Nourish
SPA WATER IS A HYDRATION GAME-CHANGER
Water. We know we should be drinking it, like, all the time, but let’s be honest: Sometimes getting in those eight glasses a day in can feel like a chore. But however tempting it might be to dial back, there’s no arguing with science. Research tells us hydration is a must, linked to improved mood, stronger critical-thinking skills, better physical performance, and to the possible prevention of kidney stones and migraines.
So what to do when you’re staring down yet. another. glass. and feeling wholly uninspired? Two words: spa water. Essentially just a fancy name for water infused with fruits, vegetables, herbs, oils, and even edible flowers, spa water is ridiculously easy, it’s cheap, and it’s a game-changer because it makes you actually want to drink water.
For inspo, we turned to the experts: Amy Pogue—a woman so head-over-heels in love with infused water that she has an entire website dedicated to it; Phoebe Lapine, author of The Wellness Project, and essential-oils expert Ashley McCormack. Read on for each woman’s spa-water “hero,” plus Amy’s perfect-for-summer spa-water recipe.
WILD ABOUT WATERMELON
Amy Pogue loves adding watermelon to infusions. “It contains rehydration salts such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that can actually hydrate you more effectively than water or sports drinks,” she explains. “Watermelon also infuses quickly, making it perfect for throwing into your water bottle on your way out the door.”
SIMPLY CITRUS
During her quest to take charge of her health, Phoebe Lapine switched out her morning coffee for lemon-infused water. “Lemon juice, in general, is one of nature’s secret weapons. Its antiseptic nature acts as a solvent for toxins, and though it makes zero sense on paper, when added to water it becomes an alkaline solution instead of acidic. Starting the day with an alkaline drink rather than something acidic, like coffee, helps your liver flush all the junk it collected overnight while it was doing double-duty cleaning your blood.”
AN ESSENTIAL ADDITION
Ashley McCormack loves to add a drop of essential oil to her water. “It’s an added kick that encourages more water consumption and provides additional benefits to your body systems,” she says. (Before consuming any essential oil, confirm that it’s certified pure therapeutic grade.) A few drops in your water bottle of lemon, lime, grapefruit, wild-orange, or peppermint oil will take your water to the next level.
Ready to make your own spa water? Amy’s Cucumber-Jalapeno-Mint Water is fresh and savory, with a fun hit of heat from the jalapeno. It’s good for you, too! “Cucumbers help to reduce bloating, jalapeños increase your internal temperature and metabolism, and mint can help with digestion and relieve headaches,” says Amy. “You can practically taste the health properties of this green-powered water as you sip it!”
CUCUMBER-JALAPENO-MINT WATER
INGREDIENTS:
3 inches of cucumber (English or regular), sliced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, de-seeded
1 sprig of organic mint leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a 32-ounce pitcher and infuse in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. Longer infusion times will result in stronger flavors.
Water. We know we should be drinking it, like, all the time, but let’s be honest: Sometimes getting in those eight glasses a day in can feel like a chore. But however tempting it might be to dial back, there’s no arguing with science. Research tells us hydration is a must, linked to improved mood, stronger critical-thinking skills, better physical performance, and to the possible prevention of kidney stones and migraines.
So what to do when you’re staring down yet. another. glass. and feeling wholly uninspired? Two words: spa water. Essentially just a fancy name for water infused with fruits, vegetables, herbs, oils, and even edible flowers, spa water is ridiculously easy, it’s cheap, and it’s a game-changer because it makes you actually want to drink water.
For inspo, we turned to the experts: Amy Pogue—a woman so head-over-heels in love with infused water that she has an entire website dedicated to it; Phoebe Lapine, author of The Wellness Project, and essential-oils expert Ashley McCormack. Read on for each woman’s spa-water “hero,” plus Amy’s perfect-for-summer spa-water recipe.
WILD ABOUT WATERMELON
Amy Pogue loves adding watermelon to infusions. “It contains rehydration salts such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that can actually hydrate you more effectively than water or sports drinks,” she explains. “Watermelon also infuses quickly, making it perfect for throwing into your water bottle on your way out the door.”
SIMPLY CITRUS
During her quest to take charge of her health, Phoebe Lapine switched out her morning coffee for lemon-infused water. “Lemon juice, in general, is one of nature’s secret weapons. Its antiseptic nature acts as a solvent for toxins, and though it makes zero sense on paper, when added to water it becomes an alkaline solution instead of acidic. Starting the day with an alkaline drink rather than something acidic, like coffee, helps your liver flush all the junk it collected overnight while it was doing double-duty cleaning your blood.”
AN ESSENTIAL ADDITION
Ashley McCormack loves to add a drop of essential oil to her water. “It’s an added kick that encourages more water consumption and provides additional benefits to your body systems,” she says. (Before consuming any essential oil, confirm that it’s certified pure therapeutic grade.) A few drops in your water bottle of lemon, lime, grapefruit, wild-orange, or peppermint oil will take your water to the next level.
Ready to make your own spa water? Amy’s Cucumber-Jalapeno-Mint Water is fresh and savory, with a fun hit of heat from the jalapeno. It’s good for you, too! “Cucumbers help to reduce bloating, jalapeños increase your internal temperature and metabolism, and mint can help with digestion and relieve headaches,” says Amy. “You can practically taste the health properties of this green-powered water as you sip it!”
CUCUMBER-JALAPENO-MINT WATER
INGREDIENTS:
3 inches of cucumber (English or regular), sliced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, de-seeded
1 sprig of organic mint leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a 32-ounce pitcher and infuse in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. Longer infusion times will result in stronger flavors.
