Water Facts and Hydrating Recipes

Water. I could write pages upon pages on water. From filters to water bottles to differences by state and country, water is not as simple as we grew up thinking. But I’m going to keep the water facts short here and provide many hydrating recipes!

First let me start by giving you some great resources- check what contaminants your local water has by checking out the EWG Tap Water Database. I grew up and live in NYC which always boasts having great tap water. Even with this claim the water in my zip code came back with 16 contaminants and 8 that exceeded EWG’s health guidelines.

I personally always use a water filter and never drink tap straight (except on occasion from restaurants which I need to stop). In terms of bottled water I am trying to only by glass bottles whenever available. I basically grew up on Poland Spring then I became a huge Smart Water drinker and now I drink Fiji or Evian. Just last week I learned that Fiji water contains traces of fluoride so Evian it is!

A lot of people, including myself, think Evian and FIji taste different and that is because they contain the most amount of minerals out of all the waters available to us in the USA. You know how when you travel to Europe the water tastes funny? That is because it contains a lot more minerals than the water here. And minerals are good for you! I actually just started taking Quinton Minerals every morning to help support my health because I know we don’t get them from our water. I suggest that if you live near a European supermarket, check out their water selection and opt for one of those. And if you don’t, opt for a glass bottle and water that comes from mountains or natural springs.

Now that you have a super quick over view of water, let’s get down to ways of jazzing it up!

WATER + LIME

This is my jam recently. I drink a couple mason jars of water at home each day and I have been squeezing fresh lime juice into it. I’m loving the taste and the lime doesn’t bother my teeth vs lemon. I love lemon as well but if I have too much of it aka everyday, I feel the effects on my teeth. Lime is also good for your skin, digestion, inflammation and many other good benefits.
I like to use half a small lime for my 24 ounce jar.

WATER + CUCUMBER + MINT

I don’t love just water with cucumber but add some mint and I am in. Cucumber water aids with digestion, antioxidants, bone health, and of course hydration. And mint is an awesome green powerhouse plant. It helps promote good digestion, can help with IBS, is rich in nutrients and can even help with bad breath. Add a couple slices of cucumber and a couple leaves of mint and let sit for at least half hour.

WATER + WATERMELON + MINT

Watermelon itself is a very hydrating fruit and adding it to water just enhances the taste and helps you drink more of it. Watermelon is known for benefiting heart health and inflammation and contains a lot of nutrients. I’m also huge on mint so would put it in everything but feel free to opt out if it is not to your liking.

WATER + STRAWBERRIES + BASIL

Now we are getting fancy. Cut up some organic strawberries, throw in some fresh basil and you’ll be feeling like you are on vacation vs sitting at your computer working. Life is a blessing and we should celebrate it, even with water. Also, you will be more enticed to drink it once you make it this way and won’t want to waste it.

WATER + ORANGES

Bring on the vitamin C! Not only are oranges rich with vitamin C, they also help with immune health, skin damage and blood pressure. Throw in a couple slices with your water and drink the benefits!

Let me know if you guys have any recipes you love for your water! I could keep going and going and feel like there will be a part 2 to this post! Stay tuned!