An Apple a Day...

Apple Cider Vinegar Strawberry Lemonade

I, like most of you, have heard all about the numerous benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) on the body, both externally and internally . ACV regulates blood sugar levels, enhances weight loss, lowers cholesterol, improves skin health, reduces blood pressure, relieves symptoms of acid reflux, boosts gut health, promotes kidney health and functions and much much more. There were several of the above listed items, and some unlisted ones, that had me desperately wanting to incorporate this little magic worker into my daily routine but there has been one thing that made it impossible to do so....the taste! I could NOT stomach the taste; I tried mixing it in cranberry juice, I tried holding my nose, I tried it all....and then I gave up.

With the first of the year came my new good intentions, goals, resolutions (whatever you want to call them) and I decided I really wanted to get on the ACV train. After lots of pinteresting, some trial and error, and taste tests....I am happy to announce I have found a way to not only stomach the ACV but to actually enjoy drinking it! I hope the simple, but effective recipe below helps you as much as it did me! If you have ever heard of the "Good Girl Moon Shine" this is similar to that with some tweaks. (bonus: it was kid and husband approved!!)

** I am adding two options: one is a little less healthy then the other- both are delicious!

Option one: (has more sugar)

ingredients:

1/4 cup frozen strawberries (the ones with sugar) or 2tbs of the chopped frozen strawberries with sugar

2 tablespoons of ACV (with the mother)

1/4 cup of water (or less if you want it more like a smoothie or none if you want it more like a snocone)

5-6 ice cubes

3 tablespoons of lemon juice and/or 4 drops of Jade lemon young living essential oil

place it all in the blender and blend until desired consistency

( I used both lemon juice and lemon oil because I really wanted to kill the taste and smell of the ACV- bonus is the lemon oil itself has excellent health benefits too! double win!)

*important to note:* I only use and especially only consume Young Living Essential Oils- they're specifically marked for consumption and I know I'm not placing synthetics or perfumes in my body- just pure oil.

OptionTwo:

change out the frozen strawberries in sugar with fresh strawberries and add any sweetener you prefer- I used stevia and it was just as delicious.

Option Three:

 (I know- I said two, BONUS option aren't you lucky )

skip out on the strawberry all together and stick with straight lemonade. You can also add/ substitute other fruits to your liking as well.