There are so many pills, programs and weight loss plans on the market it can be challenging to find the right one. There are claims that you do not need to diet or exercise and programs that promise a significant amount of weight loss in a short time. There are even programs suggesting that consuming certain foods such as apple cider vinegar can help to speed weight loss. Before choosing a plan, you need to understand the basics of what leads to weight loss. You should also check with your doctor, as some programs can be unhealthy and unsafe.
Weight Loss Principals
When it comes to losing weight, there are no magic plans, special fat burning foods or quick fixes. Shedding those extra pounds requires taking in less calories then you use by restricting the number of calories you eat and exercising to burn calories off, says the Office of the Surgeon General. A general goal is to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on five days of the week combined with a healthy, well-balanced, calorie-controlled food plan that can be followed for life. The amount of exercise required for weight loss varies from person to person and you may find that you need more or less then the general recommendations
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
Proponents of the apple cider vinegar diet claim that drinking a few teaspoons of vinegar before eating will help to curb your appetite and burn fat, but there is little research to back up those claims, reports MayoClinic.com. Drinking apple cider vinegar without cutting back on calorie intake or exercising will most likely not lead to significant or long term weight loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar Levels
If your blood sugar level tends to spike and drop, you may have times when you feel as if you are starving, which can lead to reaching for quick, unhealthy, high calorie foods. One of the many symptoms of a low blood sugar level is hunger that can drive food choices, notes the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Given this, part of a successful weight loss program is to eat regularly scheduled meals in order to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Most of your meals should include some high fiber foods, beacuse fiber helps the body feel full.
While much more research is needed, consuming apple cider vinegar may help to control blood sugar levels, especially in those with type 2 diabetes, according to the Harvard Medical School. For those with diabetes, this could, in turn, help to control hunger, so lower calorie food choices are made.
Warnings
Including apple cider vinegar in your diet may lead to unwanted side effects. This includes an irritated throat, and apple cider vinegar may also lower potassium levels in the body. Apple cider vinegar can also interact with many medications, so it should only be used under medical supervision. Too much apple cider vinegar can contribute to a weakening of your bones and it is best to rinse your mouth after consuming it to avoid eroding the enamel on your teeth
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