With the arrival of summer and the high temperatures, it's essential to stay hydrated.
However, instead of turning to sugary, calorie-laden drinks, there are plenty of refreshing, healthy and energising options that can help you enjoy the summer season while taking care of your body.
Here are a few suggestions for delicious and beneficial drinks to keep you refreshed this summer.
FRUIT-INFUSED WATER
Infused water is a simple way to stay hydrated while enjoying the flavours of summer.
Simply cut up some fresh fruit, such as lemons, oranges, cucumbers or berries, and add them to a jug of water. Leave in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavours to diffuse into the water. You can also add fresh herbs such as mint or basil for an extra touch of freshness.
GREEN SMOOTHIES
Green smoothies are a great way to combine leafy greens with fruit for a refreshing, nutritious drink. Here's a simple and delicious recipe for a refreshing green smoothie:
Ingredients:
1 handful fresh spinach
1/2 avocado
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk (or other plant milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
A few ice cubes
Instructions:
Carefully wash the handful of fresh spinach.
Halve the avocado, remove the stone and scoop out the flesh.
Peel the banana and cut into pieces.
Place all the ingredients in a blender.
Add a cup of almond milk and the chia seeds.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
If you want a colder texture, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
Pour the green smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
You can also customise this recipe by adding other ingredients such as red fruit, flaxseed or protein powder, as you prefer. Not only is this green smoothie refreshing, it's also rich in essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. It's a great way to fill up on energy and start the day on the right foot.
HOMEMADE ICED TEA
Iced tea is a refreshing and healthy way to quench your thirst in summer. Opt for green tea or mint tea for an extra refreshing effect. Avoid adding sugar and instead use natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia if you want to sweeten your iced tea. You can also add slices of lemon or cucumber for a fresher taste.
...Pssss remember that Demain® offers different types of tea, such as Matcha Ceremony Tea or Hojicha Tea.
COCONUT WATER
Coconut water is a natural, hydrating drink packed with essential electrolytes. It's ideal for rehydrating after a sunny day or intense training session. Coconut water is low in calories and high in potassium, making it a healthy alternative to commercial energy drinks.
LOW-FAT HOMEMADE LEMONADE
Lemonade is a summer classic, but it's often packed with added sugar. Here's our recipe for a healthier version:
Ingredients for 1L of lemonade :
4 lemons
4 cups water
2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey (adjust the amount to your preference)
Ice cubes
Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice. You should obtain about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
In a jug, mix the lemon juice, water and agave syrup or honey. Stir well so that the syrup dissolves completely.
Add ice cubes to the carafe to cool the lemonade and add an extra touch of freshness.
If you like, add a few fresh mint leaves to the lemonade for an aromatic flavour.
Stir again to combine all the ingredients.
Serve the lemonade in glasses with extra ice cubes and garnish with a slice of lemon or a mint leaf.
This low-fat homemade lemonade is ready to enjoy! You can adjust the amount of agave syrup or honey to suit your sugar preferences. Enjoy this refreshing, healthy drink all summer long.
