Lemon Water...Liquid Gold

Hot lemon water is all the rage now a days.  It's touted for so many benefits, some anecdotal and some scientifically proven.  I've loved lemons from an early age.  I used to peel them and eat them like oranges!  I believe you'll reap the benefits whether you prefer you fresh lemon juice in hot water or cold water.  We tend to make things more difficult than they need to be at times.  As long as you're drinking it...you're good!

A few months ago I started drinking fresh squeezed lemon in my water every day.  I generally use the juice of one lemon.  I also like to throw the half of lemon in my glass.  That way I'm getting the benefits of the oil in the rind as well!  The rind has its own health benefits like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If using the rind or peel of any fruit always buy organic.

Although we consider a lemon 'acidic', in our body it has an alkalizing effect.  Which is great! Most systemic inflammation and chronic issues come from a chronic acidic environment in our body. Nutrition (and stress reduction) is key to reducing systemic inflammation and encouraging an alkaline environment in our body.  Below are some of the benefits to squeezing some lemon in your water on the daily, whether hot or cold!

• Detoxifies the body
• Promotes alkaline environment
• Enhances mineral absorption
• Helps ease stomach discomfort (especially right after a high-fat meal)
• Promotes clearer skin

Those are just a few!  But with health benefits like that what's stopping you?  So next time you get yourself a glass of water, go ahead and squeeze some liquid gold in it ;)

Your health will thank you!

XO  Joy

Coconut In All Its Forms...And Its Benefits

Every time you turn around there is another touted benefit of coconut oil.  Claims from curing Alzheimer's, lowering HDL, to weight loss.  Some studies have shown a possible link between the first two claims...although, coconut oil can also raise LDL so there is a trade off.  For this article I am going to focus on the latter claim, coconut oil and weight loss.  Of course,  like with many claims, more studies need to be done BUT some preliminary studies (as stated in an article on WebMD) show that coconut oil may help reduce waist size.  Which is a good thing since that is a predominant complaint and issue of most Americans.  After researching the topic and the results of several small studies, my opinion is that coconut oil does not help you lose weight in general but there is a connection between regular coconut oil consumption and smaller waist circumference.  Science is so careful to never officially claim something as absolute truth but it is enough for me to be encouraged and continue using coconut oil.  I could bore you with the long explanation as to why coconut oil consumption is associated with smaller waist size but I won't.  Instead I will just say coconut oil is a MCT (medium chain triglyceride) that contains predominantly lauric acid (a saturated fat), no cholesterol, 117kcals and 13g/fat per Tablespoon.  Medium chain triglycerides are thought to encourage thermogenesis or increase metabolism.  Okay, so I probably did just bore you but I hate not backing up the 'why' I say something.  The bottom line, for me, is that besides tasting delicious in all forms (coconut milk, coconut water, shredded coconut, etc.)  coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant and great for the skin, hair, and body as a whole.  I eat, drink, and use coconut in many forms as well as use coconut oil in cooking, baking, and even my shakes.  You have to decide what you believe and as with everything, moderation is key.  But for me...it is a daily staple in my house. Not to mention my go-to scent in candles and perfume! ;)

XO  Joy

If you have any question or comments about this topic please comment! Or if you have any great recipes please share them! :)

Health Benefits Of Tea

If you don't drink tea, you are missing out on some major benefits. I didn't used to like it but because I knew how good it was for my health I made myself drink it. And now I love it! Like many things, it may be an acquired taste. But there are so many varieties (black, green, red, white, herbal) you are bound to find one you like. If you have to sweeten it then I recommend doing so with honey as opposed to sugar. With honey you are getting even more health benefits than table sugar. Regardless of the variety, all teas have amazing health benefits in varying amounts. Below is a list of what health pop you'll get no matter what color or how you take it.  If these aren't enough to persuade you to try consuming tea...I'm not sure what will! 

• Packed with polyphenols
• Contains antioxidants (which reduce risk of some cancers, reduce signs of aging,     inflammation, and the list goes on!)
• Increase mental altertness withought affecting the CNS so no jitters
• May lower LDL cholesterol
• Contains ECGC which studies show may increase metabolism
• Some contain vitamins
• Herbal tea's can help with everything from anxiety to an upset stomach
• May help with bad breath (certain antioxidants inhibit the plaque build up which causes bad breath)
• Many many more health benefits but too numerous to list 

Like with most foods, less processed is better. They still contain these properties but with lower concentrations. So avoid the 'flavored' or highly processed teas.
XO Joy

Bomb Diggity Breakfast Shake!

Awesome breakfast!

Every morning I start my day with this shake. It fills me up for 3 hours and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Roughly 250 calories and 20 grams of protein. Of course you can make yours with veggies and fruit that you prefer. I love to use kale, spinach, banana, mango, pineapple, almond milk and soy protein powder. I do mix it up with berries and pear on some days.  Lately I've been obsessed with frozen sweet potatoes and peaches!  Try starting your day with a shake like this. I promise you will feel the difference after a few days. And it's a great way to get in 3-4 servings (7-9 servings/day is the recommendation) of fruit/veggies in one meal. Have a great protein shake recipe? Share it with us here!

XO Joy