The holidays are a busy time full of celebration. We often go from gathering to gathering, indulging in foods and drinks that can take a toll on our body.
As we enter the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reset and reorient with new health goals. Pledging to drink more water is the perfect New Year’s resolution because it has so many health benefits.
Adequate hydration is a foolproof way to let our bodies recuperate from the holidays and start the year fresh.
Benefits of Drinking More Water
Water and Wastes Digest notes that drinking water can increase our energy supply for exercise while helping the body metabolize fat and avoid dehydration. Water plays a critical role in almost every bodily function needed to optimize our health.
Drinking water has endless effects, yet most Americans don’t drink enough. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, making the substance a key factor in pushing out toxins and regulating body temperature.
Water also lubricates and cushions joints, making water the perfect partner to help ease body tension. H2O can also help protect sensitive tissues in the body.
When we don’t drink enough water, we can suffer from dehydration. This is a condition that occurs when our bodies don’t have enough water to carry out normal bodily functions. Even mild conditions of dehydration can leave us feeling lethargic and tired.
The Power of Infusions
Drinking more water seems simple, yet, many people still struggle with getting in enough water. The Mayo Clinic reports that men should drink 15.5 cups of water and women should drink 11.5 cups of water each day.
An easy way to get more water into your system is by using delicious water infusions. Infusions mix fruit and herbs with water to make yummy mixtures that make drinking water taste like a treat!
Below you will find our list of three New Year’s infusion recipes to get your resolution off to a great start.
Orange Pomegranate Delight 
This refreshing citrus infusion is a delicious option to keep your water levels high this holiday!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups filtered water
- 2 small oranges, sliced with seeds removed
- 1 pomegranate, pith discarded and arils removed
- 2 cups ice
Wash and prepare the fruit as needed. Place fruit in a large pitcher and cover with filtered water. Slowly add the ice to keep the mixture cold. Allow the infusion to steep for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe adapted from https://www.recipestonourish.com/festive-healthy-infused-water-3-recipes/.
Cranberry Mint Water 
This water is not only refreshing and festive, but looks great in photos!
Ingredients:
- 1-pound fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 1 cup fresh mints leaves rinsed
- 1 pound ice
- Filtered water
- Lime wedges
In a large pitcher, add the ice. Add the cranberries and mint to the container and fill with water. Squeeze in a lime wedge for an added citrus taste. Garnish with a lime wedge on rim.
Recipe adapted from https://ohsodelicioso.com/cranberry-mint-water/#recipe
Apple Cinnamon Spice 
This cinnamon water is the perfect holiday option to spice up your hydration. This recipe can be made using still or sparkling water, depending on your taste preference!
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 quarts still or sparkling water
Place the apples and cinnamon sticks into a large pitcher. For still water, add the full two quarts at once. For sparkling water, add the first quart during prep and the second quart right before serving. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to steep.
After refrigeration, stir the mixture well and strain. For serving, you can add fresh cinnamon and apples for garnish.
Recipe adapted form https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/apple-cinnamon-water-3362184
These decadent and refreshing infusion options will help you keep the holidays hydrated! These yummy drinks will satisfy your taste cravings, while giving your body the boost it needs to detox from indulgences.
Interested in more Nutritious Tips and Tricks?
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