What’s the deal with apple cider vinegar (ACV)?
I get this question about apple cider vinegar all the time. Before you throw back a shot, here are a few things to consider…
Avoid the hype.
Apple cider vinegar can be part of a flat stomach plan but not if it’s the only thing you add or do differently. Your digestion needs to run better and apple cider vinegar can’t do that on its own. Assess your digestion (use the tool here) and then follow the recommendations to help it run better (of course if you have ongoing digestive issues consult your doctor first!).
Eat less, making better, not perfect choices more often.
Yeah, we’ve heard this before, but it can be hard to do, especially if eating out etc. Try a glass of water before your biggest meal of the day. You can add some apple cider vinegar to it for flavor and benefit! This better nutrition tool will help you feel satisfied with less. Oh and choose the foods and beverages that score a 7-10 (on a scale of 1-10) in terms of deliciousness … better nutrition better be delicious, or we are going looking for more.
Quality apple cider vinegar can be a better nutrition tool.
You can add it to salad dressing, a smoothie, blend into overnight oats or enjoy with sparkling water as a non-alcoholic spritzer. But stick to an ounce or two and dilute it with your other liquids. Also note, that once a day or twice max is plenty to get results but more can deplete the body of potassium – and we already have trouble getting in this key nutrient for hydration, kidney and heart health. We love Bragg’s
Apple Cider Vinegar can help support healthy digestion.
Enjoying it as part of a meal or at the start of a meal as a digestive will help you get these benefits. It includes some magnesium as well as some acids that can help the body break down nutrients and the digestive tract to relax and move nutrients along as well as eliminate waste.
Bitter is better!
When you have some bitterness, it can help tame a sweet craving. We have several different taste buds that help balance each other out so it is important to give others (other than sweet) the attention they deserve.
Don’t believe the hype, yeah I said this before…
It is important to note that you need to do other things to get and keep a flat belly. I will leave specific exercises to the experts but exercise – movement of the abdomen – is key. For me, learning all the twists in yoga and now incorporating those into HIIT workouts is key to helping my digestion and the result in my belly. Stop eating earlier, eat nutrient balanced pit stops more often rather than too much or too little at one time and then there is the number one flat belly rule: GET BETTER SLEEP MORE OFTEN! When we are tired we crave more nutrients, especially sugar.
Here are a few better recipes that include ACV…
Brussel Sprout Slaw with Grapefruit, Apricot, and Walnut
Jicama Sushi Bowl with Adzuki Beans and Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw
