This is a part of my 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge Article Series! Read about the challenge and see all of my posts HERE!
I like starting my day off with a detoxifying fruit water because it’s a delicious way to cleanse your system. By allowing the fruit to soak in your water overnight in your fridge, your water becomes infused with nutrients and flavor of the fruit. I’ve assembled the best of the best detox waters that contain anti-aging properties and help flush toxins from your body. (Another way to flush ze toxins? WORK OUT! Right now I’m doing a 30 Day iPhone App Workout Challenge, come do it with me!)
I also took kickass photos with my brother’s camera, and may or may not have told the cucumber water to “work it” and show off that “smize.” I now realize that I’ve been definitely watching too much Top Model recently. But I can’t stop! It’s so addicting! You watch one episode and you can’t stop!
Anyways.
Tips for making these detox waters:
- These recipes are single-serve and make one glass. But you can refill your glass with water as many times as you’d like, and I usually make it in the morning and then keep refilling my cup with water and they last all day!
- Try using sparkling water instead of normal water and serve at special occasions in champagne flutes
- If you want to make a 2 liter pitcher, fill half of the pitcher with fruit. I would recommend also throwing in a little ginger root, which has anti-inflammatory compounds and aids in digestion. Don’t add ginger to a single glass– it’s a bit overpowering and requires a pitcher.
Cucumber Crush
This green drink is delicious with a light, fruity aftertaste. Cucumbers are a fantastic addition to these detox waters because they make the water refreshing and juicy, if that makes any sense. (I’m destined to be a food writer, if you can tell.) Use overripe kiwis if possible!
Detoxifying Qualities:
- Great Skin: Cucumbers are full of great nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, vitamin K and potassium.
- Cucumbers are especially great for detoxing because they prevent water retention and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
- 2 kiwis
- 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cucumber
- A sprig of mint
Strawberry Kiwi
You can’t go wrong with the classic combination of strawberries and kiwi! This is the perfect summer drink, and has a light sweetness to it.
Detoxifying Qualities:
- Kiwi is a superfood and is packed with vitamins A and E which help prevent free radicals as well as certain types of cancer. Kiwis also helps flush out toxins from the colon, which improves your overall health and well being.
- Strawberries help fight carcinogens and contains anti-aging properties such as biotin and the antioxidant ellagic acid, which helps prevent sagging skin.
Ingredients:
- 2 strawberries
- 2 kiwis
Watermelon Mint
This water is the best summer detox drink! Bonus: I learned how to cube watermelon while I was doing this. Basically you cut slices and then just cut those into cubes so it’s not an intense cooking skill, but it’s a big accomplishment or someone like me 🙂
Detoxifying Qualities:
- Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve liver function by filtering and getting rid of ammonia, which can damage cells.
- Mint leaves help improve digestion and get rid of stomach cramps.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cubed watermelon
- 3 mint leaves
Cleansing Lemon Mint
This is a simplified version of my Lemon Detox Water, and you can find the detox benefits of this drink here! This is by far my most popular detox drink, but if you don’t have a ginger root lying around your house, this simplified version can be your best friend.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 slices of cucumber
- 2 mint leaves
Berry Blast
Berry Blast tastes the best with sparkling water! It’s good on its own, of course. In this photo I forgot the blackberries (three cheers for being prepared!) but hey, I can’t get everything right all the time unlike my favorite show Who’s Line is it Anyways which can do no wrong! (Off-topic, but a totally valid point. Luckily, this blog isn’t high school, because I can just improv posts off the top of my head and the points don’t matter.)
Detoxifying Qualities:
- Raspberries contain anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that are anti-aging and anti-cancer.
Ingredients:
- Handful of Raspberries
- Handful of Blackberries
…
I hope you guys enjoy the drinks! I had a great time coming up with the recipes, and even dying in the heat as I took these photos and found the fruit’s good side.
See you guys tomorrow!
-Amy
Take the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge Here!
More recipes and ways to eat clean just like this one!
Julie says
I was wondering if Key lime water had any benefits or detox benefits to it? It tastes delicious! AND i LOVE these drinks have tried them all!! Its all ive been drinking for over a week. Was a Mtn Dew addict but havent touched in over a week.
Amy Suto says
Glad you like them, Julie!
The flavonoids in limes can help prevent cancer. Limes also help prevent colds and improve digestive function. Drink away!
Anonymous says
Are you able to eat normally while you drink these drinks? Some people are telling me you have to just drink them and not eat anything?
Tami says
I was just wondering, if I just put the fruit in water and drink, I found a 5 day fat burning detox water but wasn’t how to mix it, can you help me please
Alexis says
Hi Amy!
I’m just wondering if you could mix all the drinks together? Or is that bad? Oh and can you put them in water bottles!
Amy Suto says
Hi Alexis!
Of course you can mix them! The Strawberry Kiwi and Cucumber Crush could be awesome together. And yes, they are the best in water bottles!
Lacey says
Hi Ive just made one of these drinks and they are delicious, just wondering how long to let them sit before you drink them, 1 hour, overnight?
Anonymous says
Overnight
Anonymous says
Hi I was wondering does all these fruit drinks help you lose weight just like the cucumber,lemon,mint,and ginger?. I’ve been peeing nonstop
Anonymous says
It does help but if you are peeing a lot it’s because you are drinking lots more than you should. One glass an hour would be fantastic
star says
So I can reuse the fruit from my detox water to make a new glass? How many times can I reuse the fruit?
Amy Suto says
As often as they stay fresh! I usually can get several (like 5) glasses of water out of my fruit, depending on how large the glasses is. Then they become a bit tasteless and you need to throw them out. If you put them in a pitcher, you can get more use out of them since they’ll be in the fridge all day e’rry day.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Anonymous says
so you are aloud to reuse the fruit in the detox water
Anonymous says
No
Anonymous says
Yes
Anonymous says
Maybe
Anonymous says
I have some left over strawberries from my detox drink. They taste a little bland but they still have some hint of flavor in them and they look edible haha. Now my question is, how can I reuse these light pink berries? Is there a recipe that might call for strawberries regardless of how watered down they might be. There are so many of them I would just hate to see them go to waste. Oh and I love the watermelon+mint one! Thank you.
Raanna says
How much water is mixed with each combination ?
Amy Suto says
As much as you’d like! Here’s what I do:
If you want to make a 2 liter pitcher, fill half of the pitcher with fruit. Fill the rest with water.
I like an 80/20 ratio: 80% water, 20% fruit.
Good luck!
Anonymous says
Hi Amy 🙂
I was curious about the berry blast one.. Do I use just regular sparkling water
or the fruit flavored ones that have zero calories? Which would you prefer?
Amy Suto says
I prefer plain ol’ Perrier — some kind of plain sparkling water, the fruit gives it the flavor!
Lena says
Can I use just lemon in water(since this is what I have on hand). Also I heard about a detox that is apple slices, water and cinnamon stick. Best if left overnight in fridge. Have you tried this.
Amy Suto says
Hi Lena! I haven’t tried that combo, but I will now! I love cinnamon, and it’s a potent spice so I could see how it could be effective for detox. Lemon in water by itself works too due to lemons’ ability to neutralize free radicals in the body. It also contains 22 known anti-cancer properties– that’s a win-win!
Anonymous says
Its so nice I liked it myself
Valerie says
Can i use frozen fruits or just fresh
Amy Suto says
You can use frozen but I don’t think it would taste as good.
catherine says
you can use frozen, it tastes just as great, i use frozen berries all the time as they are so expensive to buy here fresh 🙂
Amy Suto says
Thanks, Catherine! I’ll give that a try — I usually just use frozen fruit for smoothies but it’s good to hear that they might still work out well in this water.
Anonymous says
I’ve ised frozen berries and tin pineapple and it taste amazing 🙂
Amy Suto says
Glad that it worked out!
Anonymous says
Can we eat the fruits after?
Anonymous says
Ya they just will be watered down? Lol
Kendriael says
Hey I love your ideas and I am gonna try them all. I wanted to know if you had and detoxing drinks that help you loose weight
Amy Suto says
The only way you can lose weight is through eating clean and working out, and exercises that increase your metabolism (such as HIIT and strength training) are the most effective. You can read about those on other areas of my blog.
A drink alone can’t help you lose weight– that’s a lifestyle change. Anyone who tells you that there’s a magic drink or pill that will melt off pounds is trying to sell you something. But these detox drinks do help flush toxins and improve your health.
Anonymous says
I use cucumber lemon and greatfuit and mint leafs it’s verry good
sher says
Hi! 🙂
I am new to this whole detox water thing. I would just like to ask, how is this different from just eating the fruits and then drinking water?
Amy Suto says
Hi Sher!
Great question– eating fruit is great, and gives you the fiber that this wouldn’t. Detox water allows you to spice up your water while receiving the benefits of fruit by soaking them in water. It also allows you to get the benefits of things you can’t or don’t normally eat — such as ginger or mint — that aid in digestive functions.
This is definitely not a replacement for eating fruit, but it is a good way to spice up your water and get hydrated as well as reaping the benefits of the vitamins in these waters.
sher says
Dear Amy,
Thanks for the quick reply! 🙂 This whole idea of detox water sounds really interesting and the water looks so pretty with all the fruits floating inside 🙂 I will give it a try one day.
Anonymous says
I MADE SOME LEMON WATER BUT I DIDNT SET IT IN THE FRIDGE BEEN OUT SINCE THE 8TH IS IT STILL GOOD.
Amy Suto says
haha I don’t think so — leaving fruit water out that long might make it super soggy and gross, especially if it isn’t refridgerated. But you’re welcome to give it a taste and report back 😛
Pauline says
What is sparkling? And where can I get it? Thks
Pauline says
Sorry I mean sparkling water?
Amy Suto says
Hey Pauline! Sparkling water is like mineral water, it has minerals in it and is carbonated. Make sure there’s no added sugar (there shouldn’t be) although if you prefer you can get like Perrier with a twist of lime or something. You can get sparkling water at any grocery store, and while you can use normal water, I find that sparkling water helps mix it up if you need an alternative to soda.
Morgan says
Hi,
I was just wondering if you are meant to eat the fruit after it has put nutrients into the water? Or do we just drink the water and toss the fruit? (So sorry if this is a stupid question)
Amy Suto says
No, it’s not a stupid question Morgan! You could eat the fruit if you wanted to, but you don’t have to. Soaking the fruit infuses its vitamins and nutrients into the water, so just drink the water and toss the fruit.
Anonymous says
waste of fruits
Rosalie says
Can I make these without the mint or will it take away from the effectiveness?
Amy Suto says
Sure! Fresh mint is preferable, but mint extract won’t take away its effectiveness.
Chad says
Is there a certain amount of time that I should let the water and fruit sit together before I drink the water?
Amy Suto says
HI Chad! About 4-5 hours will be enough to allow the fruit to soak, but if you want more flavor I would recommend letting it sit overnight in the fridge.
Lynn says
How often can you drink the detox drinks in one day.
Thank you, Lynn
Amy Suto says
Hi Lynn! As much as you’d like — it’s a great substitute for water!
Strange Question says
Hi there,
I’ve recently been making changes to my diet and trying to take it slowly. I have Selective Eating Disorder, which has only recently come into light. I can’t stand seeds or the texture of any fruit or veg however, I am very much aware of how unhealthy it is not to eat any. This fruit water seems like a brilliant idea as I am not opposed to the flavor of fruits rather the texture – It is obviously not a substitute for eating actual fruit, but it is a progression. Would you say that it is something that I should attempt to do?
Amy Suto says
Hi there! I would recommend asking your doctor. While fruit water absorbs many of the nutrients of fruit, it still is no substitute — have you tried smoothies or jucing fruits and veggies? None of these options will give you everything that a whole piece of fruit can, but smoothies are great for fruit and juicing is great for fruit and veggies so you may want to give those a try!
Strange Question says
Yeah I have, I’m still getting used to the flavor and texture combined so I figured water with fruit would be better than nothing!
Shireen says
Have you tried using the water bottles/pitchers that are meant to infuse your drinks? They have the basket that holds the fruit so the flavors are infused into the water, but the fruit/veggies themselves don’t get missed into the water.
Amy Suto says
Great tip, thanks Shireen! I have a cool cup thing with a straw that also has a middle basket thing to hold the fruit. It’s not always the most practical option, but some people might prefer special containers like these.
Marivel says
Hi! If I try any of these do I leave the fruit in the water while I drink it or do I take it out? & which is the best for weight loss? Please let me know, thanks!
Anonymous says
The drinks I’ve had in restaurants leave the fruit in it as you drink it. I had a watermelon infused water — no mint or basil, just watermelon — and it just melted into the water as I drank it. GREAT flavor!
Amy Suto says
Yum! Yeah, watermelon is the best because it infuses into the water so well! Thanks for sharing.
Amy Suto says
I would leave the fruit in the water — that way the flavor really soaks into the water!
Aepiyanun says
Can i you some question? How many time can i refill water with the same fruit? Thanks.
Amy Suto says
I refill the pitcher about 2-3 times — whenever the flavor starts to fade or the fruit becomes too soggy and starts falling apart.
Aepiyanun says
Thank you for info. 😉
Anonymous says
can I eat cucumber after drinking its water or throw it and only drink the water.. I heard that cucumber if left over one night in water it absorb all toxins so it became not healthy to eat
Amy Suto says
Don’t eat the fruit, it won’t taste great and will be soggy and weird. Fruit water is for drinking only! 🙂
Anonymous says
Hi Amy! Question: any recipes you have call for blueberries? I heard cucumber blueberries and mint is a good mix too.
Amy Suto says
I haven’t tried that combo but I will now!
Auriel says
is there any rules in combining the fruit? i tried lemon with plum, lemon with grapes..
but i only combine them by feeling.. so if u can tell me, which fruit cant be with which fruit, that might be great..
^_____^ thx
Amy Suto says
Hey Auriel! I find that lemons work in most combinations unless you have something super sweet (like watermelon). I haven’t tried grapes, and you would have to cut the grapes to try and get any flavor out of them– but it’s worth a shot! The combinations in this article are the ones I found mixed best, but feel free to experiment– there are no rules when it comes to recipes.
mayra says
does it make a diffrence if you use frozen fruit to fresh fruit?
Amy Suto says
It makes all the difference! Frozen fruit will defrost in your water and won’t taste as good or have all the benefits of fresh fruit.
Jane says
I did the apple, cinnamon water but added blueberries and a little bit of lemon juice and it was wonderful!
Amy Suto says
That sounds awesome, thanks Jane!!
Brenda says
Hi would it be okay to use any kinds of fruits or we got to stick to the detox water recipes?
Ingrid says
Hi, I just found your website and these drinks look so yummy! I’ve never liked kiwi because the brown outside turns me off, but I can’t wait to try them in water. Love your ideas!
Sam Kirkland says
Have you tried using any of the fruit infusion pitchers that are out there? I like the flavour of the water, but don’t like getting chunky bits of soft flesh fruit in my mouth – I dont like to chew my water but rather just drink, it. I have the RIO from Grosche ( http://www.grosche.ca ), and absolutely love it.
Cheers all,
Sam K
Nick says
Could the ingredients be juiced first and then added to the water?
mary says
i like to say i like the detox pls sent me more of that
rohit says
Can we mix most of the fruits together at a time and even coconut water with lemon, mint, basil to take out the maximum benefits..and drink it .
joy says
Hi
I’m currently breastfeeding, is it safe to start the 30 day challenge and dring these detox waters?
Dee says
So the fruit won’t go bad if I refill with water for two or three days in my fridge?
Brianna says
Hey Amy I was wondering which is the best to drink? I had the ginger,lemon,cucumber,and mint water n I’ve been going to the bathroom nonstop. Does that mean it’s working? I need help lol
Jade Ducos says
I was wondering if I should peel the skins off. My cousin made a detox water and she said it was bitter I’m guessing bease of the lemon skin .
Goodarz Javadian says
hi
Can I eat the fruits in detox water after drinking the water? or it is better to refill the pitcher with water again?
Shona says
Hi could you tell me is this helps you loose weight ? 🙂
Anonymous says
So sparkling water is like seltzer water? Like Canada Dry?
Shay says
So I have cucumbers and lemon, but no mint. Will the detox still be effective without it? How much more effective would it be if I had it versus not having any? Thanks in advance!
Bimbo says
I soak fruits in water to clean them from pesticides. I asume water gets toxic after this process wile the fruits get 25 % cleaner.
Jessica Taylor says
Hello! I was wondering if Lemon juice (in a bottle) would be a quick alternative to lemons?
Amy Suto says
Of course! That’s what I use when I can’t find lemons at the store.
missy says
can you eat on this cleanse
Amy Suto says
Of course! Fruit water is great for any time. All hail fruit water!
Chloe wright says
I use lemon and strawberry but I’m still in high school year 8 so I always refill my water bottle and reuse the fruit is that a bad thing
Amy Suto says
As long as you’re replacing the fruit before they start to get mushy, you’ll be fine! Good luck with your studies!
Amber says
Do we have to use sparkling water or can it be bottle water? Don’t like minerial water lol
Amy Suto says
You can use whatever water fits your fancy! I also suggest experimenting with a twist of lemon juice or cranberry juice if you get bored of it.
Just Simply Health says
Great share. I’ve been drinking ginger tea in a while now and i need new and refreshing to drink and i think i may have definitely found what i’ve been looking for….
Right now, i’m thinking about strawberries and bananas. yum
by the way, to anyone that wants to know about my detox tea idea : http://bit.ly/1L09Es7
Amy Suto says
Thanks for the share!
kiran k says
Hey I loved detox fruity drink …so I want to me whether the drink is only for loosing weight or it’s really healthy for our body??
Amy Suto says
The vitamins in the water from the fruit are great for you, but one of the best parts of this drink is that it encourages you to drink more water! Having more water in your diet will improve your complexion and energy levels. So drink up!
Sarah says
So my roommate introduced me to the detox water and I love it. So I started drinking them. But I’ve noticed that I’ve been getting headaches and I’ve read that mint can give you headaches. Dose anyone have another option besides mint I could use? Or can I make them without the mint. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you
Amy Suto says
Feel free to make them without mint! I like using a twist of lemon juice to keep it refreshing without the mint.
Anonymous says
Hi im new to detox waters and everything i had was very bland is there any way to sweeten them up by the way im allergic to strawberries
Amy Suto says
If you’re allergic to strawberries, by all means don’t use strawberries! And I would recommend using sparkling water and a hint of cranberry juice to sweeten it up a little. Hope that helps!
john says
How long I can continue drinking this drink??? Its almost 12 days I have continued drinking it regularly but on the 12th day I got cold and headache is it because of this. Please reply it to me. but it is working. For me
Vic O Peters says
Thx Amy. What if i juice watermelon, pineapples, gingers and or orange bell peppers together for beverage drinks. Is the conbo harmful or has a great health benefit? Your detox water recipes are great! Have tried them all and I’m loving them.
maryamben says
I like the drink but my challenge is how can i get the ingredients complete so that I can try it on my own
Anonymous says
Are you able to eat normally while you drink these drinks? Some people are telling me you have to just drink them and not eat anything?
unknown says
Hey Iwanted to know when you drink the water do u have to eat the fruits or no? And does it have to be organic fruits or it doesn’t mater ?
Emily says
Can you use frozen fruits like strawberries or berries in general in the drink? Will it still have the same effect?
melody says
What would a lemon-kiwi water do to help benefit me. Is that even a good combo? I’ve been trying different mixes to fit my taste buds…any thoughts.
Twinkle says
For the first time seen a website talking real. Thanks for the info.
Detox Water Recipes For Weight Loss
I have listed few detox recipes that are just perfect for all.
alex says
These smoothie look delicious – really refreshing after a workout. I try and workout at least 3 to 4 times a week and usually have an after workout smoothie for breakfast. It really fills me up. I will get these a try.