I’ve been approached with this question more times that I can remember. If you’re looking for a quick-fix weight-loss solution, this isn’t it.
Q: Does drinking lemon just help with or speed up weight loss?
A: If you’re looking to lose weight or speed up your efforts, it’s all about eating right and regular physical activity. Sipping on lemon juice or adding lemon juice to warm water isn’t the magic solution.
There are many myths surrounding lemon juice that just don’t have the scientific evidence to back them up. I’ve heard that lemon juice improves digestion and regulates sugar absorption — both don’t have enough scientific evidence to make strong claims. One of my favorite myths is squeezing lemon juice on chicken in order to melt the fat away– unfortunately, that’s an unfounded claim. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, however, are used in marinades to help tenderize meat and poultry by breaking down collagen, a fibrous compound that aids in the formation of connective tissue.
A second myth that’s often discussed around the water cooler is that when lemon juice is mixed with cold or lukewarm water it’ll dissolve fat in your body. Again, this doesn’t happen metabolically, though drinking more water (cold or lukewarm) will help you stay hydrated.
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This citrus fruit is extremely versatile and can be used to flavor recipes both sweet and savory. Pucker up for these 12 lemony dishes.
Nutrition Lowdown
For the burst of flavor lemons provide, the calories are pretty minimal at a mere 12 for the juice of one. Lemons are also an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, providing over one third of your daily dose. It’ll also give you a splash of folate, vitamin B6, thiamin, magnesium and potassium.
Waffles
Lemon juice isn’t the only way to add flavor to dishes. These waffles use grated lemon zest for an extra special burst of flavor.
Recipe: Lemon and Walnut Waffles
Bruschetta
Dazzle guests with this easy appetizer made with a few simple ingredients: toasted bread, lemon juice, parsley, garlic and olive oil.
Recipe: Lemon-Parsley Bruschetta
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Brighten someone’s day with these sweet and savory treats. Pack up in reusable glass jars for your favorite food lover.
Preserved Lemons
We’ve got two versions of this recipe so no matter what, it’s ready time for the holidays. One bakes in the oven to speed up the preservation process (see the video here), the other will do all the work itself sitting in a jar for a couple of weeks. Enjoy this Moroccan delicacy by rinsing well and adding to tagine and couscous recipes like this one from Tyler Florence.
Recipes:
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- Little Lemon Meringue Pies: the perfect ending to a spring meal.
Surprise mom this weekend with a lemon cake, cookie or no-bake bar. Each of these sweet, tart treats is Healthy Eats-approved, and are sure to meet mom’s standards, too.
Little Lemon Meringue Pies
Lemon Thyme Bars
Basil-Lemon Ice
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Brighten up a winter’s day with sweet, tart and tangy citrus fruit.
1. Grow your own.
2. Read up on lemons.
3. Liven up a beet salad.
4. Make (lightened-up) margaritas.
5. Turn leftover holiday cranberries into orange and lemon-spiked chutney.
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- Mini Olive Oil Cakes With Lemon Glaze - Image Courtesy Food Network Magazine
There’s just something special about the bright and tangy goodness of a lemon. Sprinkle in some sweet elements and your taste buds get a wake up call. Celebrate spring with any of these lemony Healthy Eats-approved treats.
TELL US: What’s your favorite lemon dessert?
I usually write about my favorite finds from the farmers’ market or my CSA box, but I also grow some of my own food. After a few years of TLC, my lemons trees have produced their first harvest. I couldn’t wait to dig in!
I didn’t want to waste one bit of these plump and juicy Eureka lemons, so I found a use for everything from the juice to the peel.
What to do with lemons »
You’ll this food additive in a variety of sweet foods — jams, gelatin desserts, candy and ice cream, to name a few. Luckily, it’s safe. Here’s some info on how it’s made and why it’s used.
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I’m a true-blue sweets lover. I’m often tempted to press my face up against a bakery window and drool at all the chocolate goodies. Looking for something new to satisfy your sweet tooth? These low-cal desserts are perfect for the summer and feature its fresh fruits. Add them to your recipe collection!
There’s nothing better than than an icy glass of lemonade on a hot day, but who needs all those extra calories from added sweeteners? Instead of turning to sugary, packaged mixes, make your own light and fresh versions. Here are our tricks.
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