If you give me a lemon.....

I have been TIRED. SLEEPY. Have had very little energy.  It's to be expected at 9.5 months pregnant.  But, I needed a boost...something other than a caffeine boost, because I've chosen to only drink about 1 regular cup of coffee a day while pregnant (ok sometimes 3, but who is judging?).  I'm certainly not judging the pregnant mom who is sitting in Dunkin Donuts sipping her blueberry coffee looking like she hasn't slept in days, with her toddler talking her ear off at a super high volume.

So, I decided to branch out.  The problem is that I don't like hot tea...hate it, actually.  I wish I did, because people rave about all of the different flavors and health benefits.  But, nope..I've been strictly a plain black, no cream or sugar, coffee addict for at least 10 years now.  If you know me well, then you would obviously think, "Haleigh drinking something other than plain black coffee?  It would be a miracle".

So, I bought some lemons....

We've all seen the pinterest pictures of a lemon with the caption: Warm Lemon Water to Start Your Day (or something similar)  Who the heck wants to drink warm lemon water?  I can understand ice cold water with half of a lemon thrown in, but what's the big deal with warm water if it doesn't taste like coffee?  So, I started researching a bit and found these SUPPOSED health benefits.  I'm a bit skeptical of trends (probably because of my husbands cynicism towards many things, lol).

A few benefits that this morning ritual claims:

-aids digestion
-helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification
-clears skin
-energizes you and enhances mood
-boosts immune system

Why warm?:  it takes more energy for your body to process ice cold water, rather than warm water.  Warm water is more sensitive on your system first thing in the morning.

Taste test: I sliced half a lemon, squeezed the juice into a coffee mug, filled with water, nuked it for a minute, and then threw in the lemon half.  I was scared it would taste like hot tea...but no, it tastes more like warm water with lemon, actually.  haha.  I actually LOVE it.  I had 3 cups yesterday, and not 1 cup of coffee  I'm pretty sure Tim thinks i'm going crazy. 

 LOVE THE TASTE

Now, there are ALWAYS opposing views and research.  BUT since I'm pregnant, don't like the coffee crash, and am always looking for ways to boost my mood and energy levels, I figured I'd give it a whirl and trust these purported health benefits of drinking warm lemon water to start my day.  And even if these benefits don't ring true, it could become a mind over matter thing.  I feel more energized already, and I haven't even taken my first sip this morning! haha

I'm definitely not giving up my coffee, but I will continue to drink a cup of warm lemon water every morning before I guzzle my 16 oz of cold water (that's something I've been doing for months now right when I wake up).

Sidenote: I also made homemade blueberry muffins with streusal  topping (thanks pinterest).  Perfect combo at 8pm. 

FYI:  I wrote this at 6am on this Saturday morning.  Who am I?  I love sleep!  #pregnancyinsomnia