What does hydration mean to you? Now, more than any other time of the year, it is important to stay hydrated. An average adult’s body is made up of 50%-65% of water. Many people are dehydrated and don’t realize it. Being dehydrated causes your kidneys to work hard to detoxify your body. The kidneys already do quite a bit, so not feeding them the right amount of fluids puts them on overdrive, resulting in sluggishness,  headaches, heartburn, and stomachaches. All are side effects of dehydration.

The question is how much water do you really take in a day? We all grew up being told you must drink eight eight-ounce glasses a day. It seems like so little right? Yet, most of us don’t even take in half of that because “it’s just so plain, I feel like I am drinking air.” Yes, I have heard this. I started my kids drinking water at a very young age. The moment my kids asked me for juice I gladly gave them “earth juice.” Up until they were about five, my kids thought water was juice!

If plain water isn’t your favorite, there are so many ways to spruce it up in a healthy way. One of my favorite infused water recipes is Mojito Water. Mull some mint, slice some limes, and add water. There are so many combinations of fruits and herbs to add to your water. You could just add them into your cup or stick them on a skewer. There is no right or wrong way to infuse water. Play with different ideas and see what your palate enjoys!

I found that having carafes on hand helped my water intake while I am at home. I make my water in the morning and refill as needed throughout the day.  Then I started working. I noticed my water intake wasn’t what it use to be. My husband was kind and bought me a new pretty green Under Armour stainless steel water bottle. I slice lemons and cucumber, and add my water. The great thing about that bottle is, it keeps my water cold for up to eight hours. I refill it a few times throughout the day at work. I enjoy adding mint to all my water, because it gives it a crisp refreshing taste. I found if I have a cool bottle to put my “earth juice” in, I tend to drink more. Try it! Go out find the coolest bottle or cup and label it for your water.  See how much more you drink.

Here are recipes for three of my favorite fruity infused waters:

Mojito Water

• Limes

• Mint

Mull the mint, slice the limes, and add your water.

Strawberry Lemonade Water

• Strawberries

• Lemons

• Mint

Slice the lemon, halve the strawberries, mull the mint, and add water.

Peachy Georgia Water

• Peaches

• Sage

Slice the peach, add sage leaf, and then add water.

What is your favorite way to drink water?