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Will I Lose Weight Fast with Apple Cider Vinegar Diet?

I feel fat and bloated after binge-eating during the holidays, and desperately need to lose a few pounds fast. My co-worker suggests apple cider vinegar (ACV) for quick weight loss without breaking the bank. I was wondering if it's safe to shed pounds by doing a apple cider vinegar detox? Please tell me how to lose weight with apple cider vinegar, the basic instructions, the best type to use, side effects, etc. I really want to get back to my pre-holiday weight (115lbs) in 2-3 weeks' time. – Christy, Michigan.

Dear Christy,

Your co-worker is right. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is very popular among dieters who're looking to lose weight naturally and safely without spending a lot of money.

ACV has been used throughout history as a folk medicine and natural remedy to cure many common ailments. For example, it is said apple cider vinegar may help relieve sore throats, colds, constipation, leg cramps, hiccups, and even prevent cancer. Did you know that ACV also provides amazing beauty benefits? It slows the aging process, and promotes youthful, healthy-looking skin.

So how does apple cider vinegar help weight reduction? It is generally believed that ACV contains nutrients, enzymes, and organic acids that aid weight reduction by suppressing appetite, speeding up a sluggish metabolism and reducing fluid retention (retained water may show up as excess weight overnight).

Interestingly, a four week experiment was conducted by professor Carol S. Johnston, a nutritionist at the Arizona State University East in Mesa showed test subjects taking two tablespoons of vinegar before each of two meals everyday reported an average weight loss of 2 lbs over a period of four weeks.

As you can see, the benefit of doing the apple cider vinegar diet is you lose weight (no change in your daily food intake except to avoid fatty foods) and improve your health at the same time. And, did I mention that the weight loss tends to be permanent?

Now, what type of apple cider vinegar is best for weight loss? Look for natural apple cider vinegar that is made from the double fermentation of whole organically grown apples. You want to purchase one that says undistilled, unfiltered or not pasteurized on its label. These extra processing steps destroy many of the vitamins, and nutrients. I strongly recommend Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. It's unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and has 5% acidity. It contains the "Mother", naturally occurring strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules. You can buy Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at most health food stores, or get it online.

How to Lose Weight with Apple Cider Vinegar?

There are two ways to benefit from apple cider vinegar. You can start off with one or two teaspoons of ACV before every meal. Then gradually increase to 3 teaspoons per meal. Alternatively, you may want to consume it after food. Simply add 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass full of water, stir and drink. You can also add 1 or 2 teaspoons of raw honey, if you find it a bit hard to stomach. And, if you really dislike the taste of ACV in plain water, here's what you can do – mix it in any fruit or vegetable juice instead. Apple cider vinegar lends a refreshing zing to a glass of orange or tomato juice.

I suggest you sip the diluted apple cider vinegar through a straw as the strong acid may damage your teeth enamel. If you want, rinse your mouth to remove the acid from your teeth.

For any weight loss plan to work, you must eat a healthy low fat diet. All greasy foods and snacks with high calorific values such as pizzas, burgers, chips, nuts, and baked goods should be avoided. All of those stuff could slow down your weight loss progress by sheer volume of salt, sugar and not to mention the fat. Focus on eating lean proteins – turkey, chicken and fish – and a healthy mix of fruits and veggies.

Having said that, there is another big factor which will influence the rate of your weight loss. It is important you exercise regularly (20-30 minutes, at least 2-3 times weekly) or include any physical activities that you enjoy in your daily routine. Brisk walking, biking or even outdoor games with the kids will help you lose that excess weight and prevent weight rebound.

There are some potential side effects of apple cider vinegar which you should be aware of. They include throat and stomach irritation, heartburn, diarrhea and indigestion, interactions with certain medications, etc.

It is reported that long term use of ACV may cause potassium deficiency and bone loss. You should avoid using apple cider vinegar if you suffer from osteoporosis or if you're on prescription medication to lower your blood potassium levels. Always consult your health care provider before you go on the apple cider vinegar diet.

By Diane Hanson

how to lose weight with apple cider vinegar

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