Just as I always encourage putting love and good energy into your food as you prepare it, your water too will respond to a little loving.

Water is important for nearly every bodily function. It protects our cells, lubricates our joints, regulates body temperature, detoxifies the body and delivers nutrients from our foods through the bloodstream to nourish all the tissues and organs. However it has been shown that two thirds of adults do not get the water they need on a daily basis.

There are many environmental factors that increase our need for water, such as pollutants that need to be detoxified from our bodies and air conditioning and heating can further dehydrate our bodies. Perspiration from exercise is another factor that releases sweat and so the body needs water to replenish fluid but for many of us, our dietary habits play the biggest role in causing dehydration with the overuse of salt, caffeine and alcohol intake.

Water is one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways to ensure your body is cleansed and detoxified each day.  Studies have also shown that since we typically can obtain the needed water through our foods, we can mistake the urge to drink with hunger. So before grabbing a snack, we should grab a glass of water. Staying hydrated during the day can also keep you feeling fuller and may make you less likely to snack.

I love to make my water more flavourful but adding fruits, vegetables and herbs—they’re delightfully refreshing and served in large glass jugs, can make a lovely pre-dinner drink at a dinner party.

To make an infusion, you can start with cold water or, for a stronger flavour, with hot water, as this will help extract flavour. Set the water aside until cool and you can chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving, or add some ice cubes. If you like a sweeter taste, try adding a little natural sweetener such as agave syrup.

Here are some of my favourite combinations:

CITRUS WATER – Wash lemon, orange or lime or combination of any, cut in wedge or wheel. Add some ice and you will have an extra bonus of Vitamin C.

CUCUMBER WATER – Wash cucumber, cut cucumber in few thin slices add into water pitcher with ice.

WELLNESS WATER – Add a drop of pure honey, fresh lemon juiced and fresh grated ginger. This is also great for clearing your throat and sinuses during a cold. Serve hot but also great chilled.

BERRY NICE WATER – Drop into water fresh pomegranate, raspberries and strawberries – the strawberries and raspberries add sweetness and the pomegranates add a little antioxidant crunch.

PINEAPPLE MINT WATER – This combination gives water a fresh refreshing tropical taste. Cut pineapple into triangles and add 10 mint leaves into your water jug and leave it in the refrigerator for few hours. (Optional, add a little coconut water).

KIWI-LIME-MINT MIX – So perfect for a summer party. Enjoy the taste and benefits of the kiwi – this is a rainbow of greens.

TEA LEAVE WATER – Tea is a great way to add natural flavour to your drinking water as well. Try chilled herbal teas like peppermint, caffeine free green or ginger teas.

FLOWER TEA – Fresh rosebuds or rose petals give a beautiful scent and look colourful. You could try and range of edible flowers too.

SWEET PASSION PULP – Add the juice of half a lemon and quarter of a cup of passionfruit pulp to a hot agave syrup in a saucepan and boil for 2 minutes. Double or triple ingredients to make more to use up to a week or two.

COCONUT WATER – enjoy the clear liquid of the inside of a young coconut. Coconutwater is incredibley healthy and one of the best drinks to hydrate the body. It helps to remove toxins from the body, aids digestion, boosts your immune, provides your body with potassium and has been known to promote weight loss.

NOTE: Water is best taken in small amounts through out the day rather than all at once. If you guzzle down two litres of water at the end of the day as you’re heading home, you’re not doing your body or your bladder any favours!