Apple Cider Vinegar Is Becoming My New BFF

Now that I have regained my healthy body by losing 30 pounds on Medifast, my ears are always open for new tricks to maintain my desired weight.

A few months ago, a friend at work told me about her favorite weight control elixir --- a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of water. She swore this zero-calorie cocktail suppressed her appetite and gave her more energy, but for some reason I didn't try this magical potion until recently after another friend told me about her miracle pore reducing method using... you guess it -- apple cider vinegar.

The universe was telling me something: research apple cider vinegar.

Do not add clay to your
drink because it could clog
your arteries

I hopped on to Amazon and downloaded the Bragg apple cider vinegar booklet on my Kindle for 99 cents, then ordered Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.

Sure enough, the mask worked as advertised, tightening my skin and drawing out impurities, which is not surprising since Cleopatra used it and she ended up marrying Richard Burton, at least in the movies. Meanwhile, the drink tasted like a refreshing applish lemonade and seemed to suppress my appetite. I did not even add the recommended honey, maple syrup or Stevia because I don't like my foods or drinks overly sweet.

Whether or not I will continue to use apple cider vinegar long term remains to be seen, but so far I am really excited about it. I'm still reading the booklet and finding many possible uses beyond beverage and beauty treatment.

If you're thinking of trying ACV for either a facial or appetite suppressant, be sure to use Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar because it is unfiltered, unheated and unpasteurized. According to the Bragg website it contains something called the "Mother," which Bragg describes as "strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules." Most other vinegars are apparently dead and made to look pretty on the supermarket shelf, like white bread and common tomatoes.

Aztec Secret Healing Clay

If you're thinking of using ACV and Bentonite clay for pore cleansing, try this trick I adapted from an Amazon review:

1. Put a scoop of clay into a plastic sandwich bag. Add equal parts vinegar. Seal out all the air inside the bag and knead it into a smooth paste. Adjust with more clay or water as needed until you get your desired consistency.

2. Partially flip the sandwich bag inside out on your hand, like a glove. Apply the clay to your face with your bag-glove. Your hands don't get dirty and you won't need any additional utensils.

3. Let dry 10-20 minutes and remove with a wash cloth or pre-moistened facial wipes. Alternatively, you can rinse it out into a bowl, but don't do it into the sink or shower because it could eventually clog your drains.