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Our Hydration Meal Plans Plus a Giveaway

This post may contain affiliate links

We continue to see money savings as a result of our meal planning endeavours.Β  And this week was exciting!


This week, we added another dimension to our meal planning with a two-fold aim. Primarily to reduce our spending and then also to add some much-needed hydration because it has been really hot the past few weeks.

Some days, apart from fruits, we have nothing to eat. But oh, we can’t do without hydrating with some delicious liquids that are still healthy.

If we were to continue buying drinks and juices we would be tempted to buy more than we normally would because it has been so hot. We (I) have taken the decision, however, that this week we would not purchase any juice or drink but have our liquid from what we already have at home in our fridge, freezer or in the garden. Read on. There is even an offer of a set of environmentally friendly drinking straws later (for one lucky reader).

 


In our household, we are not big tea or hot beverage drinkers. We might have a hot drink with breakfast but on most days that is it. Occasionally, especially if it is cold, we might have one or two other hot beverages (unlike many British families who have significantly more each day.). We do however drink mostly fruit-based juice or drink.

 

We would love to have more fruits planted at home but for the moment, we make use of that which we have. We have strawberries and blackberries only. From the previous week’s shopping, we still had apples, pears, mangoes, plums, and kiwi. Additionally, in our garden, we have mint, two different varieties which we use for hot and cold drinks alike. In the fridge and freezer this week as well we have ice cream, strawberries, ginger, lemons and also an assortment of frozen fruits. So let the hydration begin.

Some of the hydration meal plan beverages we have had so far include:

  • Fruit smoothies: We bag together 3 or more different fruits which have been washed, chopped and frozen We thaw for about an hour in the fridge then we blend together with some juice or sometimes water with a bit of honey and lemon. We make lots of different varieties depending on the fruits we have, and we do have a lot.
  • Lemonade: this takes us right back to our childhood. Lemon juice, sugar or honey along with water and lots of ice.
  • Iced Tea:: This is a new favourite of ours. For this, we peel and grate ginger and boil it for about 5 minutes in a large saucepan. Whilst that is boiling, we get a batch of strawberries or blackberries previously picked from the back garden. They are washed in a colander. Once the flame under the ginger water is turned off. The fruits are added, the saucepan lid is returned and the fruits steep for about 5 hours. Once cooled, we strain, bottle and refrigerate. Try this one and if you can manage, try it without sugar. I think the fruits add enough sweetness. We really love it! Sometimes we put both strawberries and blackberries. This can be had either hot or cold. Once in a while, we even add some mint to it near to the end and it adds an additional dimension of flavour.

homemade iced tea

  • Hot mint: This aromatic drink is enjoyed hot. We pick it fresh from the garden. Wash it. Place it in a teapot and then pour hot water over it and allow it to steep. This too can be had without being sweetened.
  • Hot ginger and mint combination:: Ginger boiled in water. Mint added once the flame is off. Sweeten or not.
  • Milkshakes: Easy, milk, ice cream (flavour of choice) and additional ingredients like chocolate or strawberries are welcome additions. Frozen bananas blended with milk also make for a smooth and delicious milkshake. Add a teaspoon of vanilla for an even yummier taste. I recently shared this on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

1 cup vanilla ice cream 1 cup semi skimmed milk 5 sticks kit kat peanut butter flavour 1 tsp cocoa powder 1 tsp chocolate powder Blend Super delicious and satisfying on this sunny day! #hotdays #refreshing

A post shared by joleisa (@joleisacreed) on Jul 1, 2019 at 10:18am PDT


We are enjoying this new dimension to our meal planning. Try some of our beverages and tell us what you think. Also, have a go at winning our set of stainless steel straws. Comment, telling us what is your favourite non-alcoholic drink when you really need to feel hydrated. Good luck!

 

stainless steel straws

So for next week, as long as the heat is on, hydration meal plans will be the order.

Have you got a special recipe that you want to share with us? Let us know in the comment section below. We are linking with Katy Kicker and can’t wait to see what she has planned for next week.

Other posts you might like

Nine reasons to do meal planning

Salad in a jar

Enjoy the benefits of the sunshine

 

Metal straws giveaway

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Filed Under: Frugal Food

About Joleisa

« Super Savings Made This Week and a Freebie For You
Enjoy the Summer Plus Two Super Freebies for you »

Comments

  1. Sarah - Mud, cakes and wine says

    July 12, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    Some wonderful sounding drinks I need more ideas these are great x
    Sarah – Mud, cakes and wine recently posted…Meal Plan Friday 12th July 2019My Profile

    Reply
  2. Fiona jk42 says

    July 12, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    I like to drink fruit teas, and will often drink 4 or 5 cups per day. My favourite is rosehip, which I drink hot without sugar as I don’t have a sweet tooth. I also like some of the combination fruit teas, such as strawberry and blackberry, or apple and blackcurrant, which I also drink hot. If I want a cold drink, then my favorite fruit tea flavour is hibiscus.

    Reply
  3. Shoestring Jane says

    July 13, 2019 at 11:43 am

    I love the sound of the iced teas! When I am dehydrated I just drink plain water. I keep a glass on my desk all the time. I am also very British and I love a proper cup of builder’s tea, even on a hot day. Can’t beat it πŸ™‚

    Reply
  4. ro day says

    July 14, 2019 at 8:29 am

    I like to drink water with Lemons.

    Reply
  5. Katy Stevens says

    July 14, 2019 at 8:44 am

    To be honest I’ve been REALLY put off metal straws, after reading about someone who died in a freak accident using one (eesh!). I love the idea of getting more hydration from items you have in though! Your smoothies sound delicious x
    Katy Stevens recently posted…The Meal Planning Linky Week #80 Meal PlanMy Profile

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      July 15, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      Oh no! We’ve not heard about that! Poor soul, that really does sound like a freak accident.

      Reply
  6. Fiona K says

    July 14, 2019 at 8:50 am

    I like a nice chilled glass of lemonade, so refreshing

    Reply
  7. Peter Watson says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:37 am

    A glass of chilled sparkling water is my favourite drink to cool down.

    Reply
  8. Helen B says

    July 14, 2019 at 11:16 am

    A really nice iced coffee

    Reply
  9. Anne says

    July 14, 2019 at 11:35 am

    I love fruit teas, and my son loves throwing whatever fruit he can find into the blender.
    Anne recently posted…My New Venture – I’m an Avon RepresentativeMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Sarah Ann says

    July 14, 2019 at 11:39 am

    I like to cool down with homemade lemonade.

    Reply
  11. Laura Dixon says

    July 14, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    I love cold fruit smoothies in the summer , so do my little ones ☺

    Reply
  12. Nageena Ahmed says

    July 14, 2019 at 2:22 pm

    I enjoy drinking orange juice to hydrate myself and to keep myself cool.

    Reply
  13. Ayman says

    July 14, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    Hope I get some of those straws!

    Reply
  14. Margaret GALLAGHER says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:02 pm

    Soda and lime – find it so refreshing

    Reply
  15. Solange says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    I love a bitter lemon.

    Reply
  16. Amanda Hart says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:32 pm

    water with squeezed lemon and lime and plenty of ice

    Reply
  17. Christine Lockley says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    Iced water everytime for me

    Reply
  18. Louise Laing says

    July 14, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    I love still water infused with different fruits and vegetables. It is cool and refreshing. I love lemon, cucumber, strawberry and lime water!

    Reply
  19. Carrie H says

    July 15, 2019 at 2:05 am

    I have a water bottle with an infuser that I keep in the fridge. My favourite is adding a few berries (I buy a pack of frozen ones from the supermarket, which is a really cheap way to do it and they don’t go off).

    Reply
  20. Kim Carberry says

    July 15, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    We have been having smoothies lately with our breakfast and the kids are loving them.
    I don’t think I’ve ever tried iced tea before but I think I need to. You have made it sound lovely. x
    Kim Carberry recently posted…Our weekly meal plan! 15th – 21st July. #MealPlanningMondayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      July 15, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      You should really try it and tell us what you think.

      Reply
  21. Holly harmsworth says

    July 16, 2019 at 10:15 am

    Guava juice is my all time favourite drink . So refreshing

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      July 17, 2019 at 1:07 pm

      We love guava juice too!

      Reply
  22. Geri Gregg says

    July 16, 2019 at 10:33 am

    I love drinking tap water with ice and slices of lemon

    Reply
  23. Caroline Tinsley says

    July 16, 2019 at 10:37 am

    I always have a pint of good old tap water on the go!

    Reply
  24. Pauline Hill says

    July 16, 2019 at 10:44 am

    A NICE CUP OF TEA

    Reply
  25. iain maciver says

    July 16, 2019 at 11:54 am

    cant beat some lemonade

    Reply
  26. Rich Tyler says

    July 16, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    Cloudy apple juice with lemonade!

    Reply
  27. Margaret Clarkson says

    July 17, 2019 at 7:47 am

    Citron Presse

    Reply
  28. Jodie Green says

    July 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

    either homemade lemonade, or fruit infused water (fresh fruit in my water bottle)

    Reply
  29. Amy Bondoc says

    July 17, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    hoome made lemonade with ginger and plenty of mint so refreshing

    Reply
  30. Angela Thompson says

    July 17, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    Blackcurrant and soda!!

    Reply
  31. Alice Gilkes says

    July 17, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    I love Pepsi Max.

    Reply
  32. Alison Johnson says

    July 17, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    I used to drink loads of 7up free, but now love orange & mango squash.

    Reply
  33. Helen Lear says

    July 18, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    Ginger beer is always refreshing

    Reply
  34. Louise A says

    July 19, 2019 at 7:25 am

    I love ice cold sparkling water

    Reply
  35. Megan Kinsey says

    July 19, 2019 at 7:25 am

    Ice tea is a winner for me!

    Reply
  36. Natalie Burgess says

    July 19, 2019 at 8:32 am

    Ice cold sparkling water with lemon juice xx

    Reply
  37. judy kennedy says

    July 19, 2019 at 8:53 am

    Its juice with apples carrots ginger and lime juice with loads of ice

    Reply
  38. Ursula Hunt says

    July 20, 2019 at 11:40 am

    I like a cold iced fruit tea

    Reply
  39. Nancy says

    July 21, 2019 at 2:58 am

    Lemonade or ice tea is perfect. Especially in this heat.

    Reply
  40. Jakki Reynolds says

    July 21, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    Ice cold lemon and lime still water, it’s so refreshing

    Reply
  41. Jaymee says

    July 22, 2019 at 8:27 pm

    I am huge fans of reusable straws! I even bought some with a spoon attached for homemade slushie drinks!

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      July 22, 2019 at 9:42 pm

      Sounds like a good idea.

      Reply
  42. Carole Nott says

    July 27, 2019 at 8:45 pm

    Lime juice with lots of ice is lovely

    Reply
  43. Sheri Darby says

    July 28, 2019 at 7:52 pm

    Home made lemonade

    Reply
  44. JULIE WARD says

    July 28, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    Soda water with ice, really boring really

    Reply
  45. Jennifer Toal says

    July 30, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    A blue slush

    Reply
  46. Troy Easton says

    July 30, 2019 at 3:44 pm

    Sparkling Water.

    Reply
  47. Kim Neville says

    July 30, 2019 at 5:51 pm

    strawberry slushes are my favourite

    Reply
  48. Scott Fallon says

    July 31, 2019 at 7:55 am

    An ice cold Coca cola

    Reply
  49. SueB says

    July 31, 2019 at 9:51 am

    Water is the best

    Reply
  50. charlotte isobelle says

    July 31, 2019 at 10:51 am

    I love a mixed slushy!

    Reply
  51. Fiona Johnstone says

    July 31, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    I love fresh orange juice with some sparkling water.

    Reply
  52. Mandy Doherty says

    July 31, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    Homemade Lemonade with lots of ice

    Reply
  53. Pauline Wilson says

    July 31, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    I love a strawberry lemon ice from McDonald’s on a hot day when out and about

    Reply
  54. Kim Neville says

    July 31, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Iced cold cream soda πŸ™‚

    Reply
  55. Hayley Ford says

    July 31, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    Ice cold diet coke!

    Reply
  56. Katy Holloway says

    July 31, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    Smoothies πŸ’™

    Reply
  57. Ellen Stafford says

    July 31, 2019 at 9:14 pm

    Lemonade x

    Reply
  58. Troy Easton says

    July 31, 2019 at 10:12 pm

    Fresh Water.

    Reply
  59. Hayley Colburn says

    July 31, 2019 at 10:50 pm

    I love frozen smoothies or slushies, I’m all for saving the environment but paper straws with these types of drink is a nightmare

    Reply
  60. Sarah Roberts says

    August 1, 2019 at 12:33 am

    Ice cold Fresh Orange juice always cools me down and gives me a boost!

    Reply
  61. paula cheadle says

    August 1, 2019 at 5:52 am

    Lemonade with ice-cream in it

    Reply
  62. Katrina Adams says

    August 1, 2019 at 7:45 am

    I make my own homemade lemonade and it’s one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve had in the Summer! It’s delicious.

    Reply
  63. Globetrotter says

    August 1, 2019 at 7:53 am

    I love a lime cooler – lime juice, lots of ice and lemonade. Got hooked on them whilst living in Africa!

    Reply
  64. Denise Walton says

    August 1, 2019 at 10:16 am

    My favourite is home made lemonade

    Reply
  65. Troy Easton says

    August 1, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    Fresh Apple Juice.

    Reply
  66. Sandra Fortune says

    August 1, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Lemon juice with ice love it but sometimes a cup of ordinary tea is refreshing

    Reply
  67. Jordan Neilly says

    August 1, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    I’ve cold strawberry milkshakes πŸ“

    Reply
  68. Rachael says

    August 1, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    I like a lot of cold drinks but I think orange juice is a classic. I haven’t tried kombucha but I would like to. The seet lassis are nice with hot food.

    Reply
  69. Sue Carter says

    August 1, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    I’m a cheap date, I just like chilled tap water.

    Reply
  70. laura stewart says

    August 1, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    fresh apple juice xx

    Reply
  71. Hayley Elvin says

    August 1, 2019 at 7:43 pm

    Fresh orange on a summers morning is the best way to start the day πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Joleisa says

      August 1, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      I love oranges too. Thank for stopping by.

      Reply
  72. Jessica Slater says

    August 1, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    Ice cold Dandelion and burdock.

    Reply
  73. Ann Skamarauskas says

    August 1, 2019 at 9:55 pm

    iced tea

    Reply
  74. Natalie Gillham says

    August 1, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    I love an orange juice and lemonade on ice x

    Reply
  75. Kate Phillips says

    August 1, 2019 at 10:29 pm

    Ribena or water at home and lemonade when out as long as I can use a straw to save my teeth.

    Reply
  76. Rachel Craig says

    August 1, 2019 at 10:44 pm

    Lemonade, made with real lemons. As so refreshing, as well as provide some healthy vitamin C.

    Reply

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Hi, we're Jo and Leisa, twin sisters and authors of Joleisa.com. Originally from the sandy beaches of Jamaica we now reside in England where we followed our calling to teach. But sometimes that call changes and our new passion is writing. We're here to give the ups and downs of it all with our lifestyle tips and tricks to help you avoid the sour lemons that can get in our way of frugal budgeting, intentional living and happiness. Join us and learn more about how we found the simplest ways to achieve easy living. Read More…

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