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What is a Vinegar Diet?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Vinegar diets are dieting plans that involve the consumption of vinegar during or before each meal. One of the best examples is the apple cider vinegar (ACV) diet, which urges taking two to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water a half hour before the meal. Generally, the idea behind any such diet is that the vinegar will help to satisfy cravings for food by providing nutrition for the body without extra calories. As a result, the individual will not wish to consume as much food at each meal and will begin to lose weight.

The use of vinegar has been common for many centuries. In folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is often used to treat a wide range of ailments, as well as promote general well being. There is some basis for this, as unfiltered apple cider vinegar does contain trace amounts of many important vitamins and minerals. However, there is controversy over whether apple cider vinegar contains enough nutrients to make a significant impact on any particular health issue.

Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar.

Many people do report positive results from utilizing a vinegar diet. Because vinegar can help to alleviate hunger pangs, drinking a mixture of water and up to four tablespoons of vinegar prior to a meal can often make it possible to feel satisfied with smaller portions. In addition, the ACV diet is not always used to lose weight. There is some evidence that following this diet can help manage some ongoing medical conditions.

Red and white vinegar.
Red and white vinegar.

People who are attempting to control diabetes with diet often have to choose the right foods to obtain enough carbohydrates to generate physical energy and maintain a healthy emotional balance. However, there is sometimes the chance of spiking the blood glucose. The ACV diet is credited with helping to slow down the conversion of starchy foods into glucose, thus minimizing the chances for a spike.

A vinegar diet is meant to help with weight loss by satisfying cravings.
A vinegar diet is meant to help with weight loss by satisfying cravings.

A vinegar diet may also help manage high levels of bad cholesterol. There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that points to consuming small amounts of vinegar in water before each meal will gradually help to prevent the buildup of cholesterol deposits in the bloodstream. From this perspective, if could be said that a vinegar diet may help to minimize the chances of strokes and heart attacks.

A vinegar diet typically calls for plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
A vinegar diet typically calls for plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

While many people attest to the efficacy of the vinegar diet, it should be noted that proponents of the diet do not generally support the idea that one can consume any type of food and still benefit. For the most part, the vinegar diet calls for consuming a balanced amount of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats each day, while limiting the intake of fat, processed sugar, and foods with little or no nutritional value.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon146760

Sweet. Can't wait to try it!

anon125699

I add cinnamon, which is also good for you, and it helps cut the taste.

anon124947

I went from a size 9 to a 5. It's great except you have to go the restroom all the time. Don't drink if going to go on a romantic date.

anon123649

@closerfan12. I find that if you drink it at room temperature and just chug it down in one go you don't get the taste so much. Have been doing it now for a week and it certainly does curb the appetite.

pleats

I've tried about every diet out there, but not the apple cider vinegar diet plan. I always thought it sounded too hard, but if it's so effective, maybe I'll have to give it a try.

closerfan12

Has anybody tried the white vinegar diet? If so, how do you manage to choke it down? I really want to do a white vinegar and honey diet, but it's just so strong tasting.

Any tips on how to get the vinegar down without gagging?

rallenwriter

Random fun fact: apparently Julius Caesar was a fan of the vinegar diet. I don't think that he used vinegar diet drinks for weight loss, from what I understand he drank white vinegar before meals because it kept his mind clear.

Whether this particular gem about Caesar is true or not, it is true that both Roman and Greek armies carried vinegar with them both for use in food and as a medicine.

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    • Apple cider vinegar.
      By: Roman Ivaschenko
      Apple cider vinegar.
    • Red and white vinegar.
      By: GeoM
      Red and white vinegar.
    • A vinegar diet is meant to help with weight loss by satisfying cravings.
      By: Elenathewise
      A vinegar diet is meant to help with weight loss by satisfying cravings.
    • A vinegar diet typically calls for plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      A vinegar diet typically calls for plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
    • People who are following a vinegar diet should steer clear of refined sugars.
      By: librakv
      People who are following a vinegar diet should steer clear of refined sugars.
    • In order to lose weight, it's essential to not only count calories, but also to exercise regularly.
      By: Antonioguillem
      In order to lose weight, it's essential to not only count calories, but also to exercise regularly.
    • A vinegar diet may help prevent the buildup of cholesterol deposits in the bloodstream.
      By: blueringmedia
      A vinegar diet may help prevent the buildup of cholesterol deposits in the bloodstream.
    • A vinegar diet should limit processed sugar and foods that carry little nutritional value.
      By: robcartorres
      A vinegar diet should limit processed sugar and foods that carry little nutritional value.