Hydrate

Staying hydrated is crucial for our overall health, and incorporating water into our daily routine is a game-changer! As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I understand that reaching for a cup of coffee may be your go-to. However, let's not forget the powerhouse that is water!

I keep bottles of filtered water in the fridge, ready for my whole family. This simple habit ensures we're always hydrated without the need to rely on store-bought water. To make the experience even more enjoyable, each morning, I infuse my water with vibrant vegetables, refreshing fruits, or aromatic herbs and spices. Not only does this add a burst of flavour, but it also provides essential nutrients that enhance our wellbeing.

Topping up my glass throughout the day has become a delightful ritual. When water is delicious and appealing, it’s much easier to prioritise hydration. Consider making this a fun adventure in your household—try different flavour combinations and discover what your family loves best!

Let’s embrace the power of water and make hydration an integral part of our self-care routine. It's a small change that can lead to big benefits, such as improved energy levels, better digestion, and healthier skin. Remember, every sip counts towards a healthier you!

Ingredients:

Water

Plain or mixed infused water. What do you prefer?

Method: How to Infuse Water

Choose a Base: Start with filtered water—this ensures your infusion is as clean and refreshing as possible.

Select Your Flavours: Pick a combination of fruits, herbs, and spices that excite your taste buds.

Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and slice your fruits (e.g., citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges), and gently bruise your herbs (like mint or basil) to release their essential oils.

Combine & Chill: Add your chosen ingredients to a pitcher or jar, cover them with water, and let them steep in the refrigerator for at least an hour. For a stronger flavour, allow it to steep overnight.

Flavour Combinations

Infusing water is a delightful and creative way to boost hydration while adding a splash of flavour and nutrition. By infusing your water with fruits, herbs, and spices, you can transform ordinary hydration into a refreshing experience that not only quenches your thirst but also supports your overall wellbeing. Here’s a guide on how to infuse water, flavour options, and the associated health benefits.

Infused Water Ideas:

Citrus fruit: Lemon and lime for a zing.

Lemon and Ginger: Lemon and ginger for a morning ritual wakeup.

Watermelon and Mint: Watermelon and mint for delicious freshness.

Pineapple and Citrus: Pineapple and lemon for a taste of summer.

Cucumber and Mint: Cucumber and mint for a cleansing glass of water.

Strawberries and Basil: Strawberries and basil is our family favourite.

Berries: Berries used fresh of from the freezer to help you hydrate all year round.

Pomegranate: Pomegranate but bruise them slightly before placing in the water.

Cucumber and Lime: Combine cumber and lime for freshness and zinc.

Citrus Burst: Lemon, lime, and orange slices with mint leaves is simply delicious and refreshing.

Berry Medley: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with a sprig of rosemary.

Tropical Paradise: Pineapple chunks and slices of kiwi with basil.

Spicy Zing: Slices of ginger and lemon with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Additional Notes:

It is best to leave this to infuse overnight, but I normally decide in the morning what I want in my water and start drinking this at lunchtime for the following 24 hours.

The flavours are up to you. Experiment with what you have in you fridge or freezer.

Health Benefits of Infused Water

Increased Hydration: The enticing flavours may encourage you to drink more water, leading to better hydration levels, which is crucial for optimal body function.

Boosted Antioxidants: Fruits like berries and citrus are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation.

Improved Digestion: Citrus fruits and ginger can assist in digestion. Ginger is known for its ability to soothe the stomach and support gut health.

Enhanced Nutrient Intake: Infusing water allows you to benefit from vitamins and minerals present in your chosen ingredients, such as vitamin C from citrus and potassium from cucumbers.

Mood Enhancement: Some herbs, like mint and rosemary, are known for their uplifting properties, improving mental clarity and mood.

Detoxification: Ingredients like cucumber and lemon are reputed to support the body’s natural detox processes, aiding in eliminating toxins.

Infused water is not only an enjoyable way to increase your water intake, but it can also provide various health benefits tailored to your wellness journey. Get creative with your flavour combinations, experiment with different ingredients, and enjoy the numerous health perks while staying hydrated. Happy infusing!

Equipment Used:

Jug

Glass

Water Infuse Bottle

You+Are+What+You+Drink gluten free autoimmune celiac coeliac holistic wellness health coach

You Are What You Drink

Drinking water is essential to good health, yet many of us fall short when it comes to our daily intake. Did you know that over 60% of the human body consists of water?

Click on the button below to learn more.

Emma Alexander-Cook

My name's Emma. I've been living gluten-free for over 25 years, and I've been dairy-free for over five years.

Health and Auto-immune Diseases

I have auto-immune diseases and expected to be on medicine for the rest of my life, but I didn't want to live like that. My rheumatology Doctor was so supportive of the change I wanted to make, and with their help, I now manage my auto-immune diseases by being strict with my diet.

It can be quite frightening when you first find out you have to change the way you eat but for some of us' Food is our medicine.'

I have several websites, write blogs, and I'm currently in the process of writing a book.

I trained to be Holistic Health Coach, Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher and Certified Gluten Free Practitioner in order to heal myself, my family and others who find themselves on the same journey as myself.

Websites include:

www.emmaalexandercook.com

www.savemoneyfreezefood.com

www.livefreelovelife.com

www.cooksprojects.com

Photography

Our love for photography started on our travels. We wanted to capture images of the areas we travelled to both for our own records and for our family back at home. Some of these images were reproduced as watercolours. Our favourite images we display at home and friends often asked where we had purchased the pictures! Now you can purchase them online directly from us.

Coaching and Consultancy

Previously an IT Manager my skill set has come in very handy as I am both a Health Coach and also offer consultancy for small business starts up and fellow Health Coaches. This has included building websites and online profiles.

Our Family

Family is everything to me! We have a family of four boys where the age difference between the youngest and the eldest is 18 years. Two of our sons are also Gluten Free and Dairy Free. Emma is a Health Coach who specialises in helping individuals and families achieve their health and wellness goals. Ian runs his own business which began developing a Race Timer for diecast model cars.

http://www.glutenfreedairyfreefamily.com
Previous
Previous

Hot Chocolate Mix

Next
Next

Pink Lemonade