If you have a hard time drinking enough water try this Strawberry Lemon Infused Water. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and enjoy a healthy drink!
Drinking more water is one of the most important things you can do for weight loss. However, people often find plain water boring. The flavor of this Strawberry Lemon Infused Water is sweetly subtle, and it offers an appealing way to liven up your daily water intake and stay hydrated.
What is infused water?
Infused water is essentially water that has been infused with the flavours of fresh fruits, vegetables or herbs. It is often referred to as detox water or spa water.
Are there benefits to infused water?
The health benefits of infused water has to be attributed to the water itself. That’s because you don’t really get that many nutrients from the flavouring ingredients. Especially if you compare it to eating them in their whole form. However, if infusing your water with fruits means that you drink more water and less sugary drinks, then it can only be a good thing.
It’s still worth taking a look at just how effective drinking more water can be on your overall health and wellbeing so let’s examine the benefits further…
Infused water for Weight loss
Water is essential for our general health and we can’t live very long without it. Experts agree that water is an important part of any healthy eating, general preventive medicine or weight-loss plan. But why? How can a drink with no nutritional value help you lose weight and feel amazing?
Infused water for reduced appetite
Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. If you can’t seem to stop snacking, drink a glass of water or two. A study by the American Dietetic Association found that people who drank water before meals tended to consume 75 fewer calories at those meals. Over a year, such a reduction would add up to a 14.5 pound weight loss. The area of the brain that picks up the signals for thirst and hunger sometimes gets these signals confused leading to us eating to satisfy thirst. This means an unnecessary consumption of calories which can quickly add up.
Infused water for your metabolism
Fat metabolism occurs when the liver transforms fat into energy. The liver also acts as a secondary filtration system for the kidneys. Even mild dehydration can cause the kidneys to stop working efficiently. This, in turn, forces the liver to stop metabolizing fat and start doing the kidneys’ job – bad news for your weight loss efforts! So drink up to keep your metabolism going!
Infused water for digestion
Our digestive systems need plenty of water to break down the food we eat and absorb nutrients from it. Water also promotes regular bowel movements. Without enough water, constipation may occur.
Infused water for bloating
Many dieters avoid drinking too much water because they think it will cause them to bloat. In reality, the opposite is true. When you introduce more water into your system, your body will let go of retained fluid aka water weight resulting in a slimmer you. It sounds counterproductive but it’s true.
Infused water for your joints.
If you work out frequently, you’ll know that joint pain can be a real deterrent to exercise. Your joints need moisture in order to stay lubricated. If you’re dehydrated, minor joint aches and pains can become significant, making it that much harder to hit the gym.
Basically, water stops dehydration in its tracks. Dehydration is no joke.
- A 1% loss of body fluids can hinder the body’s ability to metabolize fat and can leave you feeling weak, bloated and thirsty.
- A 5% fluid deficiency can cause extreme fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, fever, muscle cramps, headache and nausea.
- Dehydration of 10% or more is can be fatal. Symptoms of severe dehydration include vomiting, chest pain, muscle spasms, confusion, dim vision, seizures and unconsciousness.
Besides aiding weight loss, water has other health benefits, too. Water helps carry oxygen to our cells, making us feel more energized. It is also a crucial factor in muscle-building and toning. People who drink one or two glasses of water before each meal are less likely to suffer from high cholesterol, heart disease, or stroke. It also dilutes the sodium in our systems and helps reduce high blood pressure.
So, just how much water is enough?
Doctors used to advise us to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That advice has changed somewhat in recent years. Now we’re told to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. Therefore, a 200-pound man would need to drink 100 oz of water each day to stay properly hydrated. This newer approach is particularly helpful for anyone who fights chronic dehydration, like diabetics. It is also beneficial to those who lose significant amounts of fluid from sweating during exercise. There is no real fixed equation that can tell you exactly how much water someone should drink as it depends on their age, gender, state of health and lifestyle.
Is is possible to over hydrate?
While it is possible to drink too much water, you would need to drink a truly massive amount to do harm to yourself. Most people should be more concerned with dehydration than with drinking too much. When you’re trying to lose weight and get healthy, think of water as your best friend. If you’re not getting enough, increase your intake slowly. Start with a glass of water with each meal. Then add a glass between meals. Work your way up to 64 oz. each day, or more if you’re in danger of dehydration.
Invest in an infuser water bottle so you are regularly reminded to drink water while sitting at your desk. There are many little tricks to help you increase your water intake. The rewards will be worth the change in lifestyle.
Strawberry Lemon Infused Water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large jar.
- Set in the fridge to chill for a couple hours before consuming.
If you wish to store this infused water overnight remove the rind from your lemons as the flavour is very acidic and can overpower the sweetness of the strawberries.
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