tutorials

DAILY LEMON WATER

TUTORIAL + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

Last year I kept reading posts on social media about the benefits of drinking lemon water. I’m always down to try something new but had no idea it would do so much! Eleven months later, I’ve lost five pounds, haven’t been sick once (not even a sniffle) and my skin rarely breaks out anymore. It’s kind of freaky! It took about two weeks to remember to do it each morning but then it became a habit and now I hate it if I have to miss a day. I was worried that it would be too acidic on my stomach but from everything I’ve read, lemon is acidic outside of the body but inside of the body it has an alkalizing effect and helps balance the body’s pH level. It’s such a direct source of Vitamin C and is a natural diuretic. There are so many benefits and now I can’t imagine starting off my day any other way so I wanted to share my experience. Here’s how if you want to try it too:

TOOLS:

• A Lemon Press – I’ve tried squeezing each half by hand and a flat press, but this one ($$) and this one ($) are by far the easiest to use and gets the most juice out and you don’t have to take the seeds out before because when it presses it, 95% of the seeds stay in the lemon.
• A Lemon or Two – I only use organic lemons because I don’t want something that has been sprayed with pesticides and then soaked in hot water to go in my body!
• A Serrated Knife.
• A Cutting Board — I wish I owned this adorable Kate Spade one!!
• A Glass.
• Boiled Water — Okay, I must admit I am smitten with this hilarious teapot!

STEPS:

1. Put the kettle on and boil about 300 mL of water. Cut the lemon(s) in half. Remember, you don’t have to take the seeds out first with this style of press.
2. Place each half (one at a time!) faced down inside of the press, as shown above. Place the press directly over the opening of the glass.
3. Squeeze the two handles together until no more juice comes out.
4. Pour hot water into the glass and let it seep for a few minutes.
5. Drink up! When you are finished, immediately rinse your mouth with water (squish it around) so it doesn’t affect the enamel of your teeth.

DISCLAIMER:

• I am not a medical doctor, nutritionist or in a health profession or making claims to be. I am merely sharing research that I’ve done and my own personal results.
• As with any health suggestion, be your own advocate, ask your doctor and know that nutrition and beauty advice are not one-size-fits-all. Anything you try is at your own risk.