Meet your favorite new power couple - dandelion tea and apple cider vinegar. I tote this around with me all day. This drink goes beyond hydrating....if you're going to drink water, why not give your metabolism a kick and get rid of bloating and puffiness?
Some of you may already be drinking apple cider vinegar each day. If so, good for you! The vinegar is widely accepted as an effective treatment in tons of different ailments, from detoxifying the liver to battling Candida in the body, eliminating heartburn, and helping you get more iron from the food you eat. Those are just a few of the very long list of health claims. But the reason I'm interested in it for today is weight loss.
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar (or ACV), is thought to interfere with the way that your body digests starch. That's a good thing! And research backs this up. Beyond that, it is said to help your body use fats better, instead of storing them. Plus, it's an excellent source of potassium, which can flush stored water out of your body.
Dandelion root tea is another trick to flush out that water. This is due to the fact that it has a diuretic effect that is helpful when you are retaining water.
As a bonus, fresh squeezed orange juice has an anti-inflammatory effect, and the sweet taste hides the vinegar.
Two important things to note:
You must use a high quality, raw, organic ACV that contains what is called, "the Mother." Basically it's a blob of nutrients and beneficial bacteria floating in the jar. You will not get the same health benefits from drinking filtered ACV. I use Bragg's ACV. Also, you must dilute it. Very important! Never drink it straight, always mix with at least 8 ounces of water. Be sure to shake it up before using.
Use only a high quality, trusted brand for dandelion tea, to avoid any potential contamination. I trust the Alvita brand, as well as the Roasted Dandelion Root Tea from Traditional Medicinals.
Cayenne and ground ginger can give a slight boost to your metabolism too, so for that reason I've added them. Sip away!
Mother Nature’s All-In-One, Multi-Purpose Life Elixir => here
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. brewed Dandelion Root tea (1 tea bag in a smallest amount of hot water, to save room for the sparkling water)
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (see note)
fresh juice from 1/2 an orange (I use a handheld citrus squeezer, or use 1/2 cup bottled orange juice)
1 cup crushed ice
2 cups sparkling water (I use lemon-lime flavored seltzer)
1 packet of powdered stevia (OR 4 drops of liquid stevia)
pinch each of cayenne and ground ginger (optional)
*Note: You may use 2 tsp of ACV if you're going to be sipping on this gradually throughout the day. Otherwise, I recommend sticking to 1 tsp per serving, and no more than 3 tsp in one day.
Let the dandelion tea cool slightly, then combine all of the ingredients (including the tea bag) in a thermos or travel mug, and shake to combine. Keep with you all day to remind yourself to sip, adding ice as needed.
*In a hurry method: Some days, I simply throw 2 tea bags in with the cold, sparkling water and ice to allow it to cold brew.
*In a hurry method: Some days, I simply throw 2 tea bags in with the cold, sparkling water and ice to allow it to cold brew.
