Drinking vinegar can help you lose weight, though it may not sound like the most appetizing beverage. Paul C. Bragg, author of "The Miracle of Fasting," recommends using raw organic apple cider vinegar, which, despite its acidity, actually alkalizes the body. It also helps to suppress hunger, control blood sugar levels and cleanse the entire body, according to Bragg. Drinking vinegar alone may not lead to weight loss. However, pairing this healthy beverage with a few basic lifestyle and dietary changes may help you lose weight faster than with diet and exercise alone.
Step 1
Start your diet with a one to three day fast, says Bragg, by taking in only your vinegar beverage and distilled water. The weekend makes a great time to fast because you can relax and avoid your normal daily sources of stress. Fasting is not for everyone, but you can achieve a similar cleansing effect by eating only foods that are easily digested. Examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, juices and nuts and seeds. Even a 24-hour fast once a week can have positive effects on cleansing and weight loss, says Bragg.
Step 2
Mix 2 tbsp raw organic apple cider vinegar, 6 to 8 oz of distilled water, a packet of stevia or 1 tbsp of honey and a squeeze of lemon to taste. You can also add cleansing fruit juices such as pomegranate, acai or goji, which are loaded with healthful antioxidants that may help to speed weight loss. A half tsp of cinnamon can help to control blood sugar levels when taken with meals.
Step 3
Drink your vinegar beverage three to five times per day, before or during your daily meals. David Zinczenko, author of "The Abs Diet," recommends eating five or six smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. This meal strategy promotes fat burning and helps to prevent your body from storing fat. Apple cider vinegar naturally contains enzymes that can help with digestion and may contribute to your weight loss efforts.
Step 4
Drink a 16 oz glass of water with each of your daily meals and sip from a cup or bottle of water throughout the day. Water drives many of the chemical processes in your body, allowing them to function more efficiently, says "Combat the Fat" author Jeff Anderson. Remaining properly hydrated keeps you feeling more full and prevents you from mistaking thirst for hunger. Water also acts as a natural thermogenic, speeding up metabolism and eliminating toxins from the body.
Step 5
Have a vinegar drink before your workouts. Bragg says that the vinegar drink energizes and hydrates, allowing your body to perform better under stress. Your workout should include resistance training, which is one of the most efficient ways to burn fat, says "Xtreme Lean" author Jonathan Lawson. Weightlifting triggers the release of potent fat burning hormones such as HGH, or human growth hormone. Remember to include some cardiovascular exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, biking or recreational sports to burn extra calories.
Tips and Warnings
- Always consult with your physician before beginning any new diet, exercise, or supplement regimen.
- Never eat fewer than 1,200 calories per day, unless under a doctor's supervision.
Things You'll Need
- Vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Distilled water
- Stevia
- Honey
- Lemon
- Acai juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Goji juice
- Cinnamon
References
- "The Miracle of Fasting;" Paul C. Bragg; 2009
- "The Abs Diet;" David Zinczenko; 2004
- "Combat the Fat;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "Xtreme Lean;" Jonathan Lawson and Steve Holman; 2005
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