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How To Boost Weight Loss & Wellness. A Morning Drink To Pave The Way.

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Want to know how to boost weight loss, improve your skin, cleanse & detox your liver, stimulate your digestive function, and start the morning fresh?

Well listen up because it’s a super simple method that I use every day myself and get all my clients using too.

A lemon and apple cider drink taken with warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning! It really does work and has so many benefits too.

lemon & apple cider

Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar

Lemon is a natural antioxidant, has antiviral, anti bacterial and immune boosting properties to promote wellness on many levels. It’s loaded with vitamin C, bioflavanoids, magnesium, calcium and other vitamins and minerals, and is an incredibly neutralizing and cleansing fruit for the body.

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a natural remedy for many things. It has natural anti bacterial and anti viral properties. It also contains many minerals, has alkaline properties, can aid with blood sugar regulation, and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

5 Ways Lemon & Apple Cider Boost Weight Loss & Wellness

1.Balance the body

If you’re in the process of losing weight chances are you’ve come into the process with a body that is way out of balance. This can occur on a variety of levels but one of the areas that is most important to get under control is the digestive system.

The digestive system is key in helping you to effective metabolise your food, extract nutrients, and eliminate toxins. When the digestive system has become inhibited by the consumption of highly processed foods and so forth, then one of the best ways to help bring back the balance is to drink this wonderfully neutralizing and balancing drink.

2. Alkalize the body

Having an over acid body can lead to low level chronic inflammation in the tissues throughout your body and organs. This can slow down the process and function and also possibly lead to disease.

Although you’d probably think of lemons as being acidic, they actually have the opposite effect and are incredibly alkalizing. When your body has a more stable pH balance it help reduce inflammation and will generally function better, keeping your immune system in good shape and helping to ward off disease.

3. Cleanse & detoxify the liver

The liver is an amazing organ and is responsible for processing all the nutrients we eat and then shipping them out to the various parts of our body. It also helps to process the toxins we constantly bombard our bodies with. This lemon drink helps to cleanse toxins out of the liver and also stimulates function to help more effective and efficient processing of nutrients, including increasing fat metabolism.

4. Aid digestion & cleansing of the colon

This little magic drink greatly helps with the stimulation of digestive enzymes throughout your gut and helps promote healthy gut bacteria. There are thousands of these enzymes and bacteria working hard to digest your food effectively so giving them a helping hand is a very beneficial thing. It also helps to assist with better elimination by stimulating the bowel. So if you suffer from constipation it can be a great help too.

5. Boost weight loss

All of the above benefits will help your body function better and improve your digestion and metabolism and thus increase your weight loss results.

I’ve also found that one additional benefit is that it helps to decrease sugar cravings and regulate appetite, my clients have also found this to be true. The other great benefit is that when you kick start the day on a good foot like this, it often means the rest of the day is going to be great too!

Of course it also helps to accompany this morning ritual by following with a day filled with healthy nutritious food. Any attempt to have only the lemon and apple cider drink and still eating crap is certainly not going to help too much. The point is that this wonderful drink helps set the perfect scene on the inside of your body so that everything else you do will have additional benefits and make your results all the more rewarding.

Morning Drink Recipe

Place the juice of half a lemon and 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a mug. Fill the mug with warm filtered water. Have it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

If you currently drink tea or coffee first thing in the morning, you’ll just be having a lemon, apple cider tea instead!

Give it a try and let me know how it helps you. :)

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Jedha-D-circle-smallHi I'm Jedha, resident nutritionist (MNutr.BSSc.). My motto is: “YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH” because there is nothing in this world that makes us more wealthy than having good health. I truly believe that good food is the key to a happy, healthy life and I'm on a mission to inspire you to get back inside your kitchen, eat real food, and as a result, improve your health dramatically. Trust me, there is great power in the food we eat! So here you'll find easy and practical info to help you eat well, and feel your best everyday. I look forward to getting to know you :)

Comments

  1. can you use coconut vinegar would it be better for you than the apple cider vinegar, I heard coconut vinegar has same properties but better for you

    • Not sure if it’s better Connie as I’ve not used it myself, but give it a try and see how it works for you.

  2. Good morning,
    Please help me understand the rationale for the boiling water. It seems to me that putting boiling water over the lemon juice would deactivate some the beneficial enzymes/properties in the lemon juice.
    Thank you

    • Hi Joy, If you’re concerned about the boiling water, then use luke warm water. You don’t want to be having cold water on an empty stomach. As for the boiling water I don’t really have any logic for that, it has always been an effective remedy as used in the recipe and to tell you the truth I had never thought about it. However I can see your point, though I do believe lemon juice is very resistant to losing any beneficial properties, perhaps a little vitamin C may be lost. Like I said, it has always been effective as used via the recipe :)

      • Out of curiosity, why should i drink the lemon and cider vinegar with cold water on an empty stomach?

        • If you read the post it points out all the benefits. The idea is you want to stimulate your digestive system, liver etc, and it’s best to do this before eating.

          • Hi I drink this but room temperature water and limes instead of lemon. Is there a difference between suing lemons vs. Lime? And warm vs. room temperature or cold water?

  5. HI, I had a hair analysis done and have adrenal issues and was told to avoid salt all together as my sodium/ potassium levels where high ,i keep reading about adding Sea Salt, which is all i use anyway what should i be doing ? No salt or salt ? in your opinion ?

    • Hi Chana, thanks for stopping by and nice to meet you. Adding sea salt is often recommended for people who have hypoglycemia/low cortisol issues which is often accompanied by low sodium/potassium. Adrenal issues can be different for each person, some people have high cortisol, some low. In your case if the tests results indicate high sodium I would avoid it because high sodium levels can have negative health implications. Your individual test results are always the best thing to follow.

      I hope that helps and all the best with things :)

    • Chana,

      I weaned myself off of salt years ago. Just wanted to let you know that most of the food we eat already has enough salt in it. I cook with salt, if needed, but I know that most food nowadays is loaded with salt so I cook accordingly. Hope this helps.

    • I’m in love with this drink. I drink it all day long.. is there a reason not to ??? ☺

        • It seems just like cleaning with hot vinegar does better than plain vinegar (although I am a fanatic with cleaning with vinegar!) That a hot or warm vinegar would work its way to your system even faster and bettrr. Hope this helps.

  7. does the apple cider vinegar have to be raw/organic??? Or can I use the generic kind? Also if I am using bottled lemon juice instead of half a fresh one how many Tbl./tsp. would that be? Thank you so much! Have a blessed day!

    • Hi Abby, organic is always better but generic brands will work just fine also. The fact is that lots of people use generic brands because they are more esily accesible and affordable and this is perfectly fine. If you use bottled lemon juice use at least 1 tablespoon. All the best with it :)

    • Hi…I would just say that organic is best and will yield you the best results. I use Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. It is raw, unfiltered and has the mother. I pay $4 for the 16 oz bottle size and it lasts me about a month. Organic is always best. You can google Bragg ACV and get info on all of its awesome benefits. I have been using it for many years.

      • Absolutely Rochelle, I always recommend Braggs – love it and have used it for many years also. You can get both filtered and unfiltered but the unfiltered is best.

      • You can find Bragg and also Heinz at Walmart. Bragg brand is like $1+ more than Heinz. Hope this helps

  8. Does this drink flush out the body? I have thyroid medicatuonni have to take in the morning on an empty stomach and so a lot of these morning beverages make me nervous that it’ll cancel out my medication. I’m interested in maintaining a healthy digestive system and weight loss but I don’t care about detox because there’s no actual science behind it.

    • The drink does what the article says Victoria. I wouldn’t say it ‘flushes’ out the body as such. I doubt it would interfere with your medication, but have you asked your doctor about having things with it in the morning? Always best to do that if you are worried.

      • I’ve been told by medical professionals that you should take medication first and wait at least 30 minutes before doing anything that flushes the system

    • Jedha,
      Thyroid medication should be taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with any food can affect absorption from stomach. That being said, taking it with this lemon/vinegar drink may be ok. As long as you are consistent and drink it every morning with your medication (key is consistently- before now you have been “consistently” taking it on an empty stomach). Your thyroid medication has been adjusted for your needs.

      You should notify your doctor that you are doing this. He may need to monitor your blood TSH or thyroid level and adjust your medication in consideration of the addiction of this morning beverage. As long as you are consistent and communicate with your doctor, this should be ok. If you decide to discontinue this drink in the future and your thyroid dose was adjusted because of it – you will need to tell you doctor.

      Another option would be to have your thyroid pill at your bedside and literally take it first thing in am (as you roll out of bed). Wait 30 mins (shower,get dressed, make coffee, etc) then have lemon/vinegar drink. Or, you can drink it at night. Or you can take your thyroid medication before bed as long as it has been @ least 3 hours after last eaten.

      Hope this helps.

      ~ Jennie, RPh, PharmD

  10. Hi Jedha, how long should I wait after drinking this before eating breakfast?
    Thanks
    Michelle

  11. I have trouble keeping fresh lemons on hand and prefer fresh over the bottled. Would it be suitable to squeeze a large quantity of lemons into silicon ice cube trays to keep on hand? Would I lose any of the benefits of the lemon juice?

      • I squeeze fresh lemon into a tupperware cup with the lids. I squeeze enough for the entire week and use it each morning. I have done this drink with just lemon and it works great. I am now going to add the vinegar and see how that works.

      • Further up the comments feed you said that limes have similar properties to lemons so should be ok. Which is it, yes or you don’t know?

        • Joanna, the recommendation is lemons. Like I said, Limes have similar properties so they probably work but it is not what I recommend.

  16. is it okay to drink this everyday? or should you only do it for a week or so at a time? thank you :)

    • Sure you could add cinnamon if you want, it’s also a natural metabolism booster and a source of chromium, which helps reduce sugar cravings.

  23. i have been drinking a coconut oils, ginger, lemon mix with warm water before bed each night. I have noticed a lot of overall health improvements since I started. I was also concerned about teeth, but my last check up showed perfectly healthy teeth.

    • Could you please send me the recipe for you coconut ginger and lemon drink. Thank you

  24. My family has recently gone 95% vegan/vegitarian for health and weight loss purposes. We’ve cut out pop, caffeine, refined sugar and white flours and significantly reduced our salt intake. We definately are feeling better. I’ve always wanted to try this drink as I’ve seen its health benefits before. But recently I was diagnosed with silent reflux believed to have started long before our diet changes. I was put on a daily reflux med to reduce the throat irritations I’ve been having from it. My question is with the acidic nature of the Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Do you know if this could worsen the reflux issue?

    • Hi Cindy, I think you will find it will help the reflux. I often recommend apple cider vinegar for people with reflux because contrary to popular belief, most people get reflux due to lack of stomach acid, not due to excess. So the apple cider vinegar helps stimulate gastric juices and enzymes, which often eases the reflux.

      You can only give it a try and of course if it does make you worse, stop taking it but I doubt that will happen. Let us know how you go :)

  25. Thank you for the information jedha’Today i started the morning drink and i love its effects and im so energize and feelin fresh all the way…..

  27. I made this today for the first time, and it taste very good. I didn’t miss my morning coffee at all. Thank you for sharing.

  28. I use the apple cider vinegar and lemon, along with honey for my throat, as I am a singer. Does the honey do anything to keep the other items from doing what they are supposed to do? I wouldn’t think it would, as honey has so many good properties in it as well – especially if it is raw honey from the area where you live. I would drink it all the time if it is a good detox?

    • Raw honey does have beneficial properties but it is sugar so is not a detox element and won’t boost weight loss. Leave the honey out for best results.

  29. hello, I also take a probiotic capsule in the morning on an empty stomach and just started this beverage this morning. Will there be any side effects with taking both of these together on an empty stomach? Excited to see the benefits!

  31. Hi, I haven´t read any comments confirming that this recipe helped in weight loss. Anyone out there who has had weight loss from this morning drink? Thanks

    • It definitely helps Chai, without a doubt. It won’t make you lose weight all on it’s own, you still have to eat well, but it helps a great deal with all of the points mentioned above and boosts your weight loss results :)

  33. hi jedha! Thank you so much. This recipe! I’m gonna try it but can a put cayenne pepper and the drink!?? Thank you aging!☺️☺️

  34. does it have to a mug full……..I’ve been taking it like shot in about a 1/3 of a cup of warm water.

  35. when I make it u are say just use half a Lemon and 1 tsp of Apple cider right and how many time do take it

      • Maybe I’m blind but I’m just not finding the the recipe & mesurments anywhere on this post. I’ve read every comment and clicked on several pictures (some were ads that took me elsewhere. Would you mind reposting or sending me the link directly. I’m sorry and thank you in advance!!!

        • Yep you must be blind. :)

          It’s got a BIG header above it.

          “Morning Drink Recipe

          Place the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a mug. Fill the mug half full of filtered cold water, then add boiling water to make a warm drink. Have it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.”

  36. Hi! What should I eat after doing this? And how long should I wait to eat? Thanks

  37. i just began drinking this mixture yesterday morning but don’t feel/notice anything different. Should I have?

    • Sorry about the accidental delete Carol, your comment was near a spam…happens sometimes 😉

      Like most dietary changes, things are best sustained long term because effects take time to become apparent.

  39. can I drink a cup of coffee first or should I drink this first? Can I have a cup coffee after?

    • Hi Candice, Apologies for the late reply.

      Drink the lemon apple cider first and wait at least 15 minutes before you have anything else.

  40. I have been drinking 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar and 2 tbs of honey and like a squart of lemon and mix it all together and drink it like a shot 2 to 3 times a day. After I drink it I flush it down with some lemon water because it taste awful. I was drinking it with like 8oz of water 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar and lemon and Cinnamon but that tasted worse it was taking me longer to drink it. Drinking it by the shot has been do much easier but am I getting the effect I need to lose weight? Plz help!!!

  41. Hey there, I usually go for a run in the mornings and I was just wondering if it’s better to have it before my run or after, because I feel like if I have it before it may give me a stitch but you also recommend to have it first thing in the morning so I’m not too sure what to do, thanks

    • I have no idea Chloe because I don’t run in the mornings, so I guess all you can do is give it a try. Perhaps try having it with 1/2 cup water instead of a full cup. The idea is just to have it on an empty stomach and leave about 15 minutes before eating.

    • Chloe, I run first thing in the morning too, I’ve been drinking a shot of two TBS lemon juice with 1 TBS EVOO. I have it right away when I wake up, then I take my dogs out for a quick mile walk, come back… Have a cup of coffee then run 2to 5 miles.
      I do this every morning have been for years, I eat healthy, but attribute soft hair and skin to this drink.
      I would suggest you drink it first thing.
      My question is: how much juice is in half a lemon as I use bottled, and would adding EVOO ( which is great for skin and hair) defeat the purpose of the drink?
      Thanks for your consultancy in answering all who ask questions! Even the redundant ones!

  42. I drink this all the time for my throat, as I am a singer. However, I add local honey – not the store-bought kind, but fresh from your area – it adds a sweetness to it, and you also get the great medicinal properties of the honey. One of your comments mentioned the hot water, and if it is boiling when you put the honey in, it CAN dilute the good properties of the honey – I try to heat mine til it is just warm enough to drink, but not boiling. It is especially good for cleaning out the mucus and gunk in your throat before singing. And the apple cider vinegar is just good for everything!!! Great drink!

    • It is a great drink but for those wanting to lose weight, it’s best without honey – too much sugar pretty much removes the benefits you’re trying to acheive. But like you said, a great drink for singing :)

    • Hi Salta, yes it’s just lemon and apple cider vinegar so there’s no issues there. But weight loss shouldn’t be a concern for you during pregnancy, just focus on getting lots of good nutritional foods :)

  44. Hi,
    This works and got me out of a weight loss stall that last for 3 weeks despite my healthy eating and exercise! Started this 4 days ago and have lost a pound each day I’ve done it! The one day, in between I skipped and didn’t lose a pound. So, I know this works… And learned from another site, when I did juicing a few years ago, juicingwithjoe.com that his recommendation is very similar to above but have to do warm water, an a half of lemon squeezed with even some shreds of ginger to steep in there and to be done first thing in the morning of an empty stomach, as it wakes the liver and helps get it better absorbed . Haven’t tried the apple cider vinegar but hear it has miraculous benefits and will try tomorrow morning.
    Ginger is incredible also for digestion and besides it just tastes yummy! So, I would highly say doing warm water and not altering what Jedha says!

    • It definitely does work!! Great to hear this good feedback Emily.

      You’re right, ginger can also be added, it’s good for digestion and boosts metabolism, so works perfectly as an addition to the drink. Keep up the great work.

      All the best. :)

  45. I was wondering if I could make up a batch and store in the fridge and add the hot water when I’m ready to drink?

  46. Hi Jedha,

    First of all a Big Thank you for sharing your knowledge for the benefit of all.
    I am 33 yrs old female, unmarried, weighing 73 Kgs with a height as short as 5’3 only.. and have a tendency of putting on weight fast & loosing slow :( :( :( … BUT almost a month & a half back, I have started to drink a full glass of lukewarm water with a whole lemon the first thing in the morning and then I read about garlic’s benefits in promoting weight loss faster, so I started consuming 2 garlic cloves (raw) with the same amount of lemon water. My question is how soon am i supposed to have breakfast after the lemon water therapy? and am I on the right track? Shall i consume lemon water at night prior to going to bed?

    I would genuinely appreciate any further advice. Thanks, God bless.

    • Hey there Reem, Wait at least 15 minutes before having anything else. Personally, I can’t stand garlic but if it works for you then that’s fine. You don’t need to drink it at night, just in the morning, and drink lots of water during the day.

      Good luck. I hope you see some results soon. :)

  47. Hi. I’ve done this in the past but was cautioned to stop by my dentist. The lemon juice is very hard on tooth enamel and gums. Have you had a similar problem?

    • Hi MeShonda, I’ve never seen any research that lemon and apple cider actually lowers high blood pressure, but it certainly can’t hurt to add it to your daily routine. :)

  51. I also like to take this at night 15 minutes after eating dinner. Really helps with feeling less bloated the next morning.

  52. Hi,
    Thank you for the recipe! I’m going to start this tomorrow. My question to you is: can I make this the night before, leave it room temperature and drink it or does it have to be freshly made?
    Thank you for your help

  54. I am going to try your morning drink. I have had adrenal fatigue for a while now. My cortisol levels are just beginning to come up in the morning, so I am feeling a tad better. I am hoping to start walking, but doing any exercise really causes me to feel pretty bad. I walk about 20 when I do walk.
    Trying to follow the diet what gets in my way is my energy level and stress level, I just don’t feel well enough or have the energy to cook dinner. My husband helps but isn’t used to cooking. Do you have any recipes that are quick and very healthy?
    I also purchased a pressure cooker so help with preparation. What do you think of pressure cookers. They are supposed to keep the nutrients in the food. sharon california

  56. Has anyone had a problem with diarrhea after using this? I tried something like this recipe years ago but used regular ACV and had to stop because of the side effects.

    • Most people find it perfectly fine and won’t experience side effects, it is a natural drink after all. But we are all different.

    • Yes. Do not add sugar of any kind. Honey is sugar and sugar does not help weight loss or detoxification of the liver. It basically nullifies the purpose of the drink.

  59. Looking forward to trying the drink, will let you know the results.Been thinking of this for sometime, So I am just going to try it,and see for myself. Thanks

  63. I have been reading your information and it is very clear and easy to follow along. I also want to say that when I read all the comments you impressed me that you answer each email, even when they are repeat questions. That impression lead me to order the material. Your follow-up is impressive so I believe that your material will also be impressive and beneficial. I look forward to feeling better. Thank you, Colleen

    • Thank you Colleen, I’m glad you enjoy the information and follow-up.

      I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Handbook and will be feeling better soon. Take care :)

  64. Hello, I had blood work done last week and results came back (which I am in denial (: ) that my potassium levels are “extremely high” . I read that lemons have potassium, Do you recommend that I drink the warm lemon water in the mornings? Or should I discontinue?

  65. I just received lab results for some blood work and my liver enzymes were midly elevated (7.5). Would this drink help me? Thanks so much for your opinion.

  66. Hi, does it matter i the apple cyder viniger is filterd or not? Just wondering ciz i omly have/can find filterd

  68. I have half a lemon with warm water first thing in the morning followed by fresh green apple/carrot/cucumber/ celery/ ginger juice 5 mins later. Is that ok? Next question is in the last 3 weeks, I’ve had 3 episodes of bloatedness and nauseous feeling after a late dinner (at a restaurant). I’ve never experienced this prolonged bloated and nauseous feeling before. Should I take ACV daily? One teaspoon before meals perhaps? I’m wary of combining lemon and ACV. Pls advise.

    • I’d wait longer before having juice, 15 minutes at least. The ACV and lemon drink can be taken daily. And as for the bloatedness, it could be the fact that you ate later or the types of foods you ate – a kind of reaction that triggered it, that’s more likely the case.

  69. Hello. So I was always song my acv to a bottle of profited water. I love it cause when I’m thirsty it quenches my thirst. But apparently I need to do this with warm water. Because I’ve bottled ahead 10 bottles for on the go. Can I warm this up? Or will this ruin the acv effect?

  70. How many times do you drink this a day? Before every meal or just once in the morning?

  71. I’m glad I found something that sounds very helpful! I’ve been going thru a whole lot for the past 2 months from the ER to tons of Dr’s sometimes I feel like im.just loosing it finally a chiropractor told me about Adrenal Stress Disorder I’ve been having anxiety attacks out of the blue going from on day feeling perfectly fine to a draggy day and anxious the very next day from standing up I can get dizzy tired feel like I’m not myself in my body i cam eake uo in the morming after hardly any sleep thinking im ok but once my body starts its noemal routine its like it wants to guve up on me…I will start all you’re recommendations TODAY!! and I pray that this can help me find myself again!! …Thank you

  72. Hello Jedha,

    To all concerned about the acidity of this drink relative to tooth enamel damage; simply do a good water swish rinse and spit after drinking it. I have been doing this for decades as soon as possible after eating or drinking and have not had a cavity in over 50 years! Using a straw still allows the solution to come in contact with back teeth.

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