We have been busy conducting a focus group among the beauty eds, on the topic of how much water we all drink. Sadly, it’s not enough. According to SodaStream (yes, that’s right -the clever machine that makes fizzy water) when you have a soda maker at home, it increases your water intake by 30% – a difference of up to 21 glasses of water per week. The New Zealand-based study followed the water drinking habits of four Kiwi families over two weeks, the first week without a SodaStream machine, and on the second week, with one. The findings showed a significant increase in the amount of water each family consumed when they had access to a machine. Let me explain why it’s important to drink bucket-loads of water. You need at least 2.5 litres of water a day. Research says this is what the body needs to function properly (from helping the brain to work at its optimum level, to eliminating toxins and waste). If you drink the recommended amount you’ll see your energy levels rise, you will be more consistent (say goodbye to that after-lunch tired feeling and that end-of-the-day sugar craving and headache) – not to mention how clear your skin will look (within weeks, we promise). And new research proves more water helps with weight loss too. A glass of water may satisfy your hunger. Often we think we’re hungry, when in fact you are just thirsty! The good news is you can now count your cups of tea and coffee as part of the 2.5 litre intake. Previously it was thought they acted like diuretics, encouraging the body to get rid of fluid. Not true, and we are glad; we love our cuppa here at 3pm. But all this information does not improve the taste of tap water; it just gets boring. So it might be nice to spice it up – and we all know how much us girls like our bubbles! For more information on SodaStream, visit www.sodastream.co.nz.
Our best spice-up-your-water recipes:
Strawberry and cucumber: A sweet 3pm wake-up hit to get rid of the chocolate craving. Add six sliced strawberries and a handful of mint leaves to room temperature water. Let it steep for about 20 minutes then pour into a glass with ice.
Ginger, lemon and mint: Perfect if you feel a cold coming on: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger, six freshly cut ginger slices, two sliced lemons, and a few sprigs of mint into a pitcher of room temperature water. Steep for 20 minutes and serve on ice
Ginger, orange and cinnamon: A great alternative to tea and coffee. Add six slices of ginger, one sliced orange and one cinnamon stick to a jug of hot water. Allow to steep for five minutes, then drink warm.
