It’s the new year, and of course, it’s a great time to re-think our health, and that starts with the very basics: water.  I love adding fruits and herbs to our water, because it makes it pretty and it tastes wonderful.  But it can also help heal our bodies, especially when we make “detox water.”  What, exactly, is “detox water” or “infused water?”  Why do I want it, and why would I need it?

Infused water is simply water that’s been steeped with ingredients to add flavor and sometimes, nutritional perks, as well.  Maybe you’ve bought it bottled, and if you’re a pinterest junkie, you may have made it, too. Studies tell us most of us are chronically dehydrated, and our bodies need hydration in order to function optimally.  Drinking more water helps our immune systems, our metabolism (hello!), and so many more systems to be at their best.  Many suggest drinking half our body weight in ounces is a good goal .

When welcoming someone, the simplest act of hospitality is to “offer a cup of cold water.”  I love when someone comes to our home and one of my kiddos offers them a glass of water.  There’s something so simple, but so intentional, about that question (and seeing my children think to put others’ needs first is a precious gift).  For me, adding a little bit of fruit and or herbs makes it a special treat that says, “I thought you worthy of this.”

Most of the time, I don’t use a “recipe” to make infused water.  I just pour a big pitcher of filtered water, plunk in the fruits and or herbs I have on hand, and sip throughout the day or serve to a friend who’s stopping by for a visit.

If I’m specifically looking for the health benefits of a detox water, I’m intentional about the ingredients I add.

If my daughter’s just finishing a swim, she chooses ingredients which are hydrating and replenish her nutrients and oxygen (she may add sparkling water).  If we are fighting a cold, we might use citrus for the vitamin C.  But whether we make infused water for the flavor or the nutrient perks, we always love to have it on hand.

Here are a few combinations I love:

Strawberry and lime/lemon.  Add basil or mint!

Pineapple and cilantro (full of vitamin C, and cilantro is known to help with heavy metal detox).

Cucumber, lemon, lime, grapefruit, mint 

Apple and cinnamon

Strawberry and basil

Watermelon and mint

Blackberry, lemon, and mint

Canteloupe and mint

Ginger and cucumber

Blueberry and lime (blueberries fight toxins and carry B vitamins)

Ginger and lemon

Ginger and peach (try adding lime!)

Ginger and raspberry or blackberry

Here are some other favorite nourishing and delicious drinks from around the web:

Orange Clove Tea from Season with Spice: replace the black tea with a mild herbal or green if you like.  Definitely choose stevia or raw honey if you must, but this would be great unsweetened, as well!  I love citrus peel, and this sounds like a delicious tea my mother drank growing up.  I’m definitely making it soon!

Watermelon, cucumber and coconut milkshake (say whaaat?) from Julie’s Jazz.  (In the comments, I learned that watermelon contains L-citruline, which helps the body get rid of lactic acid.  My daughter’s just been talking about how the buildup of lactic acid is not good for the body, so this grabbed my interest!)

Cinnamon-Lemon Slim Down Drink from Your Southern Peach (adorable).  I’ve been drinking my water with a cinnamon stick and lemon slices, and adding vanilla and mint sounds like a great twist.

Copycat Cashew Milk Cleansing Drink by 24 Carrot Life.  This drink includes a protein powder (I’m not familiar with the brand), but you could replace with your own choice or leave it out.  This reminds me of cashew milk we make in our home, and looks yummy and filling.

Orange Mint Coconut Water from Healthy Nibbles and Bits.  This looks just so refreshing and bright – kind of like summer in a glass.  Mmmm… wanting some now.

Do you have a favorite infused water combination?  I’d love for you to share it below!