Metabolism Boosting Apple Cinnamon Water

Here's another metabolism boosting drink. I believe the secret behind this is the fact that replacing all your normal beverages (coffee, tea, soda, crystal light, gatorade) with this cuts out a lot of calories. And of course the simple act of drinking lots of water will cause weight loss.

Apples- contain antioxidants, boost your immune system (with an antioxidant called quercitin), high in fiber. According to the USDA the most beneficial apples are Red Delicious and Granny Smith.

Cinnamon- shown to reduce cytokines linked to arthritic pain, has natural anti-infectious compounds, and can also reduce inflammation.

I use a gallon jug and add 2 sticks of cinnamon (washed) and 2 apples thinly sliced (also washed and scrubbed) Place in the bottom fill with water and place in fridge.

If you drink right away it may taste like slightly dirty water. You will get best results if you let it steep for 8 hours. You can also leave out in the sun (like tea) to steep faster and drink within a few hours with some ice. Toss apples when they turn brown or start looking mushy. I've found the cinnamon sticks can last for at least two jugs.

Want to try another detox/fitness water drink? Click Here

My 2013 Goals

While I'm not really big on New Year's resolutions, its always a good time to sit down and refocus on your goals. I kind of have a lot of goals for this year...I'm going to be a busy girl! We'll see how well I keep to them. Writing this list will bring some focus and sort of make each goal official. Of course posting them for the world to see really holds you to a new level of accountability. So here we go...

Physical Goals

-Complete the Insanity program the hubs and I started but never finished
-Get back into Pole fitness
-Try out Crossfit
-Eat more veggies and less sugar

Mental Goals

-Finish up my B.A.
-Start studying for the LSAT
-Write more poetry
-Get back into piano and buy a keyboard

Financial Goals

-Get our debt paid off
-Start saving for a house
-Increase profits from my blog
-Increase profits from my photography business

Spiritual Goals

-Join a bible study or small group
-Pray more
-Start evening devotions with my hubby
-Make a meal for someone in need at least once a month


I would love to hear some of my readers goals, feel free to share them!

Detox Water

I really love this detox water; also called "sassy water". It's supposed to remove impurities from your system and help you maintain a flat belly. Its very refreshing! I have to warn you though, the first time I tried it, it definitely FLUSHED my system.

 

You will need a cucumber, a lemon, and several sprigs of mint leaves. Remeber to wash ingredients beforehand. You can add everything to a large pitcher or split it up between jars. I split my ingredients up between four jars.

 



Fill with water and steep overnight. I usually drink a jar, refill with water, steep and drink again before throwing the cucumber, lemon and mint away.