This is the ideal drink if you overindulged on food and drink and your intestinal tract is not letting you forget it, i.e.–you’re feeling bloated and your tummy is just full of discomfort.  And it’s one of our faves–so easy and refreshing! Although you may think that these veggie loving, registered dietitians and personal trainers (who just happen to be identical twin sisters) wouldn’t need or want a drink like this, you likely know about our sweet tooth and that we work hard to keep it in check— and that we too have times where we want to swiftly get back on the straight and narrow! 😉  So you can sign us up for this great lil’ number!

And although your body is equipped to detox and cleanse itself on its own, naturally, certain health-promoting foods and drinks, assist it in its process.  And this drink does just that–and it’s ONLY 3 calories!  (If you’re looking for other ways to “detox” check out our 5 Steps to Cleanse the Body, Detox & Recharge!)  You simply need to calm down your insides so they can start settling down, repairing, de-puffing, restoring and rinsing the bloat.  Your body responds to poor food choices (think some such as those with artificial additives and those containing trans fats) and toxins with inflammation.  Chronic inflammation in the body leads to diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Inflammation is also linked with weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Preventing that inflammation means not only will you be less inflamed on the inside and have less stomach distress, but also that you’ll be healthier in the long haul! Check out how the ingredients below work their magic in this drink and how they aid the body in its restorative process.  And you may also enjoy our Kale Recharge Smoothie, our Sparkling Cucumber and Refresh Detoxer, and our Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink, just to name a few! 😉

 

 

This drink is so simple to make, yet it works wonders.  Here’s why:

 

The ginger:

• Ginger is often used to aid in digestion by alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and relieving nausea. It promotes elimination of intestinal gas and acts as an antispasmodic by relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract (goodbye puffiness and bloat, hello calmer, flatter tummy!)

•   Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, so it protects the cells from damage done by free radicals and other toxins–like those from not-so-great food and drink choices.

 

The Lemon:

• The ideal flushing food–packed with potassium and water to restore normal fluid balance and flush out any bloating salt that may be causing you to store water and puffiness.

• Let’s face it, when you don’t eat right and you overindulge in junk, you put your body to the test. Lemon gives you a shot of vitamin C and acts as an immune-booster to help strengthen your body after all the havoc it’s just been through.

• Helps to neutralize free radicals before they can do any further damage and prevents inflammation so that the body can stay calm.

 

The Mint:

• Mint aids digestion and settles the stomach.
• Mint (and lemon!) both contain potassium to help restore normal fluid balance and flush out bloat.

 

Plus, as you sip this throughout the day, the water will help to fill you, preventing you from overeating any of the leftovers that you may be especially tempted by when you’re hungry.  It also will rid your body of bloat and puffiness as the water restores normal fluid balance and flushes out extra sodium that your body may be retaining from a high-salt meal.

 

Lemon & Mint Detox Drink

We suggest drinking this throughout the day.  It’s refreshing, restorative and great for your bloat-free belly! 🙂

 

Makes 1 serving* (see below to make a large batch)

 Ingredients

8 ounces water

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 lemon, cut in half, half reserved for garnish

Several sprigs of mint

*This recipe makes one serving but you can make a large batch using 6 cups of water and a 2-inch piece of ginger (grated this will be about 2-3 tablespoons). Simply boil the water in a tea pot and once it’s boiling, remove it from the heat and add the ginger and let it steep for 6-10 minutes. The longer it steeps the stronger the flavor.  If you like the tea hot, you can strain it right into a tea cup and squeeze in lemon and garnish with mint.  For cool tea, once it’s cooled, strain it into a pitcher, add lemon and mint (the more the merrier!).

 

Directions

Boil water and make ginger tea by pouring hot water into a cup with the ginger.

Allow to steep for 2- 3 minutes.

Pour the water from the ginger tea through a strainer to remove the ginger and pour into a glass.

Squeeze juice from ½ lemon into ginger tea.

Slice remaining half of lemon and use to garnish.

Add several sprigs of mint (the more the merrier).

Drink warm or cool.

 

Nutrition Facts:  3 Calories

 

Struggling to lose weight? Want to get and feel healthier? Don’t want to go through it alone? You don’t have to!

We’re here to help! And you don’t have to starve yourself or give up your favorite foods. Apply to our Transformation Jumpstart program to see how we can best help you with our 1:1 coaching!