Some 750 million people in the world are overweight, according to author and researcher John P. Foreyt. For most people, small changes in diet and physical activity practiced each day is the key to long-term, successful weight loss. Adding lemon juice to water may be a dietary change that can help you lose weight.
Significance
Though most people believe lemons to be acidic in nature, they actually have an alkalizing effect on the body. According to author Cherie Calbom, food we consume elevates acid content in the body. Lemon juice eliminates toxins from the body while elevating alkaline levels. In addition, the digestive system in enhanced and the liver is purified as waste products and toxins are flushed away with the stringent power of lemon juice. Keeping the liver and digestive system healthy is a positive foundation for healthy weight.
Enhancing Vigor
Drinking lemon water daily helps increase energy accessibility in the body after exercising. Lemon water helps to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. People that are tired from exercising in their quest to lose pounds can start their day with lemon juice in lukewarm water.
No Pain, No Gain?
There are many diet plans promoting lemon juice in water as the sole component for weight loss. While these extremely low-calorie diets may seem appealing to people wishing to lose weight without much effort, they can be extremely dangerous and usually end with costs to your health---or you may simply regain all of the weight you lost. Lemon water as a weight-loss aid should be paired with a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.
Frequency
Lemon water can be an effective diet aide or supplement when used properly. To curb excessive hunger pangs, lemon water can be consumed as needed between meals and during meals to reduce stomach capacity in a healthy way. If being used as a supplement to detoxify the body to encourage natural weight loss, drinking 8 oz., twice a day should be sufficient.
Considerations
Lemon juice may have a bleaching effect on teeth. While this may be appealing initially, this effect may weaken the enamel of your teeth. In order to prevent enamel damage, rinse your mouth with clear water each time after consuming lemon water. Allow up to an hour before brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water to allow acid dissipation to prevent damage and tooth sensitivity.
Lavender Lemonade
According to author and herbalist Susan Weed, a tasty way to incorporate lemon water into a diet regime is to add 1 tsp. maple syrup or agave nectar to 8 oz. lemon water. Add one drop lavender essential oil for a tasty treat of lavender lemonade. Incorporating this lightly sweetened drink may alleviate the temptation for more calorie-laden goodies, which would interfere with your diet. Do not add more than a drop of lavender essential oil to 8 oz. lemon water to avoid toxicity.
References
- "Obesity Is an Environmental Issue"; Poston, Walker S. C., and Foreyt, John P.; 1999
- "Juicing for Life: A Guide to the Benefits of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Juicing"; Cherie Calbom; 1991
- "Natural Family Living: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Parenting"; Peggy O'Mara; 2000
- "Healing Wise"; Susan Weed; 2003
Member Comments