Holiday Hydration

One of the hardest things for me to remember year round, but especially during the holiday season, is to drink enough water. Some problems that can be caused by not drinking enough water are headaches, a lack of energy and sluggish thinking. My resolution for the new year is to drink enough water every day so I will be able to perform with my best effort.

Today, I’m sharing a little idea with you to help with your hydration resolutions! I was given this idea by my in-laws to make water taste better and to help me drink more water. While this isn’t exactly a recipe, consider it to be guidelines to make your own tasty beverages.

Equipment: Pitcher (I use a 2 quart pitcher) Knife and Cutting Board (if necessary) Mixing Spoon Measuring Spoons

Ingredients: Water Cucumber (Feel free to use your favorite variety!) Sugar

To begin, I cut a cucumber into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. Sometimes I peel the cucumber and sometimes I don’t, it completely depends on what I feel like doing. Once the cucumber is sliced, I place it in my pitcher. Once all the cucumber has been put in the pitcher, I fill the pitcher to the top with drinking water. To balance the flavor of the cucumber, I usually add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the pitcher and then stir well. After the sugar has dissolved, I place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it sit for 6-24 hours before drinking the cucumber flavored water.

Don’t feel like you have to limit your self to cucumbers! Try using berries, citrus, other fruits and even herbs to give water a refreshing taste without being cloyingly sweet or calorie intense. What would you add to your pitcher of water? I’d love to hear what you would use!