Seriously Boost Your Metabolism with Apple Cider Vinegar

Yahoo Beauty

Whether you drink it straight up, or add it to one of these good-for-you recipes, your body is craving this incredible ingredient (whether you know it or not).

By Mallory Stuchin

image

Right about now, you’re probably packing away your platform wedges and prioritizing your heaviest sweaters. It’s a smart move—taking a moment to decide how you want to look in the coming months—and it’s one that takes two steps. Because once your fashion plan is on-point (and, ideally, Alexander Wang-ed up), your healthy eating strategy needs to follow suit.

Simply put: If you’re not already all about drinking apple cider vinegar, you should be. Made from fermented apples, the sweet-and-sour liquid will help your stomach produce hydrochloric acid. Why does that matter? Because once you’re middle juices are flowing, you can easily digest your food and potentially eliminate acid reflux. ACV has also been shown to help level blood sugar levels (a.k.a. keep you from craving leftover Halloween candy all day) and increase metabolic rates. Still need proof? Even Bobbi Brown and the classy ladies of The New Potato are huge fans.

Still, if the V in ACV is what’s holding you back, I get it. Straight tang isn’t for everyone. My motto: don’t stress, eat potato chips. Specifically, microwave-made sweet potato chips which were first slicked with and EVOO-ACV combo before being nuked for about 6 minutes. While they cooked, I did squats (not required—follow your bliss). Once done, they were given a sprinkle of sea salt and quickly devoured. It’s true, you can’t have just one.

See more: Lightened-Up Comfort Foods

If you’re seeking a perfect lunch salad instead of a snack, then you’re in luck—ACV-based dressings instantly add tart complexity to a lackluster bowl of greens. I made a quick kale, pomegranate, Parmesan salad with slivered almonds and loved how the fruit’s sweetness shined through. It was light, fall-y and what I’ve now eaten for 5 lunches in a row.

Embrace the new chill in the air. Sweater season is the perfect time to get full of vinegar.

Sweet Potato Chips

image

  • 2 sweet potatoes

  • 1/2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil

  • Coarse sea salt

Using a madoline (or a very sharp knife) slice potatoes to 1/4 inch thick. Soak in a large bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Dry completely (I pat slices between a kitchen towel) before using. Arrange on a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer (if overlapping, they won’t get crispy). Work in batches if necessary. Microwave for three minutes, flip each chip and microwave for an additional three minutes. Cool on a wire rack set atop a baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy.

See more: Fall Makeup Must-Haves

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

image

I used a combination of kale, pomegranate arils, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and slivered almonds. But any combination of greens (and other additions) would work. Try the dressing in place of your usual go-to option.

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 shallot, minced

  • 2 teaspoons honey

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • salt and pepper

In a mason jar or small bowl, add apple cider vinegar, shallot, honey and Dijon mustard and stir to combine. While continuing to whisk ingredients, slowly drizzle in olive oil until fully emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week.

More from SELF:

How to Lose Weight and Feel Great in 7 Days

6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs

5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

20 Superfoods For Weight Loss

image

photos: Mallory Stuchin