Fruit Infused Water
One of my favorite weight loss topics to talk about is fruit infused water. Studies have shown that drinking water naturally boosts metabolism and drinking fruit infused water for weight loss can be an easy way to increase your water intake. These simple water recipes are inexpensive and have almost 0 calories, and taste fabulous! Plus there are additional health benefits, including:
Nutrients leak out of the fruit into the water so you get more nutrients in your diet including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Depending on the ingredients used, infused water may lower your risk of diabetes, obesity, cold, flu, and heart disease because the natural compounds in fruit help maintain a body pH within the ideal range.
Fruit infused water contains powerful antioxidants that can slow aging and fight free radical damage. Can anyone say smooth, silky, glowing skin?
Active compounds in fruit speed up metabolism causing you to burn more calories throughout the day. For example, lemon water is well known for its metabolism boosting effects, promoting fat loss.
These vitamin rich drinks provide explosive energy. They're particularly good for athletes and active people. Fruit infused water can successfully replace sports drinks. They're super hydrating not to mention the antioxidant and electrolyte power!
Citrus infused water supports digestive function which can help settle your tummy. If you have digestive problems, drink water with ginger, lemon, oranges or apples. These fruits help clean the body systems and have a cooling effect on your stomach.
Due to its high antioxidant content, fruit infused water cleanses your body and helps eliminate toxins. You'll have a stronger immune system and enjoy better health.
And last but not least, use fruit infused water to satisfy your sweet tooth. A lot of times we confuse hunger with thirst. A lot of times we're just dehydrated. So see if the fruit infused water will help to ward off some cravings!
I shared the cucumber detox water in a previous blog post so here are two of my other favorite recipes:
Apple Cinnamon Water
Makes 2 Liters
Ingredients:
One apple, thinly sliced (I like Fuji...pick your favorite). Cut away the seeds.
1 cinnamon stick (I don't recommend using powdered cinnamon as it clogs the water).
Directions:
Place apple slices in the bottom of your pitcher and then the cinnamon stick. Cover with a little ice to keep the apple slices at the bottom and then fill with water. Place in the refrigerator for one hour before serving. You can refill the container 2 to 3 times before it begins to lose flavor.
Strawberry Mint Water
Makes 2 Liters
Ingredients:
One cup of strawberries, cut in half
Two sprigs mint (6 to 8 leaves)
Directions:
Add strawberries and mint to your pitcher and cover with a handful of ice to keep strawberries and mint at the bottom of the pitcher then fill with water. The fruit is bouyant so the ice helps to keep it in the bottom. Place in the refrigerator for one hour before serving. You can refill the container 2 to 3 times.
