There are only two times in my life that I haven't been slim - when I was pregnant, and beginning a year or two after menopause. I guess hormones are everything, huh?
When it got to the point that I looked pregnant even though I was past menopause, I decided I must do something about it. But what? I walk two times per day with the dogs and have for 12 years; cross that off. I take HRT and have for 8 years; cross that off. I take vitamins, minerals, and supplements; cross that off. I no longer eat out, and don't eat fast food; cross that off.
Ok, I knew I ate WAY too much sugar. In fact, I craved sweets most of the time. I never felt full until I had my dessert. And isn't it convenient when you can have a cookie or four during the day. I stopped bringing home sodas, but couldn't seem to get through a trip to town without getting a large Dr. Pepper at McD's.
However, here's what I figured out: knowing that you consume too much sugar and stopping it are two different things. In fact, if your body is used to being fueled by sugar (especially high fructose corn syrup which is in virtually EVERYTHING), you can't just "stop it" without crashing, burning, and then getting right back on it. Let's face it, your body is smart; it's been working for years to try to figure out what to do with all the crap you've been feeding it. So now, it's time for retraining. Yes, I said retraining. Cells are programmed; and studies reveal that cells in your in your gut have neurotransmitters - just like your brain. In fact, the gut is called the body's "second brain."
After researching different solutions, I opted to try apple cider vinegar. I had some in the pantry, it's cheap, and it has no dangerous or unpleasant side effects.
I put 2 T apple cider vinegar and 2 T honey in a juice glass of water and added ice. Nice; kind of like a cocktail - sweet with a little bit of a tang. For three days, I felt under the weather as my body began to detox. My hands swelled and I felt tired. However, I noticed I lost some of the "water balloon" effect in my stomach, so I kept at it.
Two of the most surprising effects of my new cocktail twice daily were:
1. No more heartburn and acid reflux! I had started taking digestive enzymes before every meal because I was in so much discomfort. They helped, but I still had burning if I bent over. Now, I don't experience any discomfort at all.
2. No more craving sweets! First time in my life that I remember. I have learned to drink my ACV cocktail before I head to town so that I can skip McD's Dr. Pepper.
And, I did experience some weight loss - just not enough; which led me to continue my research in that area. However, I am thrilled with the two huge results I got with ACV, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to naturally rid themselves of Acid Reflux and to stop eating sweets.
That's my second step on the road to better health. Stay tuned to find out the results of my further research in weight loss.
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