There’s a growing interest in natural ways to manage weight, and two popular options are apple cider vinegar (ACV) and calorie counting. ACV is made from fermented apple juice and contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants like flavonoids that are believed to offer health benefits.
People have been using ACV for centuries to address various health issues, and it's now gaining popularity as a natural way to help with weight management. ACV contains two main active ingredients: acetic acid and polyphenolic compounds. Recent studies suggest that ACV may help control body weight and reduce visceral fat (the fat around your organs). While only a few studies have been done so far, some show promising results for weight regulation.
Calorie counting, on the other hand, helps track how many calories you're eating, making it easier to manage weight. However, it’s important to get those calories from healthy foods, while also focusing on sleep, exercise, and managing stress levels.
Though counting calories can seem like a lot of work, there are many tools like apps and online calculators to make it easier. In this blog, we’ll explore how both ACV and calorie counting can be used as strategies for weight loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid, which helps reduce belly fat and flush out stored fat from the body. Acetic acid helps you feel full for a longer time, which prevents overeating and limits high-calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.
Some studies show that ACV can boost your metabolism, helping the body burn calories more effectively. It also supports healthy digestion, making it easier for the body to remove waste and toxins, which helps in detoxifying the body.
Additionally, ACV helps control blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and preventing overeating. When blood sugar stays balanced, it prevents sugar spikes and crashes that often lead to unnecessary cravings and hunger.
Role of Calorie Counting in Weight Management
Calorie counting is a useful way to manage and lose weight. A calorie is a unit that measures energy. The food we eat provides us with energy, and we measure this energy in calories.
To manage weight, it's essential to strike a balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Consuming more calories than you burn leads to excess energy being stored as fat, resulting in weight gain or obesity.
Certain foods, such as those high in sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed glucose, can hinder weight management by triggering insulin release and fat storage. Opt for natural sweeteners like fruits and maple syrup instead.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Your BMR represents the number of calories your body needs to function at rest. This value varies based on age, weight, height, and gender. Utilize online BMR calculators to determine your individual BMR.
If you eat more calories than your BMR, your body stores the extra fat. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat.
Burning calories involves physical activity. This could be anything from running, cycling, playing sports, going to the gym, dancing, or doing physical labor like chopping wood or working in the fields.
Apple Cider Vinegar vs. Calorie Counting: A Balanced Approach
To lose weight effectively, combining apple cider vinegar (ACV) with calorie counting can be very helpful. Here’s how:
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): It has only about 3 calories per tablespoon, which is very low. While it doesn’t have many vitamins or minerals, it does contain a bit of potassium, amino acids, and antioxidants. ACV can also kill harmful bacteria and has been used for various purposes like cleaning and treating infections for centuries.
- Weight Loss Benefits: Research shows that ACV can help with weight loss. It increases feelings of fullness, which means you’ll eat fewer calories and might lose weight. For instance, 100 grams of ACV contains about 22 calories, making it a low-calorie option. Drinking a tablespoon of ACV mixed with water in the morning may help reduce belly fat.
