Refreshing, Light and Healthy

Hello and Happy Tasty Tuesday Fit Divas

Need a new summer refreshing snack or a light pre-workout mini meal?  Oh my goodness, these fresh protein packed bars are beyond Diva-licious and quick to make.  I get asked all the time, “what can I snack on?”  Think of your snacks as mini meals.  These bars are a great combo of good fats and protein which keeps you fuller longer.

Before I give you the recipe, here are a few interesting lemon facts I discovered when doing some research.  Yes, we know to squeeze lemon in our water on a daily basis but WHY??

Water + Lemon = Beauty Inside & Out

Adding lemon to water actually makes your taste buds wanting to drink more water! Which most of us need to do on a regular basis.  I have had clients just change the amount of water they drink and drop a few lbs.  That’s how much extra sodium and “crap” we have floating in our bodies.

• lemon is rich in an essential antioxidant, vitamin C, which wards off wrinkles and blemishes, and promotes skin elasticity.  Also, findings link lemons to curing all sorts of problems related to skin–from healing sun burn, acne, and eczema to lemon’s effectiveness as an anti ageing, wrinkle-preventing natural wonder.
• This one I know will help many of you….Who has issues with going to the bathroom? Like #2?  Most women I talk to have issues with constipation.  There are MANY reasons why this awful, painful issue happens, but  most of the time it is as easy as drinking more water.  Now add a lemon daily to your water so it can provide balance within.  For instance, lemon provides natural alkalinity to balance stomach acids, promoting the ability to flush toxins from the digestive tract, and help reduce gastro-intestinal issues—such as constipation, heartburn, bloating, and indigestion.    YAY!!!!!

Lemons, Health Benefits, Fun Facts

FACT 1:  Of course we all have read how lemon juice helps support weight loss. No, they do not make the fat fall off your body (as we all wish it were that easy) but as you read above it helps keep your digestive system on track and helps you crave more water.  Both of which support weight loss and more importantly, feel and function better.

FACT 2:  Lemons provide a lot of vitamin C, but the amount per serving is pretty impressive at 187% of the daily value, making it a super infection fighter.

FACT 3: Lemons are best when bright yellow and thin-skinned. They make a great garnish for salads and can be squeezed over other raw fruits to add flavor while preventing them from turning brown.

Lemon juice is also a great foundation for salad dressing, and adds a tantalizing piquancy when sprinkled over fish. And the zest – just the yellow part, as the white part is bitter – is a lovely addition to many recipes. Whatever the use, wash lemons thoroughly beforehand.

FACT 4:  Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:

• With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.
• Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.

FACT 5: Bad Breath?   We all have had it from time to time!  Too much garlic? Dehydrated? During a cold or just recovering from having a cold?  These are when we tend to experience not so fresh breath!  Add some fresh lemon to your water or chew on a small piece of lemon rind.

Bottled Lemon Juice vs. Fresh Squeezed  Juice

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference in raw lemons compared to bottled lemon juice, the vitamin C goes from 139% to about 100% of the daily value per serving,
If you are buying lemon juice in the bottle, be sure to ONLY buy organic juice in a glass bottle and read the label so it says: Organic Lemon juice only.   The small “lemon looking” plastic junk contains so many other added artificial ingredients.
         

Diva-Licious Recipe

Fit Diva Approved

As always, get creative, step outside of your regular staple boring foods and allow your taste buds to explore! Food was meant to fuel your body and be enjoyed.

Need other ideas? Message me and look into the next Diva-licious cooking class

Ciao Bellas