Fave Post-Partum Tonic For Weight-loss and Healing

 

Introducing my latest concoction:

 

You're welcome.

 

This is a drink I have been making myself and throwing back for about a week now. If you just had a baby, read on, because this recipe is a game-changing super-woman drink for you!

Up until this lovely elixir, I hadn't lost a pound in 6 weeks (other than the initial hospital weight loss). So I've been wondering what gives!?

And I'm doing what I know I should... Drinking only water, eating small healthy meals, walking, chasing toddlers, cutting out sugar. But still, Not. One. Pound.
Well at 7 weeks now, I just had my (week late) 6 week checkup - cuz ain't nobody got time for that.

Down a couple pounds! Finally! Weight stall - over.

...Could it be this drink I've been mixing up daily like a mad scientist?

 I haven't changed a thing in my diet or exercise... save adding this drink.

So maybe, maybe not. No scientific studies have been done. But on the chance that it could help some other poor weight-stuck post-partum woman I feel compelled by the laws of sisterhood to share.

This tonic really promotes vigor and well-being in general. I found a ton of info and great studies on the awesomeness of each ingredient, but I will give you the main benefits in a nutshell, and why I think it's been helping me.

lemon Juice
This contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to aid in weight loss.
It is also anti inflammatory and helps to balance PH levels (for those who care about an alkaline diet).
The anti-cancer component contained in the citrus liminoids isn't a bad side effect either.

Turmeric
Circumin is a property found in this spice that makes it pretty swell. Or, shall I say un-swell, because it's super anti-inflammatory and has antioxidants galore. It's even been proven to improve joint pain and arthritis. This is great news since we post-partum ladies who are fresh from the pregnancy will still have relaxin coursing through us (the hormone that relaxes joints and tissue so we can push out babies), so we can totally use help for our loosely-goosey joints. Oh, and if you find you're still rocking some baby brain you are in luck; turmeric has also been proven to improve memory in Alzheimer's patients.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Studies have shown that when taken during meals, it helps with balancing blood sugar responses. It also increases satiety, which I myself have noticed in this past week.

Coconut Water
This aids in suppressing the appetite, so that giving in to cravings is minimized. It's also going to help you hydrate better than other drinks like popular sports drinks, because it has waaaaay more potassium and waaaaay less sodium. Both good things especially if you are a nursing mamma. A side benefit is better skin for any of you suffering from the post-partum skin blues. Coconut water can help clear up and tone the skin, while providing moisture from within, without having to add oils.

Recipe:

Juice from one lemon
1 & 1/2  Tbsp. Apple Cider vinegar
1 cup Coconut water
1/4 tsp. Turmeric
1 can of La Croix, (flavored sparkling water) - any flavor
A few drops of stevia to taste

Enjoy!