Bring on the heat and bring on the hydration! When the sun starts to shine a little brighter and we shed our winter clothing, we tend to get thirstier and thirstier. Drinking water is important to keep our bodies hydrated. Also, drinking water can help prevent over-eating because sometimes we may think we are hungry, but in reality, our bodies are really craving some fluids. Instead of filling up with juices, sodas, or flavored sports drinks, I recommend H2O: WATER. It’s FREE & essential to your body!

To jazz up the boring water, try these delicious flavor combinations to naturally flavor your water. Simply add them to a big pitcher filled with water and leave it in the fridge for people to grab a glass when they need one.

The Classic: sliced lemons, limes, or cucumbers (try each 1 solo or mix the lemon & lime together)

Citrus Explosion: sliced oranges, blood oranges, or grapefruit (try 1 fruit or a mix)

Faux-jito: sliced cucumber, chopped mint, and fresh squeezed lime juice

Jalapeno chiller: fresh squeezed lime juice and sliced jalapeno (seeds removed)

Berri-licious: berries (sliced strawberries or crushed blueberries, raspberries, blackberries). Add just 1 type of berry or combine them for even more robust flavors)

Herb-a-vore: your favorite herb, chopped (Basil, mint, cilantro, thyme). Try 1 herb solo or make a combo

Watermelon Blaster: sliced watermelon and fresh squeezed lime juice

The best part about the above combinations is that you can create your own and even mix them together. What’s in your water?

By Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN