RECIPE: Fruit infused water

With the heat of the summer upon us, it is incredibly important to drink more water to stay hydrated. Infusing water with fruit is a natural and easy way to flavor water without additives and a way to help cut back on sodas, juices, or other sugary beverages.

Drinking water has a lot of health benefits and helps your body:

• Keep your temperature normal
• Lubricate your joints
• Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
• Get rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements

Certain fruits infuse better than others, such as citrus and berries, which tend to infuse better than stone fruits and melons. Tropical fruits may also be a good option. Vegetables (specifically cucumber) and fresh herbs also add an additional flavor profile.

To Infuse, simply add the fruit and/or herb of your choosing to the bottom of the glass. Lightly muddle to release juices, then add water. You can let infused water chill and infuse for an hour to strengthen the flavor. Keep infused fruit for no longer than 3 days. I usually will only use fruit for the entire day and then retire it.

Infusion ideas:

• Lemon, cucumber, mint
• Lemon, strawberry, mint or basil
• Strawberry, blueberry, lemon
• Lemon, lime, orange, cucumber

About Devin:

Devin Brittain is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in the state of Louisiana. Born and raised in California, Devin obtained her Bachelors of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics and Food Administration from California State University, Fresno. She then moved to Louisiana and completed her Dietetic Internship at Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Devin is currently the Outpatient Dietitian for the Cancer Center at West Jefferson Medical Center where she assists patients and teaches healthy cooking classes. She is serving on the board for the New Orleans Dietetic Association where she strongly advocates for the dietetic profession and the health of her community. In her free time, Devin enjoys attending festivals, reading, developing recipes, dancing, and cheering on the Saints! She is passionate about utilizing her food and nutrition knowledge to benefit others and believes in finding innovative ways to encourage a healthy lifestyle that works for each individual.