Why You Should Start Your Day With Lemon Water

There really is an endless amount of bogus health trends that constantly come and go, but freshly squeezed lemon water is not one of them! With summer approaching, now is a perfect time to incorporate this vitamin C citrus fruit into your morning routine. I recently started drinking this every morning before my breakfast and I am amazed at the health benefits!

Let’s jump right into the many proven benefits of lemon water:

The reason that warm lemon water is a great way to jump start your morning is because it aids your digestive system, helping your body to easily eliminate, how do I put this nicely… waste. Other than being full of vitamin C, which protects your body against immune system deficiencies, lemons also:

• contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial
• balances maintain the pH levels in the body
• are a great source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
• help prevent the growth and multiplication of bacteria that cause infections and diseases
• helps reduce pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid
• helps cure the common cold
• contain potassium content which helps to nourish brain and nerve cells
• strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute
• helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver
• benefits the skin and helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles and acne
• aids in the production of digestive juices
• helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

I also love to infuse cold lemon water with a few sprigs of mint because it adds a really fresh and sweet taste. Or throw in some cucumber and limes!! You can even go the diffused fruit root too!!  I can pretty much guarantee this will take away any head ache!

Cinco De Mayo

Berry Salsa

Ingredients

3 cups fresh berries (I used blueberries, some chopped, some whole & chopped strawberries)

1 small sweet yellow pepper, chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of ½ lime

Juice of ½ orange

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon salt

                        

Cilantro Lime Turkey Lettuce Wraps 

Directions :

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey breast
• 1 small or 1@ medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 1/2 cup your favorite green salsa
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1-2 heads of iceberg lettuce (depending on size)
• diced avocado and tomatoes for garnish

Instructions :

1. In a food processor, add onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice and green salsa. Pulse until a smooth salsa consistency is reached; set aside.
2. In a medium non-stick sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up any large pieces, for 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt; stir. 
3. Add salsa to turkey and stir to combine and cook until turkey is cooked through about 5 minutes more. Add chicken stock, turn heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. 
4. Turn heat off and let turkey mixture sit while you prepare the lettuce cups. 
5. Tear off large pieces of lettuce that are big enough to hold about 1/3 cup of ground turkey. Top each lettuce cup with diced tomato, avocado and extra cilantro if desired. If you're like me, load it with hot sauce too!