Challenge 2: Lemon Water
The second challenge in the Clean Life Challenge… Drink Lemon Water! I ask that you start your day with 16 oz (2 cups) of room temperature lemon water every morning on an empty stomach. Sounds pretty simple and basic right? Well, this simple and basic step packs a big punch.
If you remember the Glass Theory... our bodies are like a glass and are constantly being exposed to and filled with toxins (that includes viruses and bacteria). It is essential we keep that glass low so our bodies can function at its best! If it overflows… everything start to fall apart.
I have found doing this small step every morning is an excellent way to help lower that glass.
Why?
There are so many benefits of drinking Lemon Water and in particular, first thing in the morning. Here is why I like it:
Aids your Liver in Detoxification
Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning will help flush your liver. While you sleep, your liver switches into filtration/detox mode and cleanses your body. You want to flush those toxins out in the morning!
Boost your Immune System -
Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and cellular damage.
Aids Digestion
The acid from lemon juice, citric acid, helps break down food for better digestion. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning can also help get the digestion system moving, encouraging daily bowel movements.
Very Hydrating
Lemons contain potassium, which functions as an electrolyte helping our body regulate fluid. On top of this, simply starting your day with 16 oz of water starts you on the right track for getting enough of you daily water in take. It is recommended you drink half your weight in ounces of water (example 120 lbs should be 60 oz of water per day). This is just a guide… when your urine turns clear, you have had enough water.
Acts as a natural diuretic
Lemon water makes you pee, which can help with bloating and possible weight loss.
Improve quality of your skin
Vitamin C supports collagen production, the foundation of our skin. Plus, simply drinking water keeps us hydrated and in turn your skin hydrated, which can mean less wrinkles.
How to:
Morning Lemon Water
16 oz (2 cups) room temp water (ideally filtered)
½ to 1 lemon or 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (ideally organic)
To make lemon water, squeeze lemon juice into a glass of water and Enjoy!
Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach before you eat or drink anything else, that includes your morning coffee. Ideally, wait about 20 to 30 minutes before consuming other foods or beverages to get the full benefits.
Tips
I prefer to make my lemon water the night before and leave it on the counter in a travel cup. That way, it is sitting there… ready to go. There is no need to make anything in the morning, which means no excuses not to do it!
I also like to squeeze a bunch of lemons at the beginning of the week and keep the lemon juice in an airtight jar in the fridge with a sprinkle of Himalayan Sea Salt . That way, I can easily pour the lemon juice in my glass. While fresh lemon juice is best… doing it is better than not!
Another option is to squeeze a bunch of lemons and freeze them in ice cube trays. Pop out 1-2 ice cubes, add it to you 16 oz of water and you are good to go!
Don’t have lemons… Limes work too!
If you haven't noticed… I like to make this as easy as possible! I find if it's complicated at ALL in the morning, I just don't do it and this is too important not to do.
Concerns:
Lemon juice is a form of citric acid and can eat away at tooth enamel. However, this is a small amount of lemon juice and it is diluted in water so it should not be a problem. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned.
Are you in? Will you join me in drinking 16 oz of warm lemon water first thing every morning? I hope you do! If you missed the first challenge and want to get caught up, click here for more info.
Don’t forget, challenges are more fun with friends. Get a friend or family member to join you on this journey and don’t forget to tag me @CleanLifeRealWorld.
Stay safe, healthy and happy!
Elena XOXO
Have questions, thoughts, or your own tips & tricks? I would love to hear from you! Let’s get social—find me on social media or share right here by using the comment box below.