Start Your Day with Lemon

RECIPE: Persian Lime Curry Chicken

While on the 21 Days to Better Health Program, we recommend a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon to start your day. This is another great 21 Days habit to incorporate into your daily life.

Why start your day with hot lemon water? According to Chinese Medicine, your digestive system is like a cauldron with a fire heating it. At night, your digestive fire gets “banked” or turned down, as you don’t digest while in “rest and repair” mode ie sleep.

Starting your day with a cup of hot water is a way of “sparking” the digestive fire back up for the tasks of the day. Adding the sour flavor of lemon activates your Liver system, which plays a role in daily digestion and detoxification. And while any hot liquid can wake up the digestive fire - broth, tea, and yes even coffee - it’s the lemon that creates the mini-detox magic.

Many participants report that they really enjoy the way it feels to start their day with warm lemon water while off the cleanse. Not necessarily every day (though that’s fine); even a few times a week can be an enjoyable and beneficial habit.

When you slice the lemon, take a moment to inhale the scent for a mini-aromatherapy treatment. Lemon can lift your mood, decrease feelings of anxiety, and clear the mental cobwebs.

Lemon up!
Kirstin Lindquist
Owner, 21 Days Manager

PS Mark your calendar! Spring Cleanse starts March 19!

This is a ridiculously simple recipe from Oaktown Spice Shop. It packs a big flavor punch, and features one of their many amazing spice blends.

Because it is easy, takes just a few ingredients, is quick to prepare, and is incredibly delicious, it is now one of my go-to everyday recipes, on and off the cleanse.

I use broth in lieu of water when I have it on hand for an even richer flavor. I think using some coconut milk would make this even more amazing.

Serve over rice, riced cauliflower, or eat as a brothy soup.

You can follow the recipe on their website (and from there get lost in the wonders of Oaktown Spice Shop. (Note: commenters often leave really great suggestions for amending the recipes.)

• 1–2 tablespoons Persian Lime Curry Rub

• Salt

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3/4 cup water

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Sprinkle chicken with the Persian Lime Curry Rub and salt, making sure to coat both sides.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When it’s hot, brown the chicken on both sides, about 6 minutes per side.

3. Add the water and garlic. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Cover and braise for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Serves 4

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