you can add more of the chia until you’re used to it. Basically, there isn’t a wrong way to make this drink – it just depends on your preference.
Keep it fresh!
Stay hydrated while rewarding your taste buds with something different. Infused water is a great way to enjoy a healthy, delicious drink that provides the benefits of water with a few extra nutrients. As a result, you’ll feel re-energized after a long day of exercise.
Do you have a favorite way to pimp your water?
We’d love to hear your refreshing natural drink recipes.