Is there anything better than a warm cup of lemon in the morning?
It may sound strange (and let’s be honest, it’s not that appetizing), but self-proclaimed “health experts” say that drinking a glass of lemon water (hot or cold) in the morning can jumpstart your metabolism. I swear it accelerates weight loss.
While this claim isn’t necessarily dangerous (it’s just lemon water, after all), To do Sounds too good to be true. Here, two registered dietitians discuss lemon water’s overall weight loss trends. And we’ll explore whether it’s really the magical weight loss elixir that people believe it to be.
So tell me: Does lemon water help you lose weight?
“Hot water with lemon, in and of itself, doesn’t actually cause weight loss,” says Alyssa Ramsey, M.D., a former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
However, this drink Exchange Drinking drinks that are high in calories or in a calorie deficit, such as sugary coffee and fruit juices, can help you lose weight, she added.
Another way lemon water can indirectly help with weight loss is by drinking more water in general and staying well hydrated throughout the day, according to Bridget Zeitlin, R.D., owner of BZ Nutrition.
“Our bodies interpret thirst as hunger, so if we’re not drinking enough water, we think we’re hungry and may snack extra when we’re actually just thirsty,” says Zeitlin. “Staying hydrated throughout the day can help you curb unnecessary snacking, which can help you lose weight.” The lemon trick can help people who don’t like the taste of water drink more, but you can also add orange or lime to your water for variety, she adds.
However, keep in mind that lemons (and citrus fruits in general) are acidic, so if you have heartburn, GERD, or are avoiding acidic foods for other reasons. , it is recommended to drink water without lemon. Zeitlin says.
And if you’re avoiding lemons because you think they eat away at your tooth enamel, there’s no need to worry if you just add a slice to your water. But if you’re particularly concerned about your pearly whites, rinse your mouth after drinking lemon water and wait a moment before brushing your teeth.
conclusionAdding lemon to your water will give your water a lemony taste and may make you drink a little more water, but it won’t directly lead to weight loss.
Jillian Kramer is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Martha Stewart Living, SELF, and more.
Emilia Benton is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston. In addition to Runner’s World, she has contributed health, fitness, and wellness content to publications such as her Women’s Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle. She has competed in marathons 11 times, is a USATF Level 1 certified running coach, and is an avid traveler.
