Now that we are in the dead of summer heat, it is even more
important that we stay hydrated. While we are all continuing our exercise
routines, watching our kids or friends with their outdoor sports, or just enjoying
the summertime sunshine it is sometimes easy to forget to keep drinking. Drinking water helps keep us hydrated when we
loose water from sweating, or just daily breathing, helps keeps us energized,
balances electrolytes, and helps with weight control! With more fluid intake
needed in the summer months, it can sometimes get boring to always reach for
the regular water; here are some alternatives for hydrating in a tasteful and
more exciting way without all the added sugar.
o
Try using the summertime sunshine to brew sun
tea! Fill a clear container with water and place any combination of teabags you
like (about 8 tea bags per 1 gallon of water).
Let sit in the sun for several hours until the water turns color, pour
over ice and add citrus rings for added flavor and some natural sweetness:
orange, lemon or lime slices would taste great!
o
Try adding fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables and
herbs to add natural flavor to your water!
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Watermelon Cubes with Mint leaves
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Pineapple Cubes
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Cucumber and Ginger slices
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Citrus rings: orange, lemon and lime
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Apple Slices with Cinnamon Stick
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Strawberries and Lime Slices
You can also use frozen fruit that will help to chill down
your drink and act as a flavorful ice cube or make your own infused ice
cubes!
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Add blended fruit, vegetables and herbs to ice
cube trays and freeze. When you run out of the house needing water, add a few
cubes, (one, or any combination!) to your water for an infused water
experience. As the ice cubes melt it will slowly infuse flavor into your water.
(You could also add these to your sun brewed tea!).
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For each combinations below blend with 1 ¼ cup
water and freeze until solid
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Juice of 1 lemon (add zest for extra flavor), 1
inch piece of ginger
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Juice of 2 limes (add zest for extra flavor),
8-10 seeded cherries
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1 cup Watermelon cubes, ¼ cup mint
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1 cup strawberries, ¼ cup basil
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½ cucumber, ¼ cup mint leaves
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1 cup cantaloupe, 1 cup honeydew melon
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1 apple with sprinkle of cinnamon
For any of the combinations, change the
proportions based on your taste preference-make them weaker or stronger!
Experiment until you find your favorite combination!
-
Casey Harms, RD,LDN
To schedule a Nutritional Counseling appointment with Casey Harms, contact your nearest TheraCORE, Inc. clinic.
Burr Ridge (630)590-5409 - Lockport (815)838-5070 - Westmont (630)908-7430
