For about a year, I’ve had a bottle of apple cider vinegar sitting in my fridge. Just sitting, waiting, taunting me. I tried it once, and I almost gagged. Realizing, drinking it straight wasn’t the best way to ease in, or to consume it regularly. But as of lately, I’ve tried to be better about my health and what I put into my body. It’s not that I wasn’t aware before, but I went through a bit of a stressful period where I ate more of whatever my mood desired at that moment, rather than what would be good for my body in the long run. Stress eating at its purest form. After overcoming that stressful time, I decided to refocus on my health priorities. I limited what I brought into my home from the grocery store, and when I did have a chocolate craving (yes it still happens), I limited the quantity vs. allowing myself to have a week’s worth of chocolate resources. In addition, I wanted to limit my quantities in general. I realized I was having a binge and overeating problem, where my portions were much larger than they should be. I began with a mini juice cleanse – 2 days only. And I allowed myself some vegetables such as avocado and cucumbers. It allowed my body to detox and chill the hell out. Then I ensured I was focused on healthy fats and lean proteins. Chicken, Avocado, Olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and lots and lots of water (usually with lemon to make myself drink more of it).
Then one day, I was getting rid of things that were expired in my fridge and came across that damn vinegar again. I cringed at the memory of it, but decided it was worth another try. I had forgotten my reasons for getting it in the first place. The myriad of benefits from just a few teaspoons a day (mixed with water – not alone!)
What I realized in just a few days of having it? I didn’t mind the taste (as much) when watered down, and it helped me more than I initially realized.
My doses:
- Upon waking – one to two teaspoons in a 8 oz glass of water
- Before lunch – same
- Before dinner – same
The immediate results:
- I was more awake
- Considering I have digestive issues, specifically with gluten – I felt like my body was reacting better to food in general that I was eating (gluten free of course)
- I had less of an appetite, and ate more regular sized portions as I got full faster
Why is this?
According to Health.com – “Apple cider vinegar may also be a boon to digestive health, based on the results of a study done on mice with ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that when acetic acid was added to their drinking water, they had higher levels of good bacteria in their guts, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, and reduced symptoms of the gastrointestinal disease.” Basically, if you have digestion issues, apple cider vinegar can be helpful to ensure your gut is getting the proper treatment.
Remember that Apple Cider Vinegar is no cure-all, and isn’t going to make you lose weight automatically. It’s a piece of the health puzzle, and should be used in moderation. In the end, it’s about your overall diet and your health regimen. According to Authority Nutrition, “Overall, it seems like apple cider vinegar may be useful as a weight loss aid, mainly by promoting satiety and lowering glucose and insulin levels.”
But as always, a word of caution. Too much of anything can have side effects, including this vinegar. It has also been linked to harming tooth enamel – so it’s definitely best to moderate, and ensure it’s always drank within a dressing or with water (rather than alone).
For me, it’s helping my body chill the hell out, and helping me stay on track to drinking more good liquids, and eat more leanly. And I’m sure happy about it.
#radiatedaily
image source – pixabay
