This drink was born after we created our Apple Cider Detox and fell head over taste bud over flatter stomach for it! 😉
As you probably already know, even before we became registered dietitians we had started this routine– when we wake up in the morning, the first thing we always do is hydrate with a big glass of water. This is one of the most important and energizing pieces to our morning—and if we don’t do it, we end up feeling like we need a boost all day. And drinks like this one are magical when we feel like we need something to give us an additional lift, (or we also have one of our refreshers like our Kale Recharge Smoothie and our Sparkling Cucumber and Refresh Detoxer ) when we feel like we want a fresh start after eating foods that we don’t typically eat or if our sweet tooth (Lyssie’s left canine is a beast!–ah!) is ever really feeling like it’s calling our name and won’t quit. A drink like this always helps to temper it.
So say hello to our new bestie–this Cool Citrus Cucumber Detox! We find it so refreshing and thirst-quenching that we keep wanting to drink more and more–and in the meantime, it works its’ magic– flushes bloat and toxins–and it squashes sweet cravings before they can get a hold of ya! 😉
As you may remember from our Apple Cider Vinegar Detox, this works similarly! Here’s how:
Flushes bloat: When we’re bloated we feel lousy and that’s why we made sure that this has water in combination with the potassium from the lemon, orange, mint and cucumber– to help restore normal fluid balance and flush salt. And the water gets your intestines up and running (literally) to keep you regular and prevent unsightly gut bulges from constipation. Buh bye bloat!
Helps prevent sweet cravings: If you wake up craving sugar, drink a large glass of water (this helps us and our clients A LOT) and see how you feel. If you still feel the urge for more sugar, hydrate your body with this slightly sweet and tangy elixir. It will take up space in your stomach and help to carry blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, energizing you so that your brain doesn’t crave a quick pick-me-up (i.e., sugar).
Another bonus? You’ll boost your immunity and help to prevent free radicals from damaging your cells and from causing inflammation thanks to Vitamin C from the lemon, orange and mint. As you stop damage and inflammation on the inside, your body can rest, relax and recharge –more peaceful on the inside for rejuvenation!
Here’s our advice for today! Start your day off right by drinking this drink and eating The Most Satisfying Weight Loss Breakfast. 🙂
On top of all that–there’s more magic behind this drink if you choose to use the optional vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has so many benefits—and you may remember it from our Rise & Shine Smoothie. Research shows that ACV may be the small edge you’re looking for to help to control your weight (and we happened to really like the taste! Score! 🙂 )
Small amounts of ACV before a meal may help lower your blood sugar. It seems that acetic acid, the main component in vinegar, may interfere with the body’s ability to digest starch; less starch being broken down into calories in the bloodstream could mean a little less fat on your body over time.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to drink gallons of the stuff–phew! It doesn’t take much vinegar—just about two teaspoons. (We drank this so many times during the day, that we reached the daily goal.)
Although more research is needed, as long as you don’t have trouble digesting foods that are high in acid, you have nothing to lose by giving it a try!
NOTE: Keep in mind that consuming too much acetic acid can hurt your throat. A tablespoon of vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water and taken before a meal is a safe dose. Go for this delish g’mornin smoothie to get a dose of ACV (and some delicious and wholesome nutrient-packed foods!)!
A few other bonuses (we included this info for you science geeks like us, who love knowing what everything is doing for your bod! ) 🙂
Lemons and oranges We are obsessed with both-and not only are lemons an amazing substitution for bloating-salt (we learned that when we were writing our Veggie Cure book), they are packed with vitamin C–a powerful antioxidant that help fight free radical damage–and assists in collagen formation for healthy, younger-looking skin! Pssst…careful when you open Lyssie’s fridge–a lemon (orange or lime) from the packed cold-zone may drop out on your toe!
• One of the greatest ways to flush bloat–they’re both great sources of potassium and water to restore normal fluid balance and flush out any bloating salt that may be causing you to store water and puffiness.
Mint We admit we’re a bit mint crazy–and sometimes just eat it straight–after all, we like to think of mint as a peace maker in the body. It eases indigestion and calms the stomach, likely by improving the flow of bile through the stomach, which helps to speed and ease digestion. Thanks in part to its’ anti-inflammatory antioxidant rosmarinic acid, it “calms your insides” to ease the havoc inside your body!
Cool Citrus Cucumber Detox
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1/2 organic lemon, sliced
1/2 orange, sliced
1/2 medium cucumber, sliced
4-5 mint leaves
3 cups water (24 ounces)
1- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
Directions:
In a pitcher or a large mason jar drinking glass, add the fruit slices, cucumber and mint. Pour in water and vinegar if using. Chill for several hours. You can refresh with water several times before tossing the the fruit out.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 2 Calories, 0 g Carbohydrate, 0 g Protein, 0 g Fat, : 0 g Saturated fat, 0 g Sugar, 0 g Fiber
- Makes 2 servings
- Ingredients:
- ½ organic lemon, sliced
- ½ orange, sliced
- ½ medium cucumber, sliced
- 4-5 mint leaves
- 3 cups water (24 ounces)
- 1- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
- In a pitcher or a large mason jar drinking glass, add the fruit slices, cucumber and mint. Pour in water and vinegar if using. Chill for several hours. You can refresh with water several times before tossing the the fruit out.