The first thing you put into your body in the morning is pretty powerful. It can change the way you eat and feel for the rest of the day. Throughout my life I have tried several approaches to my "upon rising" food or drink. But above every trial and error, this mug seems to be the thing that makes me feel the best for the rest of the day. No, this is not breakfast, but this is the first thing I drink every morning upon rising, about an hour or so before breakfast. It hydrates me, gives me a splash of energy and a clean feeling from the inside out to start my day.
Get the recipe for my Lemon Tea and try it for yourself!..
UPDATE - 4/2015: Since writing this post, years ago I have stuck to this wellness habit. I am kind of shocked actually. But I literally CRAVE this tea first think in the morning. My recipe has changes a bit. I still add goji berries once in a while, but right now I am just using:
2 small or 1 large lemons + 8 ounces water + 1 teaspoon maple syrup +3 pinches cayenne + 1 tea bag (usually a dandelion tea)
On some mornings I will microplane fresh ginger into the tea or add a few more spoonfuls of maple if I want something sweeter. I am so "addicted" to this tea that I will even pack lemons in my suitcases on travel (when possible) so I can have this tea in my hotel room! OK, so I do not always do that, but it is an option! Those lemon-y antioxidants are my morning boost! This is also the way I force myself to start drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated. I think drinking water in the morning is so important. Your body has been sleeping 6-9 hours on average and needs that hydration in the morning.
So yes, I am still loving this wellness tip years later. I have finally kicked my Starbucks addiction. And that feels awesome.
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First off, THANK YOU for all the kind tweets and comments regarding the launch of the pre-order of my smoothies book! More details and check out the cover shot here: 365 Vegan Smoothies.
Sunrise. Yawn. Stumble into the kitchen. Hmm. Now what?..
Well this is what works for me.
Now remember this tea is *first thing* in the morning. Literally ten minutes after I get out of bed. About an hour or so later I usually have a big protein smoothie or oatmeal or tofu scramble or some other breakfast-type thing.
Why? It is always a good idea to hydrate first thing in the morning. So even if you are not drinking my tea, make sure you chug something like water (or coconut water!) or something (healthy) first thing in the morning. I really like warm beverages for easier absorption.
The lemon has cleansing properties and although it is acidic by nature, the theory goes that they actually have an alkalyzing effect on the body. So in a sense the lemon and water brings your digestive system back to a "clean" and healthy state to start your day of eating. Of course, you can believe this theory or not, but I have found it true for me.
I always feel so much better after drinking this tea first thing in the morning, so I keep doing it.
Why Goji Berries? I love this explanation from WebMD:
"Research shows that eating berries -- like blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, and cherries -- offers some definite health benefits. Berries like the goji berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent cancer and other illnesses, including heart disease. Antioxidants may also boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.
Eating foods high in antioxidants may slow the aging process as well. It does this by minimizing damage from free radicals that injure cells and damage DNA..
Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A that may have anti-aging benefits. These special compounds help boost immune function, protect vision, and may help prevent heart disease.
Some research suggests that goji berry extracts may boost brain health and may protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. Other studies using goji berry juice founds benefits in mental well-being, and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health..."
The cayenne adds some spiciness to perk up your system and the grade B maple syrup is my favorite sweetener.
What About Just Lemon and Water? So I am also a huge fan of the simple warm water + lemon juice method which most people use. But I kinda evolved into loving this one even more. Either one will have that same cleansing effect. I just like the added antioxidants and energy from the tea, berries and maple syrup splash. I also like the fiber from those goji berries. And since the berries become very soft when they soak in the hot water, they are very easy to digest.
AM. Some people crack eggs. I crack open lemons.
Lemon Morning Tea
By Published 04/16/2015
This is my go-to lemon tea for starting my day on the right wellness foot!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces purified water
- 2 small or 1 large lemon, squeezed (seeds removed or strained out)
- 1-3 pinches of cayenne
- 1-4 teaspoon maple syrup (or another sweetener of choice
- 1 tea bag (green, black, dandelion, "detox" or another fave flavor)
- optional: 1 ½ tablespoon Goji berries
Instructions
- Heat water to just under boiling.
- Add lemon juice, cayenne, maple, goji and tea bag.
- Allow the tea bag to steep and the goji berries to soften (if using) for 1-3 minutes.
- Squeeze out tea bag and press spoon against goji berries to "squeeze" them a bit.
- Drink and enjoy! Yes, you eat the goji berries too
- Bonus! I usually nibble a few Brazil nuts with my tea too, to get my daily intake of selenium.
Yield: 1 mugPrep Time: 00 hrs. 05 mins. Total time: 5 mins. Tags: tea,lemon tea,morning,breakfast,wellness,vegan,goji berries, goji tea
Tips!
* Start Slow! If you find it hard to drink this at first (the lemon and cayenne can be strong to newbies) start with a watered down version. Also, you could eat a few nuts along side at first to get your stomach used to this drink. Toast or a banana may also help. Or just use less lemon and cayenne, and gradually build up a better tolerance for it.
..but don't get me wrong, this tea is tasty! Sweet, spicy and slightly tart. I crave it! Try it and let me know what you think.
* When travelling, I literally stuff lemons into my luggage so that I can do a modified version of this beverage in my hotel room with some hot water from the hotel. (Or you can ask room service for a lemon half! .. You would need to bring your own gojis though..)
In closing, there are many healthy things you could drink first thing in the morning. Plain old water works too! This is just what works for me. What works for you? I'd love to know!
ps... if you take medications first thing in the morning obviously you would want to ask your doctor about how to take those. I know citrus can sometimes interact with certain medications oddly. (Always ask you doctor.)
Dot says
Kathy, THANKS again, it is truly a GORGEOUS, energizing booster for even more morning glory!! Even my not-so-keen-on-any-new-ideas BF loved it! nomnomnomyummmmm!
Dot says
Thank you for this lovely Idea! I usually have a mug of Earl Grey with half a lemon and honey (my only non-vegan food) in the morning, but tomorrow I'll be trying this! I love tea. And I love gojis. I love lemon! Needless to point out that I love maple syrup and Cayenne, too?!?
Bebefuzz says
Please feed your cats cat food. Cats are not like humans and are strict carnivores. Depriving them of meat is cruel and is a surefire way to cause a lot of health problems down the road. Almost every vet will tell you this as well. For the well-being of your little fuzzy ones, I beg you not to feed them vegan.
sapphireflowers says
Thanks for introducing me to a new way to eat goji berries! But wow, this was a lot more tart than I realized it would be. But I enjoyed it at the same time, I think next time I will just use more water and a tad more sweetener (used the last little tiny bit of maple syrup that I had), definitely will make it again... It is such a pretty morning drink!
Angie says
This is very random but I have 4 cats . the mom and 3 kittens , it was originally 4 but one got adopted . I see that you're a vegan . so am I , but I was wondering what did you feed your kitten? . I don't feel vegan when I'm still buying cat food that has meat
Rosita says
I just found your blog today and all your recipes look so delicious. This tea is so good, but I only added half a lemon and I had to add more cayenne pepper. Thank you for this recipe. I can't wait to try the others.
Kathy Patalsky says
So glad to head Andrea! I love adding turmeric lately too! 🙂
Andrea Leigh says
I just had to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for this tea recipe. I have always loved my morning coffee but wanted to switch to something healthier. This tea has become my favorite morning ritual. I added some turmeric as well for it's anti-inflammatory qualities but otherwise stick exactly to your recipe. I like how just changing to a new tea flavor can also change the whole experience. It also gives me more energy for my day and feels very cleansing. Again, thanks so much. You have transformed my mornings into a wonderful start to the day 🙂 Andrea
Roady says
I think it says 1-2 PINCHES of cayenne, not 1/2 teaspoon. I'd imagine a pinch or two is much less. But I agree -- I don't like the taste of cayenne!
Heather says
Kathy, is cayenne pepper and ground red pepper the same? Also, I made it this morning and it is so good! Thank you for the inspiration! P.S. I love your book!
krt says
I use raw honey as a sweetener and raw ginger for spice and other benefits goji is great.
LOVE LIFE!!
Marlene says
Strange that I came across your site today. I just completed 10 days of the Master Cleanse and needed a morning drink. You did it! I will still have my lemon drink but will now add the goji berries. What a great idea. Thanks, looking forward to more on this blog.
Sonni K says
I ran across your blog yesterday and have been stalking it ever since. I made this today and LOVED it! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Cubbies Baby-Blankets says
Holy smokes, the Cayenne made it unbearable. It was like drinking a Vondaloo. Perhaps avoid the spice. I used less than 1/2 ts of Cayenne Chilli pepper... wooow!
Cindy S. says
Hi Kathy - Would using bottled lemon juice work just as well as fresh squeezed as far as health benefits? Probably wouldn't taste nearly as good, but for someone like me who would like to drink it every day, but yet can't afford a fresh lemon every single day. Thank you for your uplifting blog - I JUST found it today. Not a person who spends a lot of time on the computer/internet, but I'm transfixed on your site. Being vegan is something I haven't done, YET, but am still dreaming about and sadly, totally clueless. Can start with getting your Smoothie book - my 14yr old daughter and I love making smoothies together. :o) Blessings to you, Cindy
Princeps Cruoris Aestas says
Absolutely delicious!
Kerry Wilson says
I JUST tried this tea this morning. YUM is right. I thought it was absolutely delicious from the kick of the cayenne pepper to, YES, eating the goji berries at the end. Catherine, I wasn't sure either lol, so I proceeded with the littlest nibble and then realized they ARE yum! THANK YOU so much for the time you spent on ever facet of this blog. I started following it after my sister shared one picture. And, when I saw the picture of this tea, I knew it was a must. yum yum YUM!
lsb says
What type of tea or brand of teabag do you use?
Selena V says
Is so much lemon juice on a daily basis okay for your teeth?
Corina Perdue says
I love this tea! It's now part of my weekly diet if not daily.
Nicole Brors says
This sounds awesome. I usually do a large lemon water in the morning and then a gynostemma tea later...I think maybe now I will combine them and add in the goji berries and maybe some cayenne (I'm a spice wuss). Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Patalsky says
Eat them! Best part!
Kat says
Would you then eat the goji berries..reserve them for another recipe or into the compost?
Kathy Patalsky says
Good, but the good are very unique in flavor and superfood characteristics.
Karen says
Love it! Tried it this morning!
Tessa says
How do you think it would do if I replaced the goji berries with frozen blueberries (until I'm able to find some goji at a store) and used honey instead of syrup? Still be beneficial, or would it really just be something to drink?
Kathy Patalsky says
I am drinking mine now!! I really do have it every day I am home 🙂 So addictive + good! Glad you like it too.
Zoe@LoseWeightandGainHealth says
I just found your blog today and I made this tea. I love it! I have had 2 cups of Goji tea today and it is wonderful. Thank you!
emily says
ive seen them in the bulk section of some grocery stores
Christina says
Try Whole Foods!!
Kyra says
does anyone know where I can find goji berries?
Karine says
Made it, and wow better tea I have never tasted! It was fresh, sweet, tangy and spicy all in one cup, and I felt a different kind of energy than the coffein heavy drinks give me. Thank you <3 Makin this every morning from now on!
Smyrna Tuburan says
Just tried this with Allegro's Organic Feel Flawless Tea. Ah-mazing! It was a perfect mid-morning tea to get me through a power afternoon study session. Thanks so much.
Cynthia says
Just tried this & couldn't believe how awesome it was. I can totally see why you drink this every day. I'm trying to stop the coffee habit & this just may do the trick! Thanks for sharing. Love how your recipes have interesting & complex flavors that blend at just the right note! (Also, I woke up with a sore throat this morning & I credit this recipe for helping me ward off a pretty icky cold! So, thanks for that, too! lol)
Terry says
Made this just now to see if I liked it! It's sooo good! I'm planning on drinking this in the AM instead of coffee. Thanks for the great recipe!
Kathy Patalsky says
Success! Glad you took a chance to try it!
Marti says
Was a tee bit nervous with all the lemon juice and the pepper... reluctantly took a baby sip and WOW! Perfect amount of sweet with a hit of heat...LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing.
kllmaca says
I started having this yesterday and it is great!! Especially bc I am fighting off that flu going around- I love that the tiny kick of cayanne helps to clear my throat. Also, thank you so much for always suggesting B grade Maple syrup! I had forgotten completely how much more delicious it is.
Brooke Douty says
Having this right now, and it is really yummy!! Thank you:)
Jaine says
I love lemon water first thing in the morning as well! I've been doing chia water with lemon, but I'm excited to try this too! It combines all things I love in the morning, berries, lemon, tea... Mmm 🙂
kerry.ajohnson says
I just tried putting goji berries in my tea, and I absolutely loved it! l didn't have any lemons, but it was delicious anyway. I'll try the full lemon version tomorrow morning. I have a feeling that this might be the thing to replace my morning coffee.
Kathy Patalsky says
me toooo. Coffee turned out to be "fake" energy for me. S glad I finally kicked that AM habit. Now I just have lattes at brunch on the weekends and once in a while during the week. I also love matcha.
Kathy Patalsky says
Hope you enjoy it!
Kathy Patalsky says
I would ask your doctor what he/she thinks is best. Citrus and medications can be tricky I have heard.
Vassiliki Pothitou says
Did it first thing this morning. I was surprised from the "splash" of energy it gave me almost 10 minutes after I drunk it. I didn't use maple syrup because I didn't want to. Thanks a lot for the recipe, as for me it is now an ideal substitute for the morning coffee. The one thing I will change is the amount of lemon. Even though I used to drink one squezzed lemon every morning in a cup with warm water, I didn't like the taste in the gioji lemon tea. I think tomorrow I will use half a lemon. Thank you again!
Gabrielle Morrison says
Made this, this morning it was so good.. Thanks for sharing X
Corina Perdue says
Love it!
Kathy Patalsky says
I do not like then so much raw, very tart and tangy. But in tea the flavor mellows very much and I love them. (The flavor changes when they soak in the hot or boiling water) but lemon water is great too!
Gabrielle Morrison says
Looking forward to trying this, I love lemon water in the mornings but this will add a whole element,
Thanks
Christina says
I can not wait to try this! I adore goji berries and I adore tea like no other. I am always looking for creative uses for those little dried gems.
Stella Schultz says
I have done the hot water-lemon-ginger-first-thing-the-morning from time to time, but not as an everyday thing. Celestial Teas has a "Wellness" tea to be be really high in antioxidants. I've tried it plain, I will have to try it ala Kathy way, but no goji berries for me.....I just can't get past the taste of them.
Love the travel tip!
Veronica says
I'm with you on the healthy first thing in the morning gig. I drink a little room temp water with flora powder, but this tea looks yum! Never tried adding goji berries to tea. A must try! Love when they get soft 🙂
Persephonie says
I take medication first thing in the morning for my thyroid, I was wondering if apple cider vinegar would work instead of lemons, any thoughts?
Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) says
I always start me day with hot water, lemon and fresh ginger. Going to have to try the goji's though.
Kathy Patalsky says
Any natural foods store. Whole foods. Or online too!
Sent from my iPad
Kathy Patalsky says
That is smart! The lemon can be quite strong. So glad you liked it!
Sent from my iPad
Kathy Patalsky says
Eat them! so yum.
Sent from my iPad
Ousa O'Mara says
Had it this morning, and it was DEEEEELISSSHH! I only started with half a lemon, but will build up to a whole. Thanks for the recipe!
Claire Williams says
This sounds really good
Katie says
Kathy, where do you find the goji berries?
Nikki says
This looks wonderful. I always feel awesome when I start my day with warm water and lemon juice. Adding the goji berries seems like a good idea, especially with all of their healthy benefits. I prefer warm hydration in the morning, especially during the cold months. I'll be giving your tea a try.
Catherine Downing says
Kathy, what do you do with the berries when you're done with your tea? Do you toss them or do you eat them?
Misti Dawn says
I do the water/lemon juice method. Making the change from coffee to this upon waking has had a huge impact on my energy levels. I love your gogi berry idea
Tamara Lukie says
<3. thanks. I do this (without the goji), but I'm thinking of adding them now!