Soaking up the sun while fishing at the lake is one of my favorite things to do in the heat of the summer. Often times, however, I find myself with a headache at the end of the day because I never seem to remember to drink enough water. I know water is very important because it is contained in every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies, but sometimes plain water just gets so blah.
When plain water isn’t doing it for people, they often turn to pop, lemonade,
pr other sugary drinks. If you are not consuming enough plain water, but don’t want the extra sugar, try adding fresh fruit. If left to set, the fruit will add a subtle flavor to the water to give it a little more pizazz. If this isn’t sweet enough, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or other sweetener. This teaspoon of sugar with 16 calories is much better to consume than the 126 calories from sugar contained in the average soda. You can also use frozen fruit, letting it melt while you drink, or freeze fresh berries or citrus zest into ice cubes. Below is a recipe to try and links to other recipes.
Berry Water:
2 cups blueberries, raspberries and/or strawberries
A pitcher of water
A cup of ice
Directions:
1. Add berries to the pitcher.
2. Gently press fruit with a spoon to release some of the juices.
3. Add ice to the pitcher, then fill with water, stir fruit to mix.
4. Serve immediately or chill, covered, in the refrigerator.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/pass_the_water_please
Cucumber Mint Water:
http://www.chopchopmag.org/content/cucumber-mint-water
More ideas:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/invigorate-water
More information on the importance of drinking water is available from the CDCand K-State Research & Extension.
Rachel Juenemann is a K-State Research and Extension intern in Thomas County and will be a junior at Kansas State University. She is majoring in Nutrition & Health and Dietetics and plans on becoming a Registered Dietitian. She will look for a position in a rural community. At K-State she is very involved with the College of Human Ecology Ambassadors, and is a member of the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society.
Reviewed by Lisa J. Martin, MPH, RD, LD, Shawnee County Extension Agent
