4 tips to drink more water, plus 3 refreshing naturally infused water ideas that’ll keep you excited for your next sip!
Back in 2007-2008, I was quite addicted to Mountain Dew. Yes, that sugary, neon-green drink!!! Addiction might sound like a strong word, but there’s no other word to describe it.
And it’s been more than a decade since I had that drink!
Now, plain water is my go-to. In fact, I can easily drink 8 cups of water a day, and if I don’t drink enough water, my body sends me signals.
It wasn’t always like that! And I didn’t just start drinking water without resistance. Not at all!!!
It took intentional efforts to quit sugary soda and to learn to drink water!! And here’s how I did it.
4 tips to drink more water:
- Get a large water bottle – It doesn’t have to be fancy!! Ideally, at least 1L bottle, so you don’t have to re-fill it often. I used a bottle similar to this one and it worked well for me! Also, you don’t have to drink out of that bottle. Just keep a glass or cup nearby.
- Infuse your water with fruits, veggies and herbs! – This was a game-changer for me!!! Since my taste buds were so screwed up, flavoring my water helped me to overcome the boredom of plain water.
- Keep your water close in a plain sight at an arm’s reach! – You’ve got to eliminate ANY friction!! Make it easy!!! In the beginning, I couldn’t finish the entire bottle of water at the office and I’d haul back the half full jug home. But over time, I learned to drink all of the water during 9 hours at the office!
- Experiment with different temperatures. Not everyone is into ice-cold water. You may enjoy warm water over cold water, or vice versa. I personally love warm water in the morning, and drink room temperature water throughout the day. Cold water is not for me unless it’s hot and I need to cool down.
Refreshing flavored water ideas:
Naturally flavored water is not only tasty, but it’s also beautiful. There’re endless ways you can infuse your water with different combinations of fruits, veggies and herbs.
The following 3 versions are my favorites:
Refreshing Cucumber Lemon Mint Water
This refreshing infused water was my go-to flavor when I started on water journey!
It’s very subtle and so refreshing!
Tip
Infuse cucumber, lemon and mint for about 2 hours and then strain them out to prevent bitter flavor from lemon rind and to avoid bacterial growth.
Patriotic Berry Water
It’s such a cool way to serve water at summer gatherings.
It looks so beautiful, inviting and fun!
Tip
Use frozen berries instead of ice to keep the water cool longer!
Simply Citrus Water
And last, but not least, this orange water is absolutely wonderful!
It may not sound exciting, but let me tell you, it’s so worth the try! I love this version icy cold with plenty of ice!
FAQ’s:
Sure, you can. But they won’t be as flavorful.
Infused water can be stored in the fridge for up 3 days. But I recommend straining the fruits/veggies/herbs after 4 hours to prevent any bitter taste from some of the fruits, such as lemon, orange, etc.
Yes, absolutely, because staying hydrated is healthy! But infused water isn’t healthier than plain water. Flavored water just helps you drink more water if you aren’t used to drinking water.
Of course! These are just a starting point! Feel free to experiment with different fruits and veggie combinations. And don’t forget herbs too! They add fantastic flavors!!!
Stay hydrated!
Naturally Infused Water
Ingredients
Cucumber Lemon Mint Water:
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 1/2 lemon thinly sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber thinly sliced
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
Patriotic Berry Water:
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 pint strawberries fresh or frozen
Simply Citrus Water:
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 1 orange thinly sliced
Instructions
- Add fruits/veggies/herb and water in a large jug. Let it sit for about up to 2 hours at room temperature, or 4 hours in the fridge.
- Strain and discard the fruits/veggies/herb. Infused water can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts:
Seeney McIlrath says
Hi, how do you know how much fruit to put in the water? I am giving a baby shower on Saturday and the mother likes fruit infused water with berries and I want to make the strawberry and blueberry water.Â
Thank you,Â
Seeney McIlrathÂ
Shinee says
Hi, Seeney! The amount of fruit is totally up to you. One package of each blueberries and strawberries will be enough for quite a bit of water.
Sarah says
Shinee,
I too have been a Mt. Dew addict for years… not too mention I worked for their parent company. A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with NAFLD due to sugar intake… your infused water recipes are just what the Dr. ordered. The fruits are on my *healthier liver* list and the recipes could not be simpler! Thank You for posting and for being a source of confidence for the *Dew Delirium* I am in…. : )
Shinee says
Hey Sarah, isn’t that crazy how we get so addicted? Now I can’t even take a sip of Mt Dew, because it’s too sweet. 🙂 And I drink plain water and happy with it. And I thank that cucumber, lemon, mint water for it, it truly helped me to switch. I know in just a few months, you won’t miss Mt Dew. Stay hydrated! 🙂
Mary says
Hey you drink  the water all day and do I drink  one kind a day
Janet Fettig says
Hi shiner, as we’re traveling in the car this 4th of July weekend I enjoyed seeing and can’t wait to try some of your new recipes! Â And the refreshing fruit infused water drinks are not only a great way to drink more fluids … they look sooo pretty!!! Â And can’t wait to make that cheesecake that seems simple yet delicious! YUM!
Have a great weekend! Janet F – Bismarck, ND
Shinee says
Hi, Janet! Hope you had a great holiday weekend! I had a nice relaxing one, picking some juneberries. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes, hope you try some one them soon. Let me know if you do.
The Reader's Tales - A Swiss lifestyle blog says
Hi Shinee This is a fabulous idea. Perfect spring summer drink. Will bookmark it. Happy Easter
Shinee says
Thanks!!