My goal here is to give you the most straight forward and informative article about what apple cider vinegar is, what it can possibly do for you and your overall health, and how it effected me + my recommendations.

Prior to trying this new morning routine, I never had apple cider vinegar before.  

Through casual conversation and after seeing some instagram bloggers swear by ACV, I decided to test it out myself.

Because I didn't do much research before trying it (bad, victoria) I took a SHOT of straight AVC. Do not do this! You can burn your esophagus. The best way to drink ACV is to put a 3-4 second pour into a cup and then dilute it with water.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Body, health, skin, overall energy level, ACV claims to have countless beneficial properties for your entire body.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

It is mostly apple juice with added yeast to turn the fruit sugar to alcohol (fermentation). The alcohol turns into acetic acid (this gives the ACV the sour taste and strong smell). ACV is essentially enzymes and beneficial bacteria which consists of cellulose and acetic acid.

Pros of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar:

—appetite suppressant: Drinking water with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar has been said to increase the amount of time that food stayed in the stomach, compared to drinking plain water. Human and animal studies have found that apple cider vinegar and acetic acid may decrease appetite and promote feelings of fullness, leading to a natural reduction in calorie intake.

Studies recommend drinking one glass on diluted ACV before eating your meal so that you fill up faster and do not overeat.

—energy levels: Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time your feet are dragging, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water to boost your energy.

—skin: Apple cider vinegar makes a great natural toner that can possibly act as a natural home remedy for acne and leave skin looking healthier. The antibacterial properties help keep acne under control, and the malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar soften and exfoliate skin, reduce red spots, and balance your skin's pH. Apply it directly onto your face and then wash off.

—health benefits: ACV can lower cholesterol & prevent muscle cramps. If your legs cramp often, it could be a sign that you’re low in potassium. Because one of the benefits of ACV is that it’s high in potassium, it is a great home remedy to increase your potassium intake and eliminate those foot and leg cramps. Try mixing 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon honey to a glass of warm water and drink to relieve nighttime leg cramps.

—other: cure hiccups, soothe a sore throat, treat dandruff

Cons of Apple Cider Vinegar: 

Personally I had no negative issues with ACV, except for the first day when I took the shot and was not aware of the negative effects ACV can have on your teeth and internal organs. Be sure to brush your teeth after drinking ACV as it can give you cavities and erode your tooth enamel.

Possible negatives of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Interactions with medications (typically type 1 diabetes medications) (talk to your physician if you are about to start drinking ACV)

2. Interactions with type 1 diabetes: apple cider vinegar helps prevent blood sugar spikes by reducing the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the lower digestive tract. this slows down its absorption into the bloodstream (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-side-effects).

4. Apple cider vinegar may cause unpleasant digestive symptoms in some people.

Now you have some background information and you’re a little curious about introducing ACV into your morning routine.

Great! 

Here are some tips when drinking apple cider vinegar: 

1. Make sure it is unfiltered, raw & organic in order to reap ALL benefits.

2. Dilute & mix with ice water (option to add lemon and honey). I would fill up an 8-ounce glass about 2/3 the way with water, and then do a three to four-second pour of ACV. If you do not dilute the ACV you can burn your throat and esophagus.

3. Some suggest drinking with a straw, I do not have reusable straws in my house and i do everything i can to try to save the planet so I did not use a straw. The reason for drinking with a straw is that ACV will dissolve all the enamel on your teeth if not dissolved in water. But, if you just brush your teeth immediately after finishing your drink, then you should be fine. 

I drink apple cider vinegar for two weeks

I woke up every morning, brushed my teeth, washed my face, drank my ACV, brushed my teeth again, and then either went to the gym, or started my day. I used this brand:

De Nigris Apple Cider Vinegar

My thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar:

I felt motivated during these two works and I had a lot of energy. I was going to the gym 4/5 times a week and was doing a pull-up challenge on my own time. I ate fairly well during these two weeks in addition to the ACV (eggs, whole grains, organic foods and not a lot of meat) with the occasional brownies or chocolate.

After these initial two weeks, I left for a two-week trip to Europe. I walked almost 8 miles a day. I ate lots of bread, cheese, wine, chocolate croissants, and meat. And oddly enough, I came back LESS WEIGHT than when I left. Granted, I most likely lost some muscle mass but regardless, not drinking the ACV did not seem to have any adverse effects. 

What does my Europe trip have anything to do with apple cider vinegar? When we compare the two weeks, we can draw a possible conclusion.

2 weeks Drinking ACV:

- Felt energized

- Noticed an increase in metabolism 

- Felt motivated to be productive and continue to be healthy after drinking my glass in the morning

- Clear skin

- Eating Healthy

2 weeks not drinking ACV:

- Not necessarily watching what I eat

- Still very active

- Fast metabolism (probably because I was walking and biking) 

- Clear Skin

I'm not sure how beneficial ACV is for actual weight loss or using it to increase your metabolism just on its own. You must change your lifestyle in addition to drinking ACV because it works in tandem with a healthy, active lifestyle. It is not a miracle drink that will make you lose weight and boost your metabolism.

If you are planning on kick-starting a change in your lifestyle and want to be more active and motivated, I definitely recommend drinking ACV. It gave me a reminder every morning that I was going to be healthy, motivated, and active. 

Do you drink apple cider vinegar in the mornings? Do you think it helps? Let me know in the comments!