Whether you are working up a sweat during an intense workout or sitting idly during a boring lecture, water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Water is essential for a variety of vital functions such as removing waste and toxins as well as blood pressure control.

Instead of drinking juice, pop or other sweetened beverages, or flavoring your water with liquid water enhancers such as Mio, try flavoring your water the natural way. Using a variety of herbs, fruits and other ingredients, you can create flavored water that is delicious and invigorating.

Here are some great ideas for naturally-flavored water:

• Citrus fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, clementines and other citrus fruits provide a revitalizing flavor to water. Choose citrus fruits during their peak growing season (the cooler months) in order to obtain maximum flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Mint, rosemary, parsley, lemongrass, lavender, basil and a variety of other herbs provide a distinct flavor that blends perfectly with fruit juices.
• Fresh/frozen fruit: Choose fresh fruits when “in season” and frozen fruits during the “off-season.” Fruits such as strawberries, honeydew, raspberries, pineapple, blackberries, watermelon, blueberries and peaches are all great choices to add to water.
• Sliced cucumbers: They are one of the only vegetables that will add a flavor to water that isn’t overly earthy.
• Pomegranate seeds: These antioxidant-rich seeds provide a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to your water.
• Ginger: Steep ginger slices in hot water and pour over ice cubes to cool.

For maximum flavor mix and match different combinations: 

• Raspberries or strawberries with lime and mint leaves
• Citrus fruits with cucumber slices
• Watermelon paired with rosemary
• Blackberry and sage
• Pineapple with mint