How many times have we heard about the importance of drinking enough water? A conservative estimate is “frequently”. And it seems like we are doing a nice job of consuming water. Here in Orange County, it is common to see people out and about with a fancy sports bottle of some sort, and its not just people working out. It is frequently people engaged in only a modest amount of activity, like sitting in a park, or on a beach. There is an entire isle at the supermarket filled with choices of water, and an additional aisle devoted to sports drinks. Corporate marketing has helped to spread the word with regards to the importance of water. Dasani, a leading brand, is owned by (of course), Coca-Cola. They do a super job of making water convenient, selling it alongside their sodas and also conveniently charging about the same price.

It is nice that everybody is on board with this, everybody but me that is. First of all, I don’t like to spend $1.50 for a small bottle of water at a soda machine or convenience store, and am too small to lug the less offensively priced water (sold in the huge bottles )--to my apartment. I bought a Brita water filter pitcher for about thirty dollars and problem solved! Until I quickly became bored with plain water. Fruit juice has too much sugar and calories, and manufactured beverages are simply frightening. So I looked around the kitchen for ways to add some zip to my water on my own. Here is what I came up with.

3 simple recipes for flavored infused water

Apple Cinnamon Water

Ingredients:

• 2 thinly sliced organic apples
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• filtered water
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Drop apple slices and cinnamon sticks in the bottom of the pitcher.

2. Cover with ice about 1/2 way through, then with filtered water.

3. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Ginger Lemon Water

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of freshly grated organic ginger
• 3 organic lemons (or limes)
• filtered water
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Squeeze the sliced lemons slightly so the slices do not lose their round shape. Drop into pitcher.

2. Add ginger.

3. Cover with ice about 1/2 way through, then with filtered water.

4. Stir with a long spoon.

5. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Cucumber Mint Water

Ingredients:

• 1 organic cucumber
• 20 organic fresh mint leaves
• filtered water
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Rinse cucumbers and mint leaves well.

2. Slice cucumbers.

3. Throw cucumbers and leaves in the pitcher.

4. Cover with ice about 1/2 way through, then with filtered water.

5. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Benefits of all the above:

Water: Helps your body flush out toxins

Apples: Helps detoxify your liver

Cinnamon: Aids in digestion, improves blood sugar regulation

Ginger: Strong anti inflammatory and detoxifying benefits

Lemon: Improves digestion and helps detoxify the body.

Cucumber: Natural diuretic which reduces swelling.

Mint: Aids in digestion, helps ease gas.

*Other things you can add:

• Baking soda (helps relieve indigestion)
• Aloe Vera (also aids in digestion, detoxification)
• Berries (antioxidants, vitamin C)