7 Guilt-Free Ways to Quench Your Thirst

Bored with bottled water? Wellness dietitian Beth Bluestone, MS, RD, LD, shows you how to jazz up sparkling water with fresh fruit, veggies or herbs. You can chill out with homemade fresh fruit slushies or perk up your favorite iced teas, too — without added sugar or preservatives!

<p><strong>Mint:</strong> Its leaves are chock full of antioxidant nutrients. Mint also provides iron, vitamin A and potassium.<br /> <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> Mint is best known as a digestive aid.</p>

<p><strong>Strawberries: </strong>Strawberries are packed with antioxidant nutrients, especially vitamin C. They're also a good source of fiber and manganese.<br /><strong>Basil:</strong> This herb has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a good source of manganese and vitamins A and K.<br /> <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> Tear the basil leaves to bring out their flavor.</p>

<p><strong>Lemons:</strong> Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which has powerful antioxidant properties.<br /><strong>Ginger:</strong> Ginger has antioxidant compounds. It's good for digestion and can help with nausea.<br /> <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> A little ginger goes a long way. Grate and test a tiny piece first, then slice it thin.</p>

<p><strong>Cucumber:</strong> Cucumber contains antioxidant lignans. It's also a good source of vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, and manganese.<br /> <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> Leave the skin on for greater antioxidant benefits.</p>

<p><strong>Blueberries:</strong> Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses. They're rich in nutrients, fiber and phyotchemicals.  Of all berries, blueberries are the antioxidant champ!<br /> <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> The frozen berries can double as ice.</p>

<p>Puree 1-1½ cups chopped watermelon, mango, kiwi or strawberries with 1 cup of ice plus a few drops of water.<br />These fruits are great sources of water, and good sources of folic acid, vitamin A and fiber<br /><br /> <strong>Watermelon:</strong> This water-packed melon contains lycopene.<br /> <strong>Kiwi:</strong> Kiwis has even more vitamin C than oranges!</p><p><strong>TIP:</strong> Serve your slushies in parfait glasses.</p>

<p>Steep, then chill your favorite caffeinated or herb tea:<br /><strong><br />Cool peppermint:</strong> Peppermint is a good source of copper, manganese and vitamin C. <br /><strong>Tangy hibiscus:</strong> Hibiscus has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. <br /><strong>Spicy chai: </strong>Chai contains antioxidant compounds as well as ginger. <br /><strong>Zesty green:</strong> Green tea is a prime source of catechins and has more antioxidants than all other teas.<br />        <br /><strong>TIP:</strong> Garnish with mint, ginger or sliced fruit.</p>