Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Who says water has to be plain and boring? Here are five unique ways to make water more interesting - and to drink more water!
Who says water has to be plain and boring? Here are five unique ways to make water more interesting – and to drink more water!
Water is, perhaps, the best thing in the world. Its advantages are endless. And with the humidity and heat of our climes, we need to take care of our water intake. There is no go-to rule for how much water you need to drink in a day, (some people give the ‘8 glasses a day’ formula). But your water intake depends on many factors – your body type, how quickly you get dehydrated, which season it is, which part of the world you are in, and so on.
For me, I have always pushed myself to drink more water, but have failed more often than not. I don’t know what it is, but I always find it really hard to consume ‘plain’ water. So, this summer I am tried out some homemade flavoured waters (no-sugar of course; though you may add if you prefer it that way) in a quest to increase my water intake.
So, here are five flavours that I have tried and come to love. Also, the ingredients used are either my or my little daughter’s favourites; so they were bound to be good and easy to find!
A very different combination but it works really well. With the sweetness of watermelon and the aroma of basil, it has a very refreshing taste. Watermelon is good in so many ways – it is rich in antioxidants, helps in heart health and so much more. While on the other hand, Basil (my favorite herb) is one of the healthiest herbs. To top it all, the water looks so good that it can be used while you are entertaining or packing a picnic, too!
I have always loved this combination in my cakes and cookies, so I thought of giving it a try in flavoring my water as well. The sweet tinge of cinnamon and the flavor of apple gel together really well (yes, even in water). And like most spices, Cinnamon has its benefits too – it’s good for arthritis, memory, stomach bugs etc. A really healthy option!
The colors black and gold are combined here together, and the flavor is gold as well! I was pleasantly surprised with the taste. Ginger has a strong flavor and blackberries don’t, so it mellows down the whole water and gives a very berry kinda taste. Loved this one, as it was very ‘new’. Blackberries are super rich in antioxidants and ginger helps in over all digestion, too. So two wins here!
This water is just like a citrus punch, but without any sugar. The most awesome flavors to keep cool in summers. The tanginess of citrus against the mint is heavenly and oh-so-refreshing. Also, the health facts of citrus and mint are well known, and it is a perfect way to beat the heat and have something healthy instead of sweetened drinks or fizz.
I saved the best for last! Once you try this one, you’ll remember me for sure. The most unusual, and the best of the lot. Lemony aroma of thyme and sweet citrus of strawberries transfer you to a heavenly place. And I know I am going to make this again and again, and again!
Hope you enjoy these the way I have!
Flavoured water is very easy to prepare and here is how I prepare mine:
Take a pitcher or a jug, put in all the ingredients (fruit/spices/herbs- whatever you are using for your recipe); then mash them a little with a muddler or a wooden spoon and add water. Leave it for 2-3 hours in the fridge to chill, and to get the entire flavour. Store them in airtight glass jars with a proper lid, and they’ll keep well for 2-3 days.
This post wast first published here.
Pic credit: Muhammadahmad (used under a CC license)
I have been working in financial services for about 7 years and have recently moved to Hong Kong from India and am enjoying my expat stint. I am now enjoying writing about anything and everything, read more...
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Neena was the sole caregiver of Amma and though one would think that Amma was dependent on her, Neena felt otherwise.
Neena inhaled the aroma that emanated from the pan and took a deep breath. The aroma of cumin interspersed with butter transported her back to the modest kitchen in her native village. She could picture her father standing in the kitchen wearing his white crisp kurta as he made delectable concoctions for his only daughter.
Neena grew up in a home where both her parents worked together in tandem to keep the house up and running. She had a blissful childhood in her modest two-room house. The house was small but every nook and cranny gave her memories of a lifetime. Neena’s young heart imagined that her life would follow the same cheerful course. But how wrong she was!
When she was sixteen, the catastrophic clutches of destiny snatched away her parents. They passed away in a road accident and Neena was devastated. Relatives thronged her now gloomy house and soon it was decided that she should be married off.
Women today don’t want to be in a partnership that complicates their lives further. They need an equal partner with whom they can figure out life as a team, playing by each other’s strengths.
We all are familiar with that one annoying aunty who is more interested in our marital status than in the dessert counter at a wedding. But these aunties have somehow become obsolete now. Now they are replaced by men we have in our lives. Friends, family, and even work colleagues. It’s the men who are worried about why we are not saying yes to one among their clans. What is wrong with us? Aren’t we scared of dying alone? Like them?
A recent interaction with a guy friend of mine turned sour when he lectured me about how I would regret not getting married at the right time. He lectured that every event in our lives needs to be completed within a certain timeframe set by society else we are doomed. I wasn’t angry. I was just disappointed to realize that annoying aunties are rapidly doubling in our society. And they don’t just appear at weddings or family functions anymore. They are everywhere. They are the real pandemic.
Let’s examine this a little closer.
Please enter your email address