INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE THANKS TO HERBAL TEAS
There is no need to remind you of the importance of drinking water. Although it is always necessary to be properly hydrated, the need is more urgent when the temperature rises on the thermometer. Despite recommendations, many people don't drink enough water. Even if the sum of all the liquids consumed contributes to hydration, I often remind people the importance of reducing their sugary beverage intake. Whether it's juice, soft drinks or energy drinks, the latter all quickly increase the total number of calories consumed. In response to this advice, many ask me which beverages for summer are the most interesting. Today, I present my favourites for the summer season.
TRENDY BEVERAGES FOR SUMMER: COLD TISANE
What could be more refreshing than a cold herbal tea sipped on the terrace? Are you one of those people who sulk when you have a glass of flat water in hand because you find it insipid? Discover the beautiful variety of products available in the herbal tea section. With flavours like Pink Lemonade, Lemon Ginger or Jasmine Lotus Flower, you will certainly find a flavour you will enjoy. Just infuse it, let it cool and add fresh fruit or herbs. Do you have a sweet tooth? Try not to add sugar to herbal teas. You will quickly get used to the delicacy of the subtle aromas. With a little creativity, you will transform these cold herbal teas into delicious iced cocktails!
You too will be convinced; a fresh beverage that contains no added sugar.
ICED LEMON GINGER HERBAL TEA
Discover our recipe here!
HERBAL TEA SMOOTHIE: A PERFECT FIT!
In addition to making excellent aromatic beverages, cold herbal teas are ideal for adding flavour to homemade smoothies. Although delicious and convenient, smoothies can sometimes contain a lot of sugar. To reduce the amount of sugar, I prefer to add a cold herbal tea to my smoothie, rather than juice. Replacing 250 ml (1 cup) of orange juice with a herbal tea saves 22 g of sugars and 120 calories!
SPORTS DRINKS
The arrival of the warm season is often synonymous with long walks outside. If you are one of those people who like to take advantage of holidays to do long outings, know that herbal teas can accompany your activities. Indeed, you can adapt your herbal tea according to the duration planned for the sport. If you're exercising for less than an hour, flavoured herbal tea is enough. Beyond 60 minutes, you can transform your herbal tea into a sports drink. Personally, I find some versions of sports drinks on the market very sweet, which has the effect of increasing thirst. Nothing is better than a homemade recipe to meet our needs!
QUICK RECIPE
- 500 ml (2 cups) cold Four O'Clock Pomegranate Echinacea herbal tea
- 500 ml (2 cups) apple juice
- 1 ml (¼ tsp.) salt
- Lemon juice to taste
WATER INTAKE: ISABELLE HUOT'S RECOMMENDATIONS!
There are several ways to determine how many fluids we should drink in a day. For example, you can estimate your needs by matching them to your food intake. In this case, know that you should drink 1 ml of water per calorie ingested. You do not know the number of calories you consume in a day? You can also estimate your water needs by calculating 30 ml (2 tablespoons) per kg body weight.
A person weighing 75 kg with a calorie intake of 2000 calories per day should, therefore, ingest between 2000 and 2250 ml of water, or about 2 litres. However, be aware that the total obtained is the sum of the liquids you should consume daily, beverages and food included. Some foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contain a good amount of water. They must be part of the calculation!
DRINK WATER, YES...BUT WHY?
Since the human body is made up of about 60% water, no one will be surprised to learn that water has several functions within the body. Indeed, in addition to being essential to the transport of nutrients, it is responsible for regulating body temperature, has a protective role (via body fluids) and intervenes in several chemical reactions. Dehydration has also been shown to affect physical and mental performance. Finally, studies tend to show that maintaining adequate water intake optimizes maintenance and weight loss.
Also, know that it is possible to confuse the feeling of hunger and thirst. Indeed, thirst can be at the origin of a feeling of hollowness in the stomach. In this sense, I often recommend good eaters to drink water when a craving appears. If hunger persists 10 minutes after drinking water, this means the hunger is real. It is therefore reasonable to eat at this time.
Did you know that it is possible to reduce sweet cravings by drinking an aromatic beverage? No need to opt for a low-calorie drink often sweetened with sweeteners. A simple Raspberry-Chocolate tea, for example, can be satisfying. Thus, you will get used to less intense sweet flavours, while still enjoying a delicious drink!
There you have it! My favourite beverages for summer!