Photo: Catherine Farquharson

Sometimes plain water just doesn’t cut it. We know how important water is, but what if you don’t like it, or are bored with drinking water on its own?

Try infusing your water with real, whole food. This adds just the right amount of flavour without being overpowering, plus it gives you a boost of vitamins and minerals, helps your body detox and curbs cravings.

Homemade infused water is highly superior to the flavoured waters and flavour packets found at the grocery store that are made with artificial colourings, chemical additives, sugars and inferior isolated vitamins and minerals.

Some of my favourite fruits, veggies and fresh herbs to add into my water include:

Cucumber: Helps relieve symptoms of bloating and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Berries: Rich in anti-oxidants, boost brain function and cardiovascular health, and help regulate blood sugar.

Citrus Foods: Lemon helps to balance the body’s pH and citrus’ high content of Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system. Citrus also helps to lower blood pressure.

Watermelon: High in lycopene, which is important to cardiovascular and bone health. Watermelon also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Basil: Has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Fresh Mint: Is a wonderful digestive aid and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Are you ready to infuse your water? Try these yummy combinations:

Strawberry Infused Water

4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered
½ lemon, sliced
Small handful of fresh basil, scrunched to release oils
2 quarts water

Watermelon Infused Water

2 slices of watermelon cut into quarters
Small handful of fresh mint, scrunched to release oils
2 quarts water

Citrus Cucumber Infused Water

1 orange, sliced
½ lime, sliced
½ large cucumber sliced
1 handful fresh mint, scrunched to release juices
2 quarts water

Blueberry Orange Infused Water

¼ cup blueberries
1 orange, sliced
2 quarts water

Directions:

1. Select the best produce you can for your infused water.
2. Wash the produce and peel if desired. Removing the peel of citrus fruits will help you avoid a bitter flavour that sometimes comes from the rind.
3. Place all ingredients into a large glass pitcher or 2 quart sized glass mason jars. Add the water and allow to sit at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to infuse the flavours into the water.
4. Pour water into a glass using a strainer if you don’t want floaties in your water. Enjoy!
5. You can continue adding more water to your pitcher for up to three days. After that discard fruit and create a fresh new combination.

Experiment with your own combinations. Share your new tasty flavours with us!