Citrus Weightloss

Summer lovin’ happens so fast, and with the sun comes dozens of new diet fads and miracle “summer body” schemes. Unfortunately, most of these ideas do not actually work and some of them are even dangerous. Luckily, citrus can actually help you meet your weight loss goals just in time for summer.

If you want to kickstart your metabolism in a healthy and safe way, drink a glass of lemon juice (about 1 or 2 lemons worth) every morning. If the super sour taste of fresh lemons isn’t your thing, try and mix the juice with water and honey. Just remember that for every lemon you consume you need to drink at least 2 or 3 cups of water. Proper hydration is key to weight loss and for a healthy lifestyle.

Along with the lemon trick, you can also try drinking orange or grapefruit juice 30 minutes before eating a meal. The flavor of the juice will help curb cravings, and the antioxidants help your body get all the nutrients it needs so that you feel refreshed and full of energy.

Citrus alone won’t be able to get you that beach body that you have spent all year dreaming about but with proper exercise and hard work, it can help you reach your target weight faster by jump starting your new diet regime and shave off some of those pesky pounds while you’re at it.

Fruit Slices. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2017. <http://dotvital.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dotvital.com-citrus-fresh-fruit-slices.jpg>.

"Eat Citrus Fruits to Lose Weight and Get Healthy." Rapid Weight Loss Tips for Fast Weight Loss. Shed Your Weight, n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Want to Boost your Brain Power?

Hey Citrus Fans!

With classes starting up, many students (and professors) are looking for ways to improve their cognitive abilities, while also keeping away that dreaded “freshman fifteen.” Well, the answer is surprisingly simple. Studies have shown that drinking 500ml (roughly a pint) of orange juice a day can drastically improve memory, and help maintain a healthy weight. This is likely due to flavonoids, which are chemicals found in abundance in fresh oranges and other citrus fruits. According to Ben Spencer, author of the article Could Orange Juice Boost Brain Power?, “Scientists are not exactly sure how this works, but they suspect the chemicals (flavonoids) may improve blood flow, protect neurons against oxidative damage and increase the efficiency with which neurons transmit signals.” In layman's terms, flavonoids improve your memory, improve your comprehension of information, and do all kinds of good things that keep your body running normally.

This has been documented in a study that shows that this is especially true in older men and women who may be lacking flavonoids in their diets. Aside from oranges, blueberries, blackberries, apples, prunes, strawberries, grapes, peppers, and celery are all found to be packed with flavonoids. Therefore, adding a few more glasses of delicious Florida orange juice to your diet, or another basket of blueberries to your shopping cart might be just the thing you need to ensure that you start this semester with bright eyes and a healthy mind.

Works Cited:

Olson, Samantha. "Fruits And Vegetables With High Levels Of Flavonoids May Prevent Weight Gain." Medical Daily. N.p., 28 Jan. 2016. Web. 25 Aug. 2016.

Spencer, Ben. "Could Pure Orange Juice Boost Brain Power?" Dailymail.uk. Dailymail, 15 May 2015. Web. 25 Aug. 2016.

Written by Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center