Stay Hydrated with Infused Water

Summer is here! I know the official first day of summer isn’t for a few more weeks, but school is out and we’ve reached over 90F the past couple of days. Welcome to summer in Texas!

One of the most important things to remember when the temperatures start rising is to stay hydrated. It is so easy to become dehydrated when it’s hot and humid outside and you’re spending hours by the pool soaking up the rays. I learned this lesson the hard way when I was in high school and passed out during marching band practice. Y’all… getting too hot, not drinking enough water, spending hours on hot cement and locking your knees are not a good combo!

Staying hydrated has so many benefits. It helps ward off random “hunger” attacks (which can actually be your body telling you you’re thirsty), helps balance your body fluids and makes your skin look good. Your body will thank you when you make sure you’re hydrated! I’ve noticed that I have fewer headaches, have more energy and feel better overall when I make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

I could drink plain ‘ole water all day, but I know that water can get old fast. One of my favorite ways to spice up my water is by infusing it with fruit and fresh herbs. Not only is it all natural and free from the extra sugar and chemicals you don’t need, but there are so many other health benefits that go along with it too!

To infuse your water, you can just put the fruits and herbs in a pitcher, fill it with water and keep it refrigerated, or you can use some of the really cool cups and pitchers that have made especially for infusing water. I love bringing my fruit infuser bottle with me to work, and my pitcher is perfect for making a big batch while meal prepping!

So without further ado, here are my favorite infused water combos.
How do you stay hydrated during the summer?

Strawberry Lemon Mint Infused Water

5 strawberries, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
3 Tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped

Benefits: promotes digestion, soothes stomach pains, increases metabolism, good source of Vitamin C and manganese

Lemon Cucumber Infused Water

1 lemon, sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced

Benefits: aids digestion, increases metabolism, cleanses your system, promotes healthy skin, good source of Vitamin C and silica

Sweet Summertime Infused Water

1/2 cup watermelon, chopped
3 strawberries, sliced
1/2 orange, sliced
1/2 peach, chopped

Benefits: contains antioxidants, works as an anti-inflammatory, helps relieve stress, good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C

Green Goddess Infused Water

1/2 cucumber, sliced
3 Tbsp fresh basil leaves
1 lime, sliced

Benefits: anti-inflammatory properties, reduces stress, good for your muscles, acts as a natural detox, good source of Vitamin K and Vitamin C

Grapefruit Rosemary Infused Water

1 grapefruit, sliced
3 sprigs rosemary

Benefits: improves digestion, increases brain activity, has anti-aging properties, helps blood pressure, good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and beta carotene