In the morning, we feel a little, well… less than stellar. Achy, stiff, the bed is calling our name to stay in, and let’s be honest, we just don’t feel so hot. While most of us do enjoy some coffee in the morning, before we head to the glorious pot or French press (or Starbucks for some of you), we should pause and make an effort to enjoy something else right beforehand.
The body is naturally very acidic in the morning because as it cleanses itself overnight. As we give it a break from food and allow our organs to rejuvenate so we can feel our best the next day, all the wastes from the previous day (or even days before that) make their way through our system. This is nature’s way of making us feel brand new, but first thing, the body can feel a little lifeless.
The answer to this is to consume a high-quality, alkaline drink the morning, but you don’t need a huge amount to reap the benefits. That’s why we’ve called these healthy options below “shots” but not the ones you’re thinking of—sorry!
These alkaline shots are so powerful in their ability to promote energy, an alkaline body, eliminate inflammation, an erratic stomach, and achy muscles, that you’ll feel it almost seconds, and especially minutes, after you drink them. Just 2-4 ounces of these is all you need and you’ll be set for the day. Making these fast and easy shots a practice in your day is a healthy habit that takes under five minutes that anyone can do.
Try these five…
1. Straight ACV
This is the fastest, and possibly, laziest yet powerful, option of them all. Apple cider vinegar, coined ACV, is nature’s most alkaline, probiotic-rich beverage that can relieve so many ailments in a small serving. Muscle pain, headaches, sluggish digestion, and just a general acidic feeling can all disappear in mere seconds after you have some ACV. To make a shot, combine 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar with 2-4 ounces of water (depending on how much you want), add a few ice cubes and drink. Or, just toss back 1 tsp. straight and call it a day. Your choice—you’ll benefit no matter how hard you take your ACV!
2. Lean, Mean, Green Juice
Green Juice Detox
Green juice might sound like a trend you’re tired of hearing about, but it’s a very efficient, natural way to alkalize the body and improve your mood too. Rich in magnesium, vitamin C, and micronutrients that feed the body on a cellular level, green juice is an excellent remedy for achy muscles, digestion, and general inflammation. Be sure you keep your green juice simple and free of lots of sugar for the most benefits and efficiency. No one wants to clean the juicer in the morning or drink the amount of sugar equivalent in a glass of processed OJ. Make a lean, green juice with: 1 head romaine, 1 lemon, 1/2 inch ginger, and 1/2 a cucumber. Done!
3. Spirulina, Plant-Powered Green Smoothie
Deep Blue Sea Blend
Green smoothiescan serve as a breakfast option, or can just be simple and served before you even eat. If you’re looking to use this as a simple anti-inflammatory, alkalizing drink, just keep things simple, but add a boost with the amazingspirulina—superfood algae that some call nature’s multivitamin. Blend 2 cups spinach with 1/4 cup frozen berries, 1 slice ginger, and a little stevia if you need some sweetness. This is filled with10 grams of proteinfrom the spinach, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and potassium to make you feel amazing first thing in the day. It’s also low-glycemic and would make the perfect breakfast if you’d like to add some plant-based protein likehemp seeds or protein powderon the market.
4. Lemon, Cayenne, and ACV
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Lemon, cayenne, and ACV are combined to create a top alkalizing shot that will make you feel incredible! Cayenne is a metabolism booster, inflammatory reducing spice that also aids in digestion, reduces pain, and can give you a similar buzz to caffeine without the crash. Lemon is a top alkalizing and cleansing food that adds sweetness and vitamin C to the already slightly sweet and tart ACV. The end result is a tonic that’s powerfully cleansing and rejuvenating. Combine the juice of a lemon, 1 tiny pinch (1/8 tsp.) cayenne, and 1 tsp. ACV in a small cup with 2 ounces of water. Add crushed ice, blend, and serve as an icy tonic that wakes you up and gets you going!
5. Ginger, ACV, and Lemon
Elena Schweitze/Shutterstock
For a tummy-helping beverage first thing in the day, go with ginger, lemon, and ACV. These three all have digestive boosting properties, but when combined are much more effective. Ginger relieves nausea, indigestion, bloating, and constipation, reduces pain in the body, and can provide natural energy. Combined with the benefits of ACV and lemon, this will settle the stomach, energize you, and provide clarity you need to start the day. A happy gut means a happier mind, and a happier you!
Do you have a favorite “shot” you like to drink first thing in the day? You can also see our smoothies, liquid tonics,and other tips on alkalizing the body for more helpful information.
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