At Hip & Healthy we’re healthy cooking obsessed and we always make sure we use the best quality ingredients possible in our meals. However we can often overlook the difference water makes to the taste of our cooking, so we always make sure we use our BRITA tap to wash and prepare our food in filtered water.

Our top tips for the best ways to use filtered water properly when preparing and cooking food:

Washing fresh produce, beans, nuts, seeds and grains: We all know how important washing our fruits and veggies are, organic or not! If non-organic produce is your only option, do not fret! Simply fill a large bowl with filtered water from your BRITA tap, add a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and give your fruit and veg a good scrub. If you only buy organic, giving your produce a good rinse is still necessary to eradicate any bacteria that may have accumulated in transit.

When it comes to beans, grains, nuts and seeds, to ingest the most nutrients and reduce the possibility of stomach upset, it is very important to wash them well. These foods contain antioxidant compounds called phytates that can bind to certain minerals and slow their absorption, leading to nutrient deficiencies. However, by thoroughly washing beans, grains, nuts and seeds, or even better – soaking them overnight, you can significantly reduce the phytates present within these foods.

Soaking overnight oats and chia porridge: As mentioned above, soaking grains is a great way to reduce the level of phytates in grains and seeds – but this isn’t the only reason we love soaking ours! Most evenings, we prepare half a cup of oats or alternatively 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with half a cup of filtered water from our BRITA tap, a squeeze of lemon, half a cup of almond milk, a teaspoon of cinnamon, a teaspoon of maca, a dash of raw honey and berries; ready to enjoy a thick, creamy and naturally sweet overnight pudding come morning.

Adding to soups and stocks: Water is the main ingredient in all soups and stocks, so we always make sure to add filtered water to ensure the best taste possible. You can’t go wrong with a good vegetable stock and we always make sure to have a jar of our own in the freezer for when we’re looking to liven up our home cooking. For a super simple version – fill a pot with filtered water, add one chopped onion, a tablespoon of peppercorns, 3 cloves of crushed garlic and a dash of cayenne pepper for a simple broth to enjoy added to soups or as a stock to liven up grainy dishes and stir fries.

Making healthy ice-lollies: We love making healthy ice-lollies – especially in the summer! We enjoy ours jazzed up with our favourite fruits as a cooling and refreshing snack at any time of day. Simply freeze filtered water and add fruit. Our favourites? Frozen mango, raspberries and watermelon. Yum!

Adding to juices, smoothies & herbal tea: When it comes to making juices and smoothies, we prefer adding filtered water as opposed to fruit juice as is often added in store bought versions – most of the time we just don’t need the extra sugar! For a refreshing morning boost try combining one cup of water from your BRITA tap, a handful of spinach, a tablespoon of almond butter, a handful of berries and ½ a frozen banana for a delicious and nutritious start to your day.

Available in a variety of styles – from sleek Dolce to country style Kelda, BRITA taps can be retro fitted into a kitchen with no extra holes needed to be made in the worktop. RRP from £169 to £499.

Hip and Healthy have partnered with BRITA for this hydration challenge as part of the #BetterwithBRITA campaign. For more info visit www.brita.co.uk.

By Zsa Zsa Vella

#BetterwithBRITA- Stay Hydrated On The Move