I realize and acknowledge that not everyone is capable of drinking plain water all day long. Sometimes we need a bit more than that, and its always nice to have the option of having something more for those who can.
Here are a couple of options:
1. Cucumber Water: slice a cucumber into 1/2 inch slices (will end up being round). Leave the skin on, it will keep the cucumber from crumbling later. Slice the cucumber rings into smaller pieces. Whether it be fun pizza slices, or just cubes, It will allow the flavor to infuse more. A good combination is 12 ounces of water with 2-3 rounds of cucumber (before they have been cut into smaller pieces). I also like to infuse mine with something sweet, so I slice peppermint leaves into it as well. The flavor will absorb into the water. When you get to the bottom, add more water, or enjoy the treat at the bottom.
2. Treat water: A family favorite in my house. My mom used to make this as a kid. Slice an orange into wedges, and slice either a lemon or a lime based on your preferences into wedges as well. Squeeze 1-2 of each kind into 12 ounces of water, then add the piece of fruit to the mix. More oranges than lemons/limes will make it taste sweeter.
3. Fruit water. This is always a good go-to. Add 1 cup of berries with 1/2 cup of water to a blender. Blend for 10 seconds on medium, just enough to chop the fruit. Add this to a pitcher of water and let it sit over night. Delicious!
4. My last recommendation actually came from a “Diet Myth” about two years ago. Though the reasoning behind the recommendation was false, it has great flavor. Mix 1 quart of warm water with 1 full orange sliced, and add 5-6 leaves of mint to the mixer. Add 3 tea bags (green for sweet, black for caffeine, and red for a mix of the two) to the pitcher of water, and let it sit over night in the fridge. One of my absolute favorites.
Good Luck!
If you have a great water recipe that you would like to share, please feel free to leave it in the comments. If it is a “Better Choice”, then I will post it!