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Home » Drinks

How to Make Detox Water

Published on 10.1.2020 by Jen Hansard

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Today, I wanna show you how to make detox water for a flat belly. Bloating is such a common struggle, and can be rather simple to heal. Detox water is a key part in this, as you are essentially pairing fruits and herbs together for detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits.

No matter what season it is, I always need a reminder to drink more water. Adding some nourishing fruits and herbs makes it more beneficial and fun. Making detox water for a flat belly is probably the top reason people do this, yet I also love how I feel overall when more hydrated.

Drinking detox water is my little secret to getting enough water each day. It’s not only easy to make, it’s got a whole host of health benefits. And the best part is, I can customize it to whatever my mood is (or what’s in my fridge!). This way of drinking water keeps it fun and interesting.

Health Benefits of Detox Water

Sure, you could save some time and just chug straight water. Yet chances are you're not going to... if you're anything like me. I first tried fruit detox water while doing a 21-day plant-based cleanse. I was amazed at how much better I was at staying hydrated when I added fruit flavors.

The more hydrated you are, the better your body can function properly. From skin health to digestive health, hydration is key. By making a habit of drinking detox water, you're actually helping your body thrive.

Basket of lemons to add to water to make detox water

Detox Water for Flat Belly

Though the name suggests some weird ingredients or process to turn regular water into ‘detox’ water, it’s super simple to make: fruit, water, and herbs. That’s it!

For this recipe, I chose ingredients that help flush out the digestive system, and help promote a flat belly with 2 simple ingredients: grapefruit + rosemary.

Grapefruit Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Helps with appetite control as it’s got 2 grams of fiber per ½ fruit
  • Low calorie-- it’s mostly water!
  • Helps reduce kidney stones
  • High in Vitamin C-- 64% of the recommended daily intake
  • High in Vitamin A-- 28% of the recommended daily intake
  • Helps regulate blood sugar

In fact, this study done by the National Library of Medicine shows that daily consumption of fresh grapefruit aids in weight loss. I soak up the benefits of grapefruit in my detox water, then I eat the grapefruit once the water is gone for an extra belly flattening boost.

Instruction guide on making detox water for cleanse and weight loss

Rosemary Benefits

Herbs are often overlooked as simple garnish, yet they are loaded with health benefits as well. Adding them to your detox water is both aesthetically pleasing and good health sense.

  • Great source of antioxidants
  • Anti inflammatory, which helps with blood circulation
  • Cognitive stimulant-- meaning it can help with memory retention 
  • Stress relieving-- even just the scent of rosemary is thought to help improve the mood, and relieve stress

Ultimately, while the added ingredients do have health benefits in their own right, the main goal of detox water is to drink more WATER. The body needs water, and most people only give it enough to survive, not thrive. Imagine only eating enough to stay alive, verses fueling your body with the proper nutrients to chase your goals.

The same is true for water consumption. Drinking enough water can speed up the metabolism, actually make you less hungry, and helps keep the body regular. Next time you feel the afternoon slump, try reaching for a detox water instead of a snack; your body may be telling you it’s thirsty, not hungry!

Mason jars filled with detox water in a row with berries, oranges, rosemary and grapefruiit

Fruit detox water combinations

While the ingredients in this detox water recipe help with weight loss and bloating (hello flat belly!), cater your detox water to fit your body’s needs.

Here in Florida, it's almost always hot, humid and feeling like summer. So I like to drink my water cold. Yet in the winter, I may heat water before adding my fruit + herb combo, for a more soothing change.

Not a fan of grapefruit? No problem! Citrus of any kind is easy to add, berries are fun (smash before adding to release the flavor). Or just head in a different direction and toss in some bell peppers and chives, or cucumbers and mint. Here are a few of my fav combos:

  • Strawberries + lemon
  • Orange + cinnamon
  • Cucumber + mint
  • Lemon + cayenne
  • Watermelon + rosemary 
  • Apples + cinnamon

The possibilities are endless. I love making a giant batch of fun detox water and bringing it to summer parties; it always adds a fun pop of color to the food table. Ready to try out this fun new recipe? Or perhaps you’ve got another winning combo? Drop a comment and let me know how you like to drink your water.

Instruction guide on making detox water for cleanse and weight loss

How to Make Detox Water

5 from 9 votes
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe
Up your water consumption with this simple, tasty detox water recipe that helps fight belly bloat and hydrate your body.
Total Time5 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 grapefruit
  • 3 fresh rosemary (3-4" long)

Instructions

  • Thoroughly wash and rinse the grapefruit, then cut into chunks or slices. Leave the skin on for extra nutrients. Add the grapefruit to a pitcher or into separate drinking containers.
  • Press the rosemary gently between fingers or palms of your hands to help release the natural oils. Place rosemary in the pitcher or drinking containers.
  • Fill with water and place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, yet feel free to leave for up to 48 hours. If you're using sparkling water, keep in mind that the sparkling quality will wear off with time.

Notes

  • Can use sparkling water in place of filtered tap water for an extra bit of zing!

Nutrition (estimated)

Calories: 27kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 12mg (1%) Potassium: 86mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 736IU (15%) Vitamin C: 20mg (24%) Calcium: 21mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shirley

    October 12, 2021 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    Love it!!!! Thanks

    Reply
  2. Nans Johnson

    August 16, 2021 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    Love your "hydrating" water fusions

    Reply
  3. Jessica

    December 01, 2020 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    I'm not a huge fan of grapefruit but I subbed watermelon and it was delicous!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 11:35 am

      That sounds like a great swap!

  4. Kathy

    October 30, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this! Drinking water is so good for you and it's hard to get enough. This makes it fun and delicious!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 29, 2020 at 11:05 am

      It sure does, Kathy! 🙂

  5. Kim

    October 30, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    5 stars
    I never would have put grapefruit and rosemary together but this totally upped my water game! So good and refreshing.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 29, 2020 at 11:06 am

      It really is, Kim!

  6. Amanda

    October 30, 2020 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    Amazing flavor!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 29, 2020 at 11:06 am

      I love the combo of grapefruit and rosemary!

  7. Wayne

    October 06, 2020 at 11:15 am

    Hi Jess! While I love citrus infused waters, I'm concerned about the acidity and it's cumulative effect on my tooth enamel. I know for some cavities are easier to come by, so I'd have to have some plain water nearby to "rinse". Besides the cucumber and mint, any other non-acidic combos that would work? Alternatively, any way to neutralize the acids from the citrus?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 06, 2020 at 11:23 pm

      Hi Wayne! I totally understand your concern. While I don't know if there's a way to neutralize the acids from the citrus, there are lots of great non-citrus combos. Blueberry + mint, raspberry + mint, watermelon + rosemary, mango + ginger, and strawberry + basil are a few of our favorites.

  8. Amanda

    October 04, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    tried it! a great refreshing beverage! i'm thinking of trying it with hot water, ginger and a dash of agave or honey, hmmm, i wonder if this is a good idea.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 05, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      Hey Amanda! We prefer to use either raw honey or pure maple syrup as agave tends to be a highly-processed sweetener.

  9. KAREN ORLICH

    October 02, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing these recipes! I just started drinking cucumber and mint and it's so refreshing. Will try grapefruit and rosemary next!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 02, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Cucumber and mint is another awesome combo! Let us know what you think of grapefruit and rosemary. 🙂

  10. Erin

    October 02, 2020 at 11:53 am

    5 stars
    What a fun new take on flavored water! I love grapefruit, but never thought to pair it with rosemary.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 02, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      It's a great combo! 🙂

  11. Dani Mitchell

    October 02, 2020 at 11:08 am

    5 stars
    I have never done this flavor combo before and WOW— it was refreshing!!!! Def will be using more grapefruits in my water. The rosemary was okay... I'll prob use mint next time.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 02, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Grapefruit + mint sounds like a refreshing combination!

  12. Jessica Pasillas

    October 02, 2020 at 9:58 am

    If we finish the 4 cups of water can we refill and use the same rosemary and grapefruit or do we make a fresh batch?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      October 02, 2020 at 11:07 am

      You totally can! I do that allllll the time— esp when I use pineapple as a base because the sweetness just keeps on giving! It would be very similar with the grapefruit in here. If the rosemary flavor isn't coming through a second time, you can try crushing the leaves a little to help release the oils.

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Jen hansard blogger at Simple Green Smoothies About

I'm Jen Hansard, mom of two, plant-based foodie, adventure junkie + cookbook author.

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