Health BytesNutrition

Health Byte #1: Start Fresh with Lemon Water

How does your day begin? Have you noticed that what you do at the start of the day helps set the tone for the hours to come? Lemon water is a great addition to your morning routine. Fast and easy to make, it will help you feel refreshed and hydrated, and it brings a host of wonderful health benefits. 

Check them out:

  • Lemons are an excellent addition to your diet. They are known to aid in digestion, and promote skin, liver, and kidney health.  
  • Lemons contain antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. These powerful wellness wonders have significant anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. 
  • Staying hydrated benefits all of the cells of your body, improving the way you feel and function. Slugging down a glass of water first thing in the morning isn’t very appealing. Add the bright taste of lemon, along with its natural electrolytes, and hydrating your body after hours of sleep becomes pleasant and refreshing.
  • Drink water before a meal to help to reduce caloric intake (1), a bonus if you want to lose weight. The astringent effect of lemon water also helps to reduce hunger cravings. 
  • Breathe in that lemony scent! The smell of lemons has been shown to boost mood and decrease stress levels. (2)

So how do you you make lemon water? Simple. Just fill your favorite glass or mug with cool or warm water. Squeeze a third to a half of a lemon in with a lemon squeezer, stir, and drink up! Or you can prepare lemon water the night before by rinsing, cutting up, and deseeding a couple of lemons, then adding them to water in a mason jar or other glass container to keep in your fridge. Wake up, pour and drink, and start your day feeling healthy and refreshed. 

À Votre Santé! (To your health!)

 

♥What is a “Health Byte”? It’s a quick and simple way to add more wellness to your day—a tasty tidbit that will help you feel better. Try them out, maybe for a week or so. Keep the ones that work for you, and leave the rest behind. As you gradually add more wellness “snacks” into your life, they will become habits that enhance your day. You’ll enjoy and look forward to them, because your body loves feeling better.