If you are better eating than drinking water, you’ll love to know that drinking liquids isn't the only way to stay hydrated. Food with high water content helps with hydration, absorption of the much-needed vitamins and nutrients and will also help us to beat the heat this summer.
North Water team have compiled some fun and easy taste bud-tickling, thirst quenching delights that will keep you invigorated and coming back for more this summer. Icy, spicy, aromatic, sweet, subtle or soothing? The choice is yours!
1. Water Infusions
Infusing your drinking water with gorgeous summer produce is the ticket to staying refreshed this summer. Adjust the intensity of the flavoured water with less or more from your produce. Cucumber, parsley, melon, lime, strawberry and mint leaves soak instantly in water and can be sipped straight away. For spicy, warm and woody flavours such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves, add crushed ginger and whole cinnamon and cloves to infuse for at least two hours or overnight. Store in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth. Looking to detox? Add berries and a pinch of freshly grounded turmeric – utter refreshment
2. Smoothie in the morning, Smoothie in the evening, Smoothie at supper time
Bananas, apples, berries, celery, carrot, beetroot, ginger, spinach and kale blended with our favourite North Water or coconut water are amazing meals to kickstart your day, fight that arvo slump and better still keep your calories in check for bedtime. For an immunity boost, add a spoonful of wheatgrass or spirulina, hemp and chia seeds atop.
3. Fill full longer with appetizers and entrees.
Great appetizers can set the stage for a great summer. My personal favourite is Mexican salsa with mangoes and neat lettuce wraps with diced tomatoes, chestnuts, coriander, crushed cashew nuts and avocado.
4. Fruit and veggie kebabs
Fun and super easy, with no to minimal fuss and great for kids. Grab any of your scrumptious favourites, a handful of strawberries, kiwifruit, diced watermelons, pineapples, grapes and oranges.
Fructose anxiety? No worries! Swap with low calorie fresh crunchy carrots, celery and cucumber and even olives, yummo!
5. Did anyone say Salads?
Having staples such as tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cucumber does the trick for a simple garden salad - drizzle lemon juice, vinegar or olive oil to dress.
Fruit salads with berries, apples, melons are as hydrating and nutrient dense. Have it plain or with a dash of coconut yogurt.
6. Soups & Stir Fry
From a classic minestrone or tomato soup to a powerhouse of goodness and healing. The whole idea of soup is that it is largely liquid. Make broth with your vegetables and add your favourite beans, carrots, bok choy, onions, bean sprouts, and broccoli to the mix, OR create a scrumptious stir fry.
TIP: Always have a variety of frozen mix veggies handy. They do the trick as well as their fresh produce counterpart.
Loaded with vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids, fibre and water, these bubbly blends can be enjoyed through all seasons. Just two servings of fruit and veg does the trick.