If you only make one change to your morning routine…

…make it this!

What you drink first thing really does matter, so if you can make ONE change for the better do this : drink hot water with lemon slices! Yes, it’s that easy, but will provide enormous benefits for your mind and body.

Over night your body is fasting, and in the morning the minute we put something into our mouths we break that fast. Treat your body with the kindness it deserves. Swap lemon water for strong coffee, sugary energy drinks and even the English breakfast tea with milk that you may have grown up with. Honestly you’ll be glad you did.

Why? Because :

It stimulates your system after its rest, preparing it for the day ahead.

It provides Vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins for our immune system and skin.

It can assist weight loss

It helps the body alkalise. Yes, lemons can do this! They may be an acidic fruit but inside the body they’re alkaline. I think we all know by now that an alkaline body can help prevent dis-ease.

It hydrates your system after your overnight rest. On the other hand regular tea and coffee do not.

It soothes the throatIt helps prevent bad breathIt tastes clean and refreshing!

It helps the lymphatic system to clear so assisting the release of toxins.

It may help you have your first bowel movement of the day.

Keep it simple and literally just place hot water (not boiling) over a large slice of organic lemon. However you can shake it up a bit if you like, and if you are challenged with the start of a cold or just not feeling quite right you  may add some other more stimulating ingredients such as cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar. Any combination of these is worth a try!

The Juiceman, Andrew Cooper on Deliciously Ella’s blog drinks the following recipe each morning. Sounds delicious!Combine apple cider vinegar, lemon slices, Raw honey, cinnamon, cayenne, warm water 400ml, and drink.

So, if you’re challenged to overhaul your diet and lifestyle in one go – this is a really simple change that you CAN do immediately. Trust me, your body will thank you for it.

Ruth Goodwin, Be Balanced, www.bebalanced.com.uk