My job requires me to report to work really early in the morning. And I don’t drink coffee. I did do the coffee once. And in order for me to enjoy I had to load it up with a lot of cream and even more sugar. But in general, coffee just isn’t my thing. However, it seems everyone else in the world needs it first thing in the morning to function. As a matter of fact, because my workplace is a television studio, we operate 24 hours a day seven days a week. To keep everyone alert and happy, we have these fancy coffee machines in all three of our break rooms.
And a nice selection of flavored coffee, tea and flavored creamers.
I tend to drink a couple cups of green tea every morning while we film our two hour show but it doesn’t really wake me up. Then again coffee doesn’t either. Another option would be to drink a Coca-Cola- but I gave up soda. In walks my lemon water…..
I have vowed in the past to drink hot water with lemon everyday so I could garner the benefits. However, in the past I often didn’t have to wake up so early so eventually it kind of fell out of my routine. Now I am going to re-add this to my morning ritual. The benefits and effects are just to good to pass up. Just the juice of one half of a lemon in 1 or 2 cups of water (depending on how much you like the taste of lemons) will begin to reap you some benefits.
First of all, lemons have such a tangy flavor they could not only waken my taste buds but the rest of me as well. Lemons contain large amounts of both potassium and vitamin C thus boosting your immunity system. Lemons aid in digestion. Lemons help stabilize blood sugar. Lemons help to cleanse the body by flushing bacteria and toxins out. Lemons cleanse the liver. Lemons contain pectin fiber which can help boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss. Lemons improve the overall appearance in your skin. Drinking lemon water will give you a natural glow. Lemons can reduce high blood pressure. The list just goes on and on.
I have read in many places that you will get the most benefits by drinking lemon in warm or hot water. However, I try to add lemon to even my cold water I drink throughout the day. I mean, after all, lemons have ZERO calories and can really liven up the flavor of just plain water. Plus, for me personally, I won’t get that jittery feeling I always get after I drink coffee (even if it’s decaf.)
Even my child wants in on the action…..
(But now also, on a side note- be very weary when asking for a lemon with your drink in restaurants. I can vouch first hand that the lemons were probably not washed prior to being cut and sit in a big container which means there are a lot of people who’s hands have been in them. Ew….There have been many studies conducted about the amount of bacteria found on the fruit garnishes restaurants use including lemons.)
So tell me what you think, could you replace just ONE cup of coffee daily with a cup of hot water and lemon?
Helen Corbin
Friday 8th of February 2013
Great advice - I was wondering when you were going to mention the garnishes at restaurants :-)