Switching to Flavored Waters: A Refreshing Change
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’ve posted several articles about loaded teas. Recently, though, I’ve switched to simple flavored waters.
Why the Switch?
Flavored waters are easier! While I still make loaded teas when Carrie or one of the grandkids asks for one, simple flavored waters are just more convenient and still taste great.
I’m not giving up on loaded teas entirely; I’m just opting for the easier route with flavored water most days.
The Pros and Cons
Loaded Teas – Pros
- Delicious taste
- Appealing appearance
- Variety of flavors
- Mostly easy-to-find ingredients
- Simple to make
- Hundreds of recipes available
- Fun to experiment with new recipes
Loaded Teas – Cons
- Takes a few minutes to prepare
- Requires various measuring spoons and cups
- Some ingredients can be hard to find
- Some ingredients are more expensive
- Storage of ingredients can be an issue
- Questionable caffeine boost
- Concern about artificial sweeteners
Flavored Waters – Pros
- Easy to make
- No measuring spoons or cups needed
- Only two ingredients – water and flavor packets
- No caffeine (unless using energy drink mix)
- Variety of flavors
- Fun to try new combinations
Flavored Waters – Cons
- No caffeine boost
- Less visually appealing
- Storage of a large variety of flavors can be an issue
- Concerns about artificial sweeteners
Caffeine
I’ve been drinking both homemade and purchased loaded teas and flavored waters. Honestly, I can’t tell if I’m getting a caffeine boost or not. Most drinks taste good, some flavors better than others, but I don’t miss the caffeine in flavored waters.
Some flavored waters use energy drink mixes, but mostly just simple flavor packets. When I add powdered tea and guarana powder, I don’t notice any difference in terms of a boost.
Neither drink seems to lead to weight loss or decreased appetite, unless drinking before a meal helps you feel fuller and eat less. The loaded tea recipes I used never claimed to promote weight loss.
Preparation
Making a loaded tea takes more time and precision. You have to follow a recipe, and even after months, I still rely on them. They require hot water, cold water, multiple measuring spoons and cups, ice, flavor packets, and aloe vera juice.
Loaded teas aren’t hard to make, but they do involve washing and putting away utensils afterward. I do like adding aloe vera juice to flavored water without measuring, just a quick pour.
For flavored water, I start with a bit of tap water in a 32 oz cup and choose two flavor packets. Stir it up, add cold water from the fridge to about 3/4 full, then add ice. That’s it!
I don’t measure water or ice. My 32 oz cups have screw-on lids and long, hard plastic straws to break up the ice. I pack in as much ice as possible, and as it melts, I add more flavor, water, and ice.
When the flavored water is too strong, add more water. For a weak taste, simply add more flavor. To increase sweetness, mix in some pineapple or pina colada. For a tarter taste, try adding lemon-lime flavor.
Favorite Flavors
Peach, pineapple, pina colada, and orange are some of my favorite flavors. There are so many different flavors to choose from, the combinations are limitless!
I also love lemon-lime, Canada Dry, 7UP, cranberry, and cherry limeade.
I’ve made some flavors I didn’t care for, particularly berry-based or anything blue. When the grandkids visit, I steer them toward berry flavors since I have a growing collection from variety packs.
More to Come!
I’m not throwing in the towel on loaded teas! I still have a lot of flavor packets and teas on hand))) It’s been a lot of fun and an adventure seeking out new recipes and hunting for flavors. I’ve had folks in my family on the lookout for specific flavors while they do their shopping))) It has been exciting to hear. “Hey! I found you some Polar Blast!
Kudos to Silver Lining Lessons where most of the recipes I used for the loaded teas came from. Their website is great and they have created some fantastic concoctions! If you want to learn more about loaded teas, flavored water, and protein drinks, check them out. They are a fantastic resource)))
