Hmmm, looks like everyone has a different answer to this one. I use 1/2 a lemon in 16 oz of hot water, then do the same with the other half and hour or two later.

On True Lemon and True Lime- I LOVE these products. Both of them for fantastic for cooking. The lime powder is really great in taco seasoning, homemade salsa, fajitas, carne asada, etc. The lemon is fantastic in hot water or tea, on chicken, fish, and pork chops, and in home made tartar sauce. Last night my 4 year old coughed all night long, despite having her medicine. Finally, I mixed some lemon powder with hot water and honey. She drank it really well, and it coated her throat and stopped the cough. One last idea with the lemon or the lime powder would be to mix it with diet sprite and vodka to make a yummy lemon drop type drink.

Just an FYI...I had the extra sodium and diet soda yesterday (which always causes me to retain water), had my lemon water last evening and was down 1.6 pounds from Friday So, yes, the lemon water really does work.

Okay...here's my question - do you count the water as a "water" or something else? Also, do I have to count the 1/2 lemon I'm using as a fruit?

My COD does not have me count it as anything.

I do not count it as anything either.

Does it have to be hot? And, if so, why?

I think...hot/warm water is absorbed by your body easier than cold. But, cold is supposed to raise your metabolism...who knows?

Linda - Not sure of all the science, but I believe it is absorbed better by the body and I think the heat releases some property of the lemon juice? I know you can search the net for a scientific answer, and you could probably search this forum since it's a pretty popular topic. I don't have the WHY, only that it seems to work.

Well . . . I'm definitely going to try it . . . there are times I collect water like a sponge . . . and it can take days of slugging in so much plain water that I gurgle when I walk to get rid of it. Definitely will be trying hot lemon water . . . thanks, gang.

Just to make sure I'm good on this: I put the water & the lemon in the microwave to heat it, right? Not heat the water and THEN add the lemon...both have to be hot for it to work properly? Because I did ask about doing it with cold water & was told that it did not work the same way as the hot water... Interesting...

Right. Heating the lemon also releases the oils in the skin.

One of my friends started me doing this. Her nutritionist told her to heat 8-10 ounces of water, add juice of half a lemon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Sorry for barging in but I haven't done this for a while and I thank you for reminding me.

What is the cayenne for?

I think it was to raise body temp for a little metabolism boost. I like the little kick it gives the lemon.

They do that on the Master Cleanse too.