I spent a wonderful summer morning with the lovely Megan Holden from FRESH creating delicious infused waters to add a holiday twist to your Christams table.

Summer means warmer weather and the need for extra hydration, and there is no better way than infusing your water with all the amazing summer fruits like berries, watermelon and apple;  herbs like fennel, mint and even rose petals – the options are endless and the nutrition benefits are amazing.  Have fun combining different options and you will find your own holiday favourite.

Megan’s favourite infused water:

Lemon Cucumber Mint Raspberries (and some rose petals)

This combination is all about summer, the fresh mint awakens all your senses and aids digestion.  The lemon is an all-body alkaliser and full of Vit C, Raspberries help slow the ageing process and with the cucumber is an anti-inflammatory.

The rose petals add the gracefulness of calm of infused water and is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Megan started FRESH in March 2015 after her hubby bought her a juicer for Christmas and the rest was history.  They have since diversified into ginger shots and infused waters.

Those that know Megan, know it’s her amazing enthusiasm and love of people that makes you want to spend time sipping on her delicious fresh juice and having a great catch up with her.

Here is a little extra insight into her lifestyle.

=================================================================================

I stay inspired by……

People! I’m motivated by friends and colleagues & I am inspired when adding value to people’s lives…
Something as small as a smile can lighten up someone’s day!
The more positive energy you happily give out – the better you feel too!

Favourite healthy foods on the go……

Our family usually grabs a FRESH juice or two when on the run.. as well as fruit, carrots and nuts

At least once a week I cook……..

To be totally honest…I am a real foodie…but don’t enjoy cooking food as much as I enjoy eating it…
We have our incredible Barbi who is a whizz in the kitchen and she cooks a free range organic chicken every week…
Being a veggie…My favourite meals are salads…which don’t often need cooking…

My Go-To juice blend…….

A green juice, the greener the better!
We go ‘harvesting’ greens from our veggie garden…whatever is in season…spinach, coriander, green apples, collard greens, basil and whatever else we can cram in.

What do you love the most about summer……..

The bright and early mornings! Sea sand under my feet and the warm sunshine.

What I love most about what I do…….

I enjoy the healthy lifestyle and have gained incredible experience as well as met the most interesting people.
I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has supported my FRESH venture!
Here’s to an inspiring new year…full of discovery!

======================================================================================

Other delicious options:

Blackberry Sage

I love this combination, it reminds me of Christmas and looks great when the berries turn the water a gorgeous purple colour.  Blackberries are rich in skin-healthy antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C and Sage helps your immune system fight seasonal issues, aids digestion and has a calm effect to help you relax and enjoy the summer sun.

Rosemary Orange                                                                                       Grapefruit Rose

Cucumber Mint Lemon

The importance of staying hydrated is to help our bodies function at it’s best. When you are hydrated you are better able to digest your food, eliminate toxins and stay energised.

I love to start my day with a full glass of filtered water, before I go to bed I fill a large glass of water and put it next to my bed. First thing in the morning, I drink the whole glass to help hydrate my body from the dehydration you get during the night – all your breathing in and out exhales a lot of moisture from our lungs. You can feel how the water starts to energise you from that first glass.

Helpful tips with infusing water:

How long should you infuse your water?
To get the full flavour from the herbs and fruit you can infuse for 1-2 hours. If you want to keep the water in the fridge overnight then remove the fruit from the water.

How long does infused waters last?
If you have refrigerated your infused water you can keep it for up to 3 days.  Lemons and limes are natural preservatives and can help to keep an infused water looking and tasting fresh.

The rind of any citrus can make your water taste bitter so remember to cut the rind off before infusing.

Happy infusing and happy holidays xx

Image credits: Sam Houghton