When I first had my surgery 2.5 years ago, Water never sat right and always tasted funny. Before surgery, I drank water like it was going out of style. And even still, I find water tastes off to me and many times it doesn't taste good either. Some days it is ok, most days not. So I find myself drinking a lot of sugar free drinks. I have tried finding ones that are sweetened with natural sweeteners, but there are not very many, and the ones that I have found I have to order online and are expensive (I also live in Canada). And I have tried making my own like kool-aid sweetened with Stevia, real iced-tea. The koolaid was ok, but I do not like tea and could not get over the taste (although I LOVE Arizona Sugar Free Lemon Iced Tea but can't make something similar). I have tried cutting them out, but then I don't get in enough water in a day.

So what have the rest of the vets found? Any hints or tricks? Does anyone know of any other naturally sweetened drink mixes or a good recipe?? Or do I just accept drinking artificially sweetened drinks for life!

I have been a big time Water flavored since surgery for several reasons. Mostly' date=' plain room temp water is too "hard" it does not settle right even now at 1 year. My tap water is actually pretty good as far as purity is concerned. I have a little home measurement device that gives me the readings. I do not have access to ice water for the amount of water I drink daily. Seriously, I drink like a race horse - 1-1.5 gallons daily. Even more then my dog which I thought was a champion water drinker.

Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when drinking some fruit infused water on a garden tour with my wife. The water had sliced oranges, lime and cucumber. It was really refreshing and tasty. I now have to get in a habit of flavoring my water this way because it will save so much money over buying water enhancers every week. I know others have already mentioned this to me a while back, but I finally tried it and love the taste. Question remains if there are any calories from drinking water flavored this way and how long does it take for infusion to do its magic? I like a good amount of flavor and not just a hint.[/quote']

Fiddleman, slice your fruit/ veg/ herbs etc thin and put heaps into a 1.5 gallon container and steep overnight. I dont put it in the fridge- just let it sit out as I prefer it room temp. Unless you use a lot of sugary fruit ( orange sadly is one) it wouldn't add up to many extra calories at all I reckon. I've also added cold cinnamon and apple, or mango tea to the mix which is good too. Cucumber is the best though, and lots of it.

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Fiddleman' date=' slice your fruit/ veg/ herbs etc thin and put heaps into a 1.5 gallon container and steep overnight. I dont put it in the fridge- just let it sit out as I prefer it room temp. Unless you use a lot of sugary fruit ( orange sadly is one) it wouldn't add up to many extra calories at all I reckon. I've also added cold cinnamon and apple, or mango tea to the mix which is good too. Cucumber is the best though, and lots of it.

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Mmmm sounds delish!! Just needs some Pims adding. :-D