London, UK (BBN) - Trying to lose weight can feel like an impossible challenge, particularly at this time of year when we are surrounded by indulgent hot chocolates, festive coffees and mulled wine.
But there could be a very easy way to stay on track with your diet and still enjoy a warming winter drink.
And all you'll need is three commonplace ingredients that you'll probably already have in your kitchen cupboards.
Diet experts say that drinking lemon, honey and cinnamon, mixed in a cup of hot water, could help you achieve your weight loss goals.
All three ingredients are reported to have significant health benefits, particularly around aiding digestion.
Cinnamon has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and the spice is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also packed full of antioxidants.
There is also some limited evidence that it can lower cholesterol in those with type-2 diabetes, and a small study published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that people who added cinnamon to their diet lose more fat than the control group who didn't.
Honey also has antibacterial properties, and is considered by many to be a more natural and healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Lemon meanwhile is full of nourishing vitamins that keep the body healthy.
But the main reason why this cosy drink could help you lose weight so effectively is that it provides a sweet, spicy and warming alternative to the fatty drinks you would be drinking otherwise.
'Hot water with lemon in and of itself does not cause any actual weight loss,' registered nutritionist Alissa Rumsey, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told Women's Health magazine.
But she adds that drinking lemon with honey can reduce bloating and therefore the size of your belly.
Be warned, however. Though honey is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it still contains a large number of calories per spoonful, so only add as much as you need to sweeten it to your taste
BBN/MS/ANS