Why Is Drinking Water Essential
Water has many benefits to the body, including aiding digestion, boosting the appearance of skin and nails, and preventing cramping during exercisebut most importantly, it allows our organs to function at their best. It’s recommended to drink eight ounces of water daily, and even more when exercising. Unfortunately, many people dont reach this target each dayespecially if they find drinking water to be boring.
Many folks may not even notice theyve become dehydrated. Common symptoms of dehydration include muscle aches, irritability, and fatigue unfortunately, by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. This is why it may be a great idea to add some natural flavor to your water to incentivize you to drink it. Wondering if flavored water has the same benefits as regular water? The answer is: yes!
Vanilla Sugar And Beyond
Theres a whole world of flavor waiting to be unlocked within an incredibly basic ingredient: sugar. Typically used in its familiar white granulated form, it offers only a single flavor note of sweetness. With a little bit of creativity in the kitchen, sugar can become so much more than that. Weve fallen head over heels for toasted sugar, and now were ready for more sugar creations bring on flavor-infused sugar!
Were going to show you how to make vanilla sugar and five other flavor-infused sugars. They make perfect gifts though you may want to keep them for yourself.
Flavoring sugar: Two basic methods
Let’s explore two different ways to add flavor to sugar: the “infusion” method and the “addition” method.
Infusion: Cover whole ingredients with sugar
One method for adding flavor to sugar is burying whole ingredients in a container of sugar. Over time, the oils and small particles from the ingredient impart aroma and flavor into each spoonful of sugar.
With this approach, the source of the flavor isnt usually consumed along with the sugar. Its either removed before it’s used or simply left in the container to continue infusing the remaining sugar.
Pros: It’s easy to identify the flavor of the infused sugar if it still has the ingredient in it plus it looks elegant, adds some color, and makes a nice gift.
Cons: The flavor can be subtle, and infusion takes time.
Addition: Blend ingredients into sugar
Creative Fruity Ice Cubes
Want to augment the look of your drinks? Toss in some fruity-flavored ice cubes. You will have a flavorful and beautiful-looking beverage. People who love icy water will enjoy flavored ice cubes. To make fruity ice cubes, you can experiment with different fruits, teas, or veggies. Fresh mint, cucumber, and fresh fruits are excellent options. Chop up your favorite additive, and pour it into the ice cube tray with water. Let it freeze. If you have kids, use ice cube trays with exciting shapes for delicious natural water flavoring.
Also Check: What Do I Do If I Have Low Blood Sugar
Organic Essential Oil Water Flavoring Drops
If you are looking to add some great health benefits to your water, and not just flavor, these 100% therapeutic grade essential oils have much to offer! You should note that all essential oils are not the same so check your labels. The ones below are ok for diffusers, but also for drinking with water.
Alternatives To Water Flavor Enhancers
As a dietitian who knows all about the importance of drinking water, I have made it a habit to carry my water bottle everywhere with me. That said, I know not everyone loves plain water as much as I do!
Instead of drinking plain olâ water you can try fruit infused water or herbal teas instead for some flavor! One fruit infusion Ive been loving lately is strawberry, basil, and lemon.
Its so refreshing, especially on these hot summer days! Another favorite is mint and lime such a perfect combo.
Also Check: How Do I Make Sugar Cookies
Is Coffee Good Or Bad
As we started, we highlighted the benefits of coffee. That does not mean that coffee does not have its share of negative effects. The thing is, using coffee is a matter of balancing its good and bad. If you use coffee as recommended the good will overwhelm the bad.
Looking at some of its negative effects, when taken late in the day, coffee may lead to a lack of sleep. Lack of enough sleep, in turn, results in various health complications. It is recommended that you avoid coffee after 2-3 p.m. Therefore, if you put this guideline into consideration, you may not have to worry about poor sleep due to coffee intake.
Excessive consumption of coffee may reduce its health benefits. As such, it is recommended that you take coffee in balanced amounts to avoid addiction. Coffee contains cafestol, which may increase cholesterol levels in the blood. However, to counteract this effect you can use paper flirter when brewing coffee. The paper filter traps the cafestol but allows other coffee components to pass through.
Are Flavored Water Enhancers Healthy
Its hot out, and that means most of us are guzzling liquid to stay hydrated. With the consumption of sweetened and flavored water becoming more and more popular, I thought it might be helpful timing to share a post about the topic! Is sweetened flavored water healthy? And whats actually in it?
Lets investigate
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Blood Sugar Test Machine
How Do You Make Icing From Scratch Without Powdered Sugar
It couldnt be easier to make frosting from scratch without powdered sugar:
2. Remove the heat and allow the mixture to cool down. Its best to store it in the fridge to makesure its chilledcompletely.
3. Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Then mix in the vanilla. Add the cooled milk, mixture gradually.
5. Beat until light and fluffy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides if necessary.
Healthiest Water Flavoring Packets: True Lemon Water Flavor Powder
Most water flavor drops have artificial sweeteners like sucralose , aspartame, or stevia, which many people are sensitive to. And, while sweet, zero-calorie water flavor drops sound great in theory, these types of sweeteners really arent all that healthy.
Studies show that non-calorie sweeteners are associated with numerous adverse health effects, including potential weight gain, which most people are actively trying to avoid when choosing these types of sweeteners over regular sugar.
True Lemon water flavor packets allow you to get the benefits of refreshing lemon water flavor without any natural or artificial sweeteners.
The packets are convenient for on-the-go use and mix easily into water by shaking your water bottle.
These super affordable water flavor packets arent sweetened at all, so you shouldnt expect a sweet lemonade flavor. Rather, adding one of the packets to your water tastes like youve added a squeeze of real, refreshing lemon.
Also Check: What Is Blood Sugar Called
How Do I Make Fruit Infused Water
To make infused water, simply add fruit and herbs directly into the water and let it infuse either at room temperature or in the fridge for up to twelve hours. You can also use an infuser pitcher.
Using sparkling water instead of still water is another fun way to make infused water more interesting/fun!
How long does infused water last?
The infusions can last up to three days in the fridge, but if you prefer to keep your infusions at room temperature, its best to make a new batch every day.
For more infused water ideas, read my post on Tips + Recipes to Encourage Drinking More Water.
Use A Fresh Juice Base
Flavoring water naturally is exciting, and there are countless options depending on how conscious you are about your health. You can use any fruit juice for the base. However, it is best to use tart juices. For instance, pomegranate, apple, grape, and cranberry are excellent choices. Fresh fruit juices are terrific because they have no added sugar and are all natural. Fresh juices are healthy water flavorings because they also offer antioxidants and vitamins. As a result, you will be hydrated, enjoy your drink and receive health benefits.
Don’t Miss: How Much Sugar Is In Wendy’s Chili
Do They Make Flavored Water Without Artificial Sweeteners
Academy of Nutrition and Dieteticsingredient investigator
- Fill a pitcher or reusable water bottle with ice cold water. Add fresh slices of your favorite citrus fruits like lemon, lime or grapefruit. Alternatively or in addition, you can add fresh mint or basil to the water. Cucumber slices, fresh ginger and cut strawberries and pineapple also make for a refreshing addition to cool water. Mix and match at will and enjoy!
Is Flavored Water Good For You
While experts generally advise against flavored water products for children, there may be a time and place for them. While flavored water does not offer any extra health benefits over regular water for kids, if flavored encourages your child to drink more water, offering the option when they need the hydration the most may be worthwhile.
When your child is constipated or dehydrated due to diarrhea or vomiting, flavored water may be a way to encourage them to stay hydrated, though rehydration products like Pedialyte may be more appropriate. For cases of moderate to severe dehydration, always contact a pediatrician for guidance. Be sure to read labels before offering your child a flavored water product.
You May Like: What Can You Take To Lower Blood Sugar
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Casey Seiden MS, RD, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist who specializes in pre and postnatal health for women, with a specific focus on blood sugar and diabetes management. She is the dietitian at Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates in Manhattan, and owner of the online private practice, Casey Seiden Nutrition.
Ways To Flavor Water Without Adding Refined Sugar Or Sugar Substitutes
A common solution to this problem is to flavor water, making it more appealing. On the surface, this is a great way to go, but the execution often goes wrong. Many people use flavor additions that include refined sugar or sugar substitutes, neither of which are healthy choices.
Does this mean you are stuck drinking plain water for the rest of your life? No, but you do need to get creative. Below are 4 ways to add flavor to water without refined sugar or sugar substitutes.
Fruit Infusion
This is a very popular way to go. While it does add natural sugar to the water, this is pretty minimal, and far healthier than refined sugar. There are so many combinations you can opt for, you will never grow tired of this option. The idea behind it is pretty simple. Just add the fruit to the water and refrigerate it for 2-4 hours before drinking.
Citrus Juice
This one is a classic. We have long been adding lemon to our water at restaurants, and this is just bringing that idea home. Use lemon, lime, grapefruit, or whatever strikes your fancy. As an added benefit, you do not need to wait for the fruits to infuse with the water the reward are instant.
Vanilla Bean
Chances are you wont want to use this one on its own, but it is a great way to kick up some of the other options on the list. You can also make it work my adding herbs to the water with it, which can result in a water that reads a little sweet and a little savory. Experiment with this one to find what you like best.
Fruit Peels
Recommended Reading: Is Diabetes High Or Low Blood Sugar
Common Artificial Sweeteners Used In Water Flavor Enhancers:
- Aspartame This sweetener is very low-calorie and is 200 times sweeter than table sugar
- Acesulfame potassium Ace-K is a non-nutritive sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar
- Saccharin A non-nutritive sweetener that is 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar
- Sucralose A non-nutritive sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than table sugar
Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder Cucumber Lime Flavor
Adding collagen to your diet has never been easier with this refreshing cucumber lime drink powder. Whether you add it to smoothies or simply mix it into your bottle of fresh or sparkling water, your hair, skin, and joints will appreciate the support.
This delicious protein powder not only flavors your water like strawberry lemonade, but it also adds collagen to your day.
Don’t Miss: Does Apple Watch Monitor Blood Sugar
How To Make Fruit Ice Cubes
If you like a bit of sweetness in your infused waters, then freeze a few pieces of low-sugar fruit in water to make a delicious fruit ice cube.
Even coconut cream freezes really well and adds a lovely flavor.
Here’s how:
- Place a tiny piece of pineapple, watermelon, or a few berries in an ice cube tray.
- Add water until the ice cube tray is almost full.
- Freeze the ice cube tray until water and fruit are frozen solid.
- Then, fill a tumbler or bottle with water and add the ice cubes.
Now, you’ve got all the flavor from the fruit without all the carbs.
However, if you aren’t too worried about the extra carbs from fruit, don’t throw the fruit away, you can eat it too. As each ice cube melts, the fruit pieces are released to eat!
Is Sparkling Water Hydrating
You may wonder does sparkling water hydrate you? The short answer to that question is YES! Sparkling water provides hydration just as well as plain water does. Adding sparkling water to your daily wellness plancan help boost metabolism, promote weight loss, increase energy, and more. Drinking water and staying properly hydrated helps to promote overall health. . Some studies suggest that an increase of water consumption is associated with a loss of weight due to the breakdown of body fat and the feeling of satiation so we will likely consume less food. There is an association between chronic dehydration and elevated levels of the hormone angiotensin II which is associated with not only weight gain and obesity but many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimers disease.
Some benefits of staying properly hydrated:
- Provides more energy
- Helps to burn fat and remove waste from the body
- Carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells
- Helps regulate blood pressure
Also Check: How To Lower Down Sugar Level
/10 Lemon & Ginger Flavored Water
More like a detox, ginger is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and improves digestion. It also relieves whooping cough. Place peeled ginger slices in a pitcher. You can add cucumber slices and honey. Add water and refrigerate all night. Just before serving, sieve the water and squeeze in lemon juice. Also, let the water sit to raise the temperature or warm it.
Wide Range Of Products
Well go more in-depth into this shortly, but one of the best things about Myprotein is how much they have on offer aside from just protein powder. While we just covered their Impact whey protein today, they offer pretty much any other supplement you could need. On top of this, they have their own high-quality apparel and equipment line. This means Myprotein doesnt have to just be a place to buy protein powder, it can serve as a one-stop shop to get pretty much anything gym-related you may need.
You May Like: How To Watch Queen Sugar
How Can I Sweeten My Water Without Artificial Sweeteners
If if you would like to learn more about how to cut back on sugar and artificial sweeteners, I encourage you to check out my post on the Best Natural Sweeteners. You may be surprised that there are many more natural options out there than you believed! There are many ways of getting natural sweetness without spiking your blood sugar with high fructose and other unhealthy sugars.
If you are feeling extra determined, you can even do my quick 5-day email course on how to cut out the sugar monster for good! It comes with a workbook that will walk you through the dangers of sugars and healthy alternatives.
Join the Sugar Challenge
Are you ready to ditch the sugar and ditch the guilt?
Or maybe you are not quite ready, but you are ready to learn more about the sugar free lifestyle.
This sugar challenge is for YOU!
You will get the complete 5 Day Sugar Challenge Workbook, the 5 day email course, corresponding worksheets and prompts, and a 20% discount to my next Trim Healthy Mama coaching group.
Healthy Ways Of Adding Flavor To Your Water
Is flavored water bad for you? Now you know that some types of flavored water may not be good choices. If you really dont want to drink plain water, you can try these recipes to add flavor to your water healthily.
1. Berry, Peach & Coconut Water
Ingredients:
Recommended Reading: Sugar Tablet Before Or After Food
Recommended Reading: Can Too Much Sugar Cause Urinary Tract Infection
Best Water Enhancement Drops For Immune Support: Buoy Immunity Electrolyte Drops
Okay, so admittedly the Buoy Immunity Electrolyte Drops arent water flavor drops because they are unflavored, but we thought they deserved a spot on this list of best water drops because they are the cleanest label and healthiest water-electrolyte drops.
Each serving has as many nutrients as 1/3 of a daily multivitamin and 1/3 of the electrolytesof a standard sports drink but with zero sugar, zero sweeteners, and zero calories.
Buoy water enhancement drops are designed to increase your fluid absorption due to their formula with electrolytes, which enhances hydration.
Also, Buoy donates a bottle for every bottle sold to a verified nonprofit charity supporting people diagnosed with chronic illnesses that can benefit from clean hydration.
Buoy uses completely clean ingredients and the bottles are made up of 100% post-consumer recycled materials!
Buoys Immunity Water Drops contain functional herbal extracts and powerful antioxidants to fight inflammation, balance your cellular immune response, and hydrate you.
Featuring zinc, electrolytes, ionic trace minerals, ginger root, echinacea, elderberry, star anise, and vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, C, D3, E, youll get your immune support and hydration all in one.