Apple cider vinegar is one of those ancient remedies that your grandmother may have used as often as the Portokalo family used Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. However, there’s some real truth, and some science, of course, to back many of the health claims, including its ability to help with stubborn fat loss.
That said, we’re not just talking about any old apple cider vinegar, we’re talking about raw apple cider vinegar, the one that contains “The Mother.” The mother of vinegar refers to that cloudy sediment that sits at the bottom of a bottle of unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. While not the most appetizing looking, this is the good stuff! This health-promoting gold mine found in raw apple cider vinegar aka ACV is what’s responsible for many of the health benefits.
Wondering How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help With Weight Loss? Here’s How
That cloudy sediment that sits at the bottom of a bottle of raw apple cider vinegar is acetic acid bacteria which is loaded with healthy probiotics and enzymes to support digestive health and weight loss.
In fact, numerous studies have looked at just how important supporting the gut microbiome is when it comes to successfully losing weight. Here’s one more reason to get your daily dose for weight loss.
In addition to its ability to help boost healthy gut bacteria, and better digestion, here are some other ways enjoying raw ACV daily can help kick your weight loss success into high gear.
- Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar has been linked to lower fat accumulation.
- Apple cider vinegar may be able to help prevent metabolic syndrome
- Apple cider vinegar has also been linked to a reduction in triglyceride levels and body fat mass.
4 Ways to Get Your Apple Cider Vinegar Fix For Weight Loss (we promise, no ACV shots required)
While we get how great raw apple cider vinegar is for weight loss, not everyone is ready to jump right in and start swigging back shots of it. Plus, shots of raw vinegar on your teeth isn’t exactly what the dentist ordered. So, as promised, here are four ways to get your fix for weight loss without having to muscle through a daily shot of it.
#1 Homemade Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing
One of the easiest, and by far, one of the mildest ways to get this weight loss busting superfood into your diet is to make a homemade raw apple cider vinegar salad dressing. Drizzling it over a salad adds a refreshing taste and gives your salad just another boost to help support all of your amazing weight loss efforts. Plus, if you’re anything like us, you like a good hefty dose of dressing over those greens. With this dressing, you can go right ahead and drizzle until your heart ‘s content, and not feel guilty about it.
Here’s what you need:
Note: This is for one serving
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh herbs of choice (some delicious options include dill, parsley, cilantro, or basil)
- 1 pinch of sea salt
Instructions: Whisk everything together and serve over your favorite salad.
#2 Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey Detox Drink
Ready to amp up your body’s natural detoxification system to help flush out built-up toxins that may be holding on to stubborn fat? We are too, and there’s a super easy and delicious way to do it.
You can get your daily dose of detoxifying ACV in by making a yummy and refreshing detox drink that makes the perfect way to get your digestion moving and get you energized for the day. You may even feel more energized after drinking this than the energy buzz your morning cup of coffee gives you. Plus, it will take you less time to make this than brewing your cup of joe. It’s a win, win.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp raw honey (use manuka honey for added immune-boosting benefits)
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (omit if you do not like heat!)
- 1 pinch of ground turmeric
- 1 pinch of freshly grated ginger
- Ice for serving
Instructions: Add all the ingredients minus the ice to a large glass, and whisk. Add in ice, sip, and enjoy!
#3 Cinnamon & Clove ACV Tea
Do you like to start your day or wind down your evening with a warm and relaxing mug of tea? You can supercharge your favorite cup of tea by adding in one tablespoon of raw ACV. Here’s a recipe to get you started.
Here’s what you need:
- 12-ounces of your favorite tea, brewed
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground clove (a little goes a long way!)
- Drizzle of raw honey
Instructions: Add all the ingredients to your favorite mug and stir. Sip, relax, and let it go to work and do its thing.
#4 Ginger, Greens & Apple Smoothie
Are you more of a smoothie gal? If you find it easier to just toss your daily serving of superfoods into one drink, this recipe is for you. You can get your daily fix by adding a tablespoon of raw AVC to your favorite smoothie, or by giving this ginger, greens, and apple smoothie recipe a try.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp raw honey
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 handful of dark leafy greens
- 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Still Not Keen on Raw ACV? Here’s How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Taste Better
Apple cider vinegar can be harsh tasting, and for some, it can be difficult to get on the bandwagon if you really don’t like the taste. But, don’t shy away from this weight loss secret weapon solely because of taste. You can doctor up just about any recipe with these three tips on making it taste better.
- Add a little more honey
- Add a pinch of spice
- Dilute, dilute, dilute! Add more water, as needed
So, there you have it. Go out and get yourself a bottle of Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar (with The Mother.) It may just be that added boost you need to reach your health goals.
