Why you should drink lemon water upon rising

The other day I was at a car shop, and the owner and I got in the conversation of drinking water.  I told him how much I believe that drinking water is one of the most important things we can do for our body since the average human body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water.  I went on to say that I start my day with a tall glass of warm water with lemon and I love how I feel after I do so.  He loved this idea because he said he only drinks very cold water and finds himself only taking a few sips and not wanting the rest, resulting in not drinking enough for the day.  It's much easier to drink large amounts of water when it's room temperature or warm. 

Even though we sometimes think that everyone knows these simple things, most people aren't applying them in their life.  We all need gentle reminders to steer us in the right direction.  When you start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for yourself the rest of the day. 

Here are just a few of many benefits of water with lemon:

- Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium.  Vitamin C is great for fighting colds (we can all use that this winter) and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure. 

- Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.  

- Gives you an alkaline start to your day by balancing your PH levels.  

- Skin healing!! (One of my favorite benefits) It combats free radicals while the Vitamin C and antioxidants fight wrinkles and blemishes.

- Mood energizer.  Lemon contains negative charged ions which gives your body energy when entering digestive tract.

- Promotes healing with its multiple anti-inflammatory properties. 

- Conditions and cleans the liver and helps purify the blood.

- Feeling super fresh afterwards.  

You want to use purified water and it should be warm, not super hot.  I squeeze a half of lemon in each glass, always using fresh lemon, organic if possible.  

I also wait at least a half hour to eat breakfast or drink my green smoothies in the AM. 

Sometimes for more benefits I sprinkle cayenne pepper in it with some stevia, or even some minced ginger.  You can experiment this way, I promise you this is magical =) 

Of course, this is a great way to start the day but make sure you stay hydrated through out the day. Always have purified water around you.  

Enjoy these amazing benefits!! Short term and especially long term.  

XoXo, 

Michaela

Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Butter

I have been in love with coconut oil for quite some time.  I love anything beneficial for your health and has multiple purposes.  Coconut oil is one of those things, and is always on my top ten things I need in my pantry.  You can use it for beauty care (hair oil, body oil, cuticle cream....), cooking, baking, I put it in smoothies.  I make the best chocolates using coconut oil (instead of butter/dairy) and they taste divine!!   

Coconut oil contains absolutely no trans fats. Although many people mistakenly believe coconut oil is dangerous to health due to its saturated fat content, close to two-thirds of its saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are actually health promoting and they are antimicrobial, easily digested for quick energy, and beneficial to the immune system.

Since I like to experiment with yummy vegan dishes, I have seen that a few recipes call for coconut butter.  So on my trip to Whole Foods I picked some up.  I have not tried it yet but have looked it up and found nothing but great reviews.  This week I'll try to make my chocolates with that.  

Coconut oil is JUST the oil that is extracted from the meat.

Coconut butter is the whole meat of the coconut pureed into a creamy butter.Coconut meat (by nature) is approximately 65% oil.

Most likely you can find both of these in your health food stores, or stores such as Whole Foods.  If you don't have those around you, you can order them online.  Sometimes you can get a better deal that way.  

Nourish your body and you will live a happier life. I hope you have a wonderful and vibrant day!! 

XoXo, 

Michaela