It’s that time of year again when we think about new habits and routines we want to put in place for the New Year. On one hand, I don’t like having one time of year where we think about the new habits we want to put in place. I believe we should be constantly working on implementing new habits and routines that are beneficial for us, but there is no doubt that going into the New Year still remains a great time to reflect on progress from the past year and take a look at what you want to change and/or improve moving forward.
I have a few daily habits that I want to implement and one of them is starting my day with a glass of warm (or room temperature) lemon water. The recipe is simple:
8-12 oz. of warm water + the juice of 1/2 a lemon (preferably organic)
I do attempt to buy organic when I can, but sometimes its not available or I don’t want to pay the extra. This guide is helpful when deciding what to buy organic based on pesticide load. The Dirty Dozen are the non-organic fruits and vegetables that are highest in pesticide residues. When going non-organic, it is best to stick to items from the Clean Fifteen list. EWG updates this list every year.
What are some of the key benefits from drinking warm lemon water?
1. Gives your immune system a boost
Lemons are high in both Vitamin C and potassium. Keep that cold at bay and stimulate brain and nerve function all while controlling blood pressure.
2. Helps with weight loss efforts
Lemons are also high in pectin fiber, which assists with fighting hunger cravings. It has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight at a faster rate. Lemon is on the list as one of the most alkaline foods and by drinking it everyday, you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity and balance your pH.
3. Keeps skin clear
Who doesn’t want help keeping skin clear? The vitamin C in lemons helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.
4. Gets the toxins out
Lemon juice helps flush unwanted toxins. Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body so toxins are released at a faster rate keeping your urinary tract healthy. The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and keep things moving.
5. Keeps you cool
Want to be cool as a cucumber? Drink some lemon water! Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when your mind and body are stressed. Lemons are chock full of vitamin C.
Are you drinking warm lemon water in the morning? What has your experience been? I would love to hear from you!
Habit Helper: Set the lemon by your bathroom sink each evening. This will be your trigger when you go to brush to teeth!
Brushing Tip:
Do not brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after drinking water with lemon or any acidic drink. Better yet, brush your teeth BEFORE you drink your lemon water; but wait a few minutes after brushing before drinking it.
Sources:
Healthy Holistic Living
Mind Body Green
La Jolla Mom
Livestrong
Photo Credit:
Joanna Kosinska
