Anyone who writes me and asks for nutrition advice, whether it’s to lose weight, have more energy, or even to have less body aches and inflammation, knows that one of the actions I immediately recommend is this little concoction….every night before bed.
When I first became an RD, I would tell my patients about tips like this…almost in secret. I think because ideas like this seemed too odd to me to give out as an “official recommendation” (I guess I thought people would think I was weird), but over the years I noticed person after person being genuinely helped by small daily tips like this. Maybe then I couldn’t point to an exact study that would show them research proving the benefit, but after years of seeing the people helped by it, I began to think, “who cares?” If someone feels better, loses weight, has less aches and pains, that’s proof enough for me!
So I’m hoping this – sipped on nightly – will do just that for you. Start with a couple of slices of fresh ginger. It can be grated or sliced, but it must be fresh. You will only use a little bit of it at a time, so keep it in the refrigerator. Fresh ginger is amazing for digestion, for calming the stomach, and has many antioxidants. Add lemon juice and zest for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, and then warm water – not too hot…
Pour in a splash of raw apple cider vinegar. I love the Braggs brand. Raw apple cider vinegar has a collection of good bacteria at the bottom of it (don’t be scared….it’s called “The Mother”). I tell you that because I’ve had a few friends throw this stuff away because they thought it had gone bad! No, it hasn’t gone bad…that collection at the bottom of the bottle is actually living, healthy bacteria. It acts as probiotics to your gut. It’s a little like giving the gateway to your body a positive army to defend and protect it. You need this!
Finally, a little drizzle of raw honey – local to where you live. It shouldn’t take too much digging to find a local bee keeper. One of my favorites that is close to me is Driving Wind – I have been getting my honey from DW Honeyworks for years. I love it. I call it liquid gold.
Sip. Repeat tomorrow night. Don’t worry, you’ll develop a desire for it over a week and a half…and I hope you’ll feel better!
I would love to be a positive voice for you on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Pinterest!
Remember, a great morning starts the night before!
Annessa
Ingredients
8-12 ounces warm water
two slices fresh ginger
juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon raw local honey
1 – 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar
Preparation
Stir ingredients into warm water and sip. Enjoy!
Hi, I follow you on fb and Indy style. I was just told by my dr. I probably have diveticulosis. What foods should I be eating to help? And what foods to avoid? I like steel cut oats and yogurt. I hope I can continue eating them. Thank you!! I look forward to hearing from you! Cathy
Hi Mom! I’m going to follow her on FB now also. Nervous about trying this drink but I’ll do it.
Welcome Erica! So great to have you on my website.
Hi Cathy! Oh, I am so sorry about that news. What’s going to be best is for you to slowly eat lots of fiber, and also stay well-hydrated. Particularly foods high in soluble fiber – apples, beans, oatmeal, etc. Then insoluble fiber from veggies and fruits. The water will help keep things moving and your digestive track to stay clean and healthy. I would suggest taking a supplement – a probiotic to keep healthy bacteria lining your gut (one of my favorites is called Tummy Tuneup from a natural website http://www.BeeYoutiFul.com – let me know if you have trouble finding it!), and then also take a fiber supplement, such as ground psyllium husks or ground flaxseed. You could add both of those to a nutrient-packed smoothie. The goal is to keep your gut/colon healthy, and avoid inflammation!
I’m drinking this as I type, but have a question. Is this drink very acidic? Just concerned if I have acid reflux that it might harm my esophagus. Thanks for any thoughts you might have on this.
Hi Susan! It’s not too acidic. For you, start with 1/2 teaspoon of the Raw ACV; leave out the lemon juice, and only do the zest for starters. Then add a little lemon juice as you feel you’re ready for it. Do you ever take aloe to sooth your reflux?
Annessa,
I have tried drinking/using ACV and it is not a friend of my pouch (RNY 2010). Also not a fan of avocados any suggestions would be great for healthy replacements, most citrus and I don’t get along I have to do VERY limited lemon in my water.
Thank you – Jane
Hi Annessa.
Thanks for the fantastic detail and information (education) you provide along with your wonderful healthy recipies. It’s so helpful to the me!
Hi,
Is this safe to drink even if I’m taking medication morning and night. I have fibromyalgia and have gained 70 pounds this last year after starting some new medications. They help but they cause me to gain lots of weight especially in my belly. I’ve just heard that it might not be safe to detox if I’m taking regular prescription medications.
Thanks, Tycie
Have been following you for years. I never knew you had experience w bariatrics. I had gastric bypass in 2003 and have maintained 125+ lbs weight loss. Can you recommend increasing protein without whey powder?