We continue to see money savings as a result of our meal planning endeavours. 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.
- 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.
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!
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.
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Some wonderful sounding drinks I need more ideas these are great x
Sarah – Mud, cakes and wine recently posted…Meal Plan Friday 12th July 2019
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.
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 🙂
I like to drink water with Lemons.
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 Plan
Oh no! We’ve not heard about that! Poor soul, that really does sound like a freak accident.
I like a nice chilled glass of lemonade, so refreshing
A glass of chilled sparkling water is my favourite drink to cool down.
A really nice iced coffee
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 Representative
I like to cool down with homemade lemonade.
I love cold fruit smoothies in the summer , so do my little ones ☺
I enjoy drinking orange juice to hydrate myself and to keep myself cool.
Hope I get some of those straws!
Soda and lime – find it so refreshing
I love a bitter lemon.
water with squeezed lemon and lime and plenty of ice
Iced water everytime for me
I love still water infused with different fruits and vegetables. It is cool and refreshing. I love lemon, cucumber, strawberry and lime water!
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).
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. #MealPlanningMonday
You should really try it and tell us what you think.
Guava juice is my all time favourite drink . So refreshing
We love guava juice too!
I love drinking tap water with ice and slices of lemon
I always have a pint of good old tap water on the go!
A NICE CUP OF TEA
cant beat some lemonade
Cloudy apple juice with lemonade!
Citron Presse
either homemade lemonade, or fruit infused water (fresh fruit in my water bottle)
hoome made lemonade with ginger and plenty of mint so refreshing
Blackcurrant and soda!!
I love Pepsi Max.
I used to drink loads of 7up free, but now love orange & mango squash.
Ginger beer is always refreshing
I love ice cold sparkling water
Ice tea is a winner for me!
Ice cold sparkling water with lemon juice xx
Its juice with apples carrots ginger and lime juice with loads of ice
I like a cold iced fruit tea
Lemonade or ice tea is perfect. Especially in this heat.
Ice cold lemon and lime still water, it’s so refreshing
I am huge fans of reusable straws! I even bought some with a spoon attached for homemade slushie drinks!
Sounds like a good idea.
Lime juice with lots of ice is lovely
Home made lemonade
Soda water with ice, really boring really
A blue slush
Sparkling Water.
strawberry slushes are my favourite
An ice cold Coca cola
Water is the best
I love a mixed slushy!
I love fresh orange juice with some sparkling water.
Homemade Lemonade with lots of ice
I love a strawberry lemon ice from McDonald’s on a hot day when out and about
Iced cold cream soda 🙂
Ice cold diet coke!
Smoothies 💙
Lemonade x
Fresh Water.
I love frozen smoothies or slushies, I’m all for saving the environment but paper straws with these types of drink is a nightmare
Ice cold Fresh Orange juice always cools me down and gives me a boost!
Lemonade with ice-cream in it
I make my own homemade lemonade and it’s one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve had in the Summer! It’s delicious.
I love a lime cooler – lime juice, lots of ice and lemonade. Got hooked on them whilst living in Africa!
My favourite is home made lemonade
Fresh Apple Juice.
Lemon juice with ice love it but sometimes a cup of ordinary tea is refreshing
I’ve cold strawberry milkshakes 🍓
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.
I’m a cheap date, I just like chilled tap water.
fresh apple juice xx
Fresh orange on a summers morning is the best way to start the day 🙂
I love oranges too. Thank for stopping by.
Ice cold Dandelion and burdock.
iced tea
I love an orange juice and lemonade on ice x
Ribena or water at home and lemonade when out as long as I can use a straw to save my teeth.
Lemonade, made with real lemons. As so refreshing, as well as provide some healthy vitamin C.