Sugary drinks contribute the most added sugar to Australians’ diets1, so Cancer Council Victoria’s new campaign is focusing on how these beverages can lead to unhealthy weight gain, which can increase the risk of 13 types of cancers.
One way to reduce your risk is to cut sugary drinks from your diet. We know giving up the sweet stuff is not always easy. Try these simple tricks and tips to jazz up your water when you make the switch:
1. Add some fruity flavour
The citrus flavour of lime, orange and lemon will offer a refreshing touch to your water. Enhance your water game by adding other fruity flavours like mixed berries. This not only adds a splash of colour and fun to your water but also nudges you closer to hitting your recommended fruit intake for the day – two birds, one stone! Try these fruity flavours to get you started:
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pineapple
Hot tip: let the water sit in the fridge for a few hours to infuse the flavours of the fruit.
2. Infuse, infuse, infuse
For a fresh hit add some mint to your glass or switch things up with any these herbs for more subtle flavour enhancements:
- Sage leaves
- Thai basil
- Thyme
- Ginger
3. Try different types of water
Think you’re just restricted to tap water? Think again. Change it up by trying different types of water like spring, mineral or flavoured water. If you’re missing the fizz go for sparkling water. You’ll still get that bubbly sensation you might be missing, minus the sugar.
4. Veg it up
For a crisp taste add LiveLighter’s cucumber skewers to still or sparkling water for your most sophisticated water yet.
5. Get creative with ice cubes
Make your glass extra good-looking with some fancy ice cubes. Chop up your fruit or herb of choice and add it to an ice cube tray with water before letting it do its thing in the freezer. Check out LiveLighter’s frozen fruit ice cubes for inspo – kids love these hand held treats on a hot day.
While you’re near the freezer why not prep a great frosty treat for later. LiveLighter’s tutti fruity watermelon popsicles are a breeze to prepare and a joy to eat.
6. Change up the temperature
Play around with drinking water at different temperatures to see what you enjoy more. If you’re a dedicated tea drinker warm water may be the way to go or you may prefer icy cold water.
1. Louie J, Rangan A. Patterns of added sugars intake by eating occasion among a nationally representative sample of Australians, Springer Journal, 2016: Heidelberg.