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An easy way to add flavor to your water without sugar. A healthy and refreshing beverage anyone can make!
We already know that eating sugar is bad for our health. But remember, carbohydrates are not the culprit — it's the overconsumption of carbohydrates that leads to several health issues including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. For the vast majority of people there's no need for extreme measures such as going zero-carb.
As a health-conscious person, I avoid all sugary beverages — they are unnecessasy and offer zero benefits. This includes soda, juices and even zero-sugar drinks that use artificial sweeteners. These options are unhealthy and will likely lead to weight gain.
But what can you use unstead? When you give up all these beverages, you are left with water, tea and coffee which might get quite boring. That's why making naturally flavored water is a great way to curb your cravings in a 100% guilt-free way.
Why Use a Water Bottle?
We all are so busy in our every day routines that we don't drink enough water. And that includes myself. Apart from my morning and afternoon coffee, I sometimes forget to drink fluids throughout the day, and as a result, I get dehydrated, feel tired and even get headaches. Having flavored water at my desk helps me stay hydrated and feel energized all day long — without sugar!
To make flavored water more fun, I started using a water pitcher for infusing water and tea with natural ingredients.
How to Make Flavored Water
To make flavored water at home, you can use any of the following ingredients:
- Still or sparkling water, and optionally ice. Tip: try making iced tea or flavored almond milk instead of water.
- Herbs such as mint, rosemary, thyme, basil or lavender.
- Fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, fresh or frozen berries, melon, watermelon, lemon, orange, lime (beware that lime slices will make your flavored water bitter if you leave it in for too long).
- Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise or ginger.
- Jars, pitchers or an infusion water bottle (there's plenty more options on Amazon).
Five Flavored Water Recipes
Here are some of my absolute favorite flavors. Depending on the strength, the following ingredients will make up to 2 litres (2 quarts) of flavored water. I usually make the first batch and then refil with water for as long as there's flavor.
- Berry & Mint — Mix about a cup of fresh or frozen berries and a bunch of mint. Frozen are better as they will release more juices and cool down your beverage at the same time.
- Virgin Mojito — Mix 1-2 sliced limes and a bunch of fresh mint. If you want to keep it in the fridge overnight, just squeeze in some lime juice instead of using the lime slices. Alternatively, use sliced lemon (no bitter aftertaste if left in longer).
- Spiced Orange — Mix 1 sliced orange (or sliced peel from 1 orange, ideally just the top layer), 1-2 cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise and a small piece of thinly sliced ginger.
- Lemon & Mint Iced Tea — Prepare the tea by pouring hot water over 1-2 bags of quality black tea, a bunch of mint and 1 sliced lemon (sliced). You can swap the black tea with green tea or herb tea (rosehip or mint tea are my favorite options).
- Strawberry & Hibiscus Tea — Prepare the tea by pouring hot water over 2 bags of acai green tea and 2-4 hibiscus flowers. Let it cool down to room temperature and add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
You can store flavored water or tea in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Optionally, add a few drops of stevia or low-carb sweetener of choice to taste, and a few ice cubes.
Which other flavors would you make?
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