The elixir of life is also a weight watcher’s best friend. You may love your teas and coffees and juices, but no beverage can play the role that water does in your life!
But if you want to add a little more interest to your water – visually and taste wise – may we suggest trying infused water. Forget the ubiquitous lemon slices in water and think outside the bottle. The variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs mean that the possibilities are endless and you can make yourself a new kind of infused water every day of the year.
The best part? This homemade mix can keep you hydrated and ensure that you stay off sodas. Ergo, weight loss!
How do you do it? Let your imagination take wings for there are no rules. Mix and match any of these ingredients in proportions that you like and enjoy!
Herbs
Mint, thyme, rosemary, basil, cilantro, parsley
Spices
Cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, fresh ginger, cloves, vanilla bean, pepper
Edible flowers
Rose, lavender, hibiscus, citrus blossoms
Fruit
Melon, berries (fresh or frozen), pineapple, tropical fruits, mousambi, oranges, apples, pears
Vegetables
Carrots, cucumber, celery, fennel
How do you do it
Cut the fruits/veggies into super-thin slices as that will hasten the infusion of flavours. Pop them into water, preferably in a glass jar and let sit for a few hours. The longer the water sits, the more it will gain in terms of flavour. However, keep an eye as some fruits – especially the citrus variety- or herbs infuse more quickly than others. Once done, drink up or put into the refrigerator. You can refill the water a couple of times but the intensity of flavours will drop significantly.
Keep in mind
Make sure you look for organic produce and herbs whenever possible. Opt for fresh and firm fruits and vegetables. Smaller herbs can be tied up in a muslin cloth and let into the water if you don’t like them getting into your mouth. Store your infused waters in airtight jars or jugs and put into the refrigerator. They stay well in the refrigerator for about a week but we suggest making and drinking it fresh every day.
You’ve seen every other person at the gym pulling out a fancy infusion from their gym bag! It’s your turn now!
Look here for more ideas.
Written by Alpa Momaya
You are what you eat, believes Alpa Momaya. So with the right diet, anyone can achieve optimal mental, physical and spiritual health.
Alpa has first-hand knowledge of this – she battled various issues with her own health and weight, but by incorporating good eating habits and regular exercise, she has reclaimed her fitness levels today. She offers the advice she took to HealthifyMe users — make the right lifestyle choices daily, sticking to a nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. Don’t think of it as having to solve a problem, instead see it as a way to achieve long and happy life.
After a PG diploma in dietetics from Mumbai University, Alpa did a diploma in holistic nutrition in Canada and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner today. Along with having worked in various weight-loss clinics and as a consultant for a natural pharmacy, she’s helped her family control ailments like diabetes and hypertension, and hopes to help her HealthifyMe clients do the same. “I can proudly say my daughter happily eats any vegetable or fruit without ever making a face,” Alpa claims, and she is determined that those who consult her will go back similarly impressed.
I am absolutely loving the states recipes. I do buy organic food items from organicgarden.co.in because I feel those are much safer. These recipes are good! since summer is still there, i am going to try these soonest
Fantastic
Never knew this.
This is fantastic.