Bring Spa Water Home With These Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Is it just me or is one of the best things about attending a spa day the fruit-infused water you get upon arrival and check-in? You too? Glad we agree. It is wild how something so minor, like a glass of water, can brighten your day. So why save the spa water for just the spa?
Here is how you can make spa water a regular part of your day and why you would want to anyway (Hint: there are benefits to fruit infused water). Plus, some delicious yet easy fruit infused water recipes you can try at home.
Why you should consider making spa water a regular part of your life
Drinking enough water and staying properly hydrated is a critical component of good health, but many of us struggle to reach our daily water goals when we think it will be so easy. According to Harvard Health, water assists in a variety of key bodily functions including:
- Aids in proper digestion
- Helps to keep us from overheating
- Hydrates cells
- Keeps our bodies at a normal body temperature
- Lubricates joints and tissues
- Maintains healthy skin
- Protects organs, the spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues
- Restores fluid lost through breathing, metabolism, removal of waste, and sweating
- Speeds up elimination processes and helps the kidneys flush out toxins
The body is made up of roughly 60 percent water. And because we lose so much of that water through everyday normal bodily functions, we need to quench our thirst and rehydrate the body. If you find plain old water bland and boring, try your hand at fruit-infused water.
May Zhu, D, LDN, and Founder of Nutrition Happens, agrees. “Fruit-infused water can certainly help you towards your daily hydration goals especially if you are the type that finds plain water a little boring since there are so many different combinations to choose from.”
Benefits of fruit-infused water
Drinking water and staying well hydrated is one of the best ways to clear your complexion. Not only can being dehydrated make us feel tired, but it can also make our skin look lackluster and less than radiant. That’s right, consider that good old glass of H20 your cleansing companion. It’s no wonder why so many spas serve it to their guests.
Contrary to popular belief, drinking fruit-infused water lies more in the hydration element than the fruits themselves. Zhu explains further.
“Many of the health benefit claims associated with fruit-infused water is actually from being hydrated rather than the specific combination of ingredients it is associated with. While you get the most nutrients by eating fruits in their whole form, adding [fruits to] your water might help you get trace minerals and vitamins throughout the day to help you towards your daily goals.”
Zhu notes that it is important to remember that drinking fruit-infused water should never be a complete replacement for getting in your daily fruit and vegetable servings.
“However, if spa water helps you reach for more cups of water throughout the day and less sugar-sweetened beverages, then it is certainly a beneficial thing to keep in your routine. Many people do find it refreshing to get a subtle hint of natural fruit flavors in their water.
Fruit-infused water recipes
When creating fruit-infused water recipes, anything goes. Some classic ingredients and flavor combinations include:
- Apple + Lemon + Mint
- Apple + Lemon + Mint + Orange
- Basil + Cucumber + Orange
- Blackberries (Slightly crushed) + Mint Leaves + Strawberries (Halved) + Watermelon
- Cucumber + Lemon
- Cucumber + Lemon + Mint
- Grapefruit + Lemon + Mint Leaves + Pineapple
- Grapefruit + Orange
- Lemons + Limes + Oranges
- Lime + Mint
- Lime + Orange + Pineapple
- Rosemary + Lemon
For all fruit-infused water recipes, grab a large pitcher and fill it with filtered water and ice cubes if desired. Add herbs whole and slice unpeeled organic produce to expose more surface area thereby releasing more fresh flavor. Infuse for thirty minutes to let all of the flavors emerge, mingle, and mix together beautifully.
Zhu even shares some of her favorite flavor combinations.
“I love the combination of lemon [and] strawberry. I will do 1/2 cup sliced strawberries with 1/2 slice lemon for something subtle and citrusy! Sometimes I will add in some fresh mint or basil if I have some around.”
Zhu even shares a tip to make our pitcher of fruit-infused spa water even more beneficial.
“Try adding just a tiny pinch of salt. Sodium is an important electrolyte that can actually boost hydration, especially in the presence of other electrolytes like the ones naturally found in fruits. Just make sure whatever combination you choose, always wash the fruits first before adding.”
The next time you are craving a spa day, but don’t have the budget or time to book an appointment, whip up a batch of homemade spa water instead of with these fruit-infused water recipes.
