Drinking apple cider vinegar: Megan Fox
Megan Denise Fox is an American actress and model. She began her acting career in 2001, with several minor television and film roles, and played a regular role on the Hope & Faith television show. In 2004, she made her film debut with a role in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. In 2007, she co-starred as Mikaela Banes, the love interest of Shia LaBeouf’s character, in the blockbuster film, Transformers, which became her breakout role. Fox reprised her role in the 2009 sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Later in 2009, she starred as the eponymous lead in the film Jennifer’s Body. Fox is also considered one of the modern female sex symbols and has appeared in magazines such as Maxim, Rolling Stone and FHM.
The Herald Sun reported that her stay-slim plan, à la Fergie, consists of detoxing with vinegar shots — straight up — to lose weight. Fox said that the vinegar detox diet “cleanses out your system entirely,” and claims it rids her body of water weight associated with menstruation. “I’m not one for dieting or exercising, because I’m lazy and I have a really big sweet tooth, so I have to do cleanses every once in a while ’cause of the amount of sugar I take in.”
Of course, fad diets are nothing new, particularly for young female celebrities. While Oprah’s been known to do a cleanse every once in a while, late last year Denise Richards, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson reportedly jumped on The Cookie Diet bandwagon. But as Fox promotes her unrealistic — and unhealthy — weight-loss plan, health experts are dismissing the claims and insisting that vinegar isn’t the solution. In addition to zero health benefits, Washington, D.C.-based Katherine Tallmadge, registered dietitian and author of “Diet Simple,” said that these types of cleansing diets are “all silliness and potentially dangerous. I’m happy to know that eating sensibly is being espoused and that people realize that a fad diet is not the way to go.”
While experts are taking a firm stand now, vinegar’s powers weren’t so quickly debunked back in July when That’s Fit reported on the results of a Japanese study that said vinegar may be able to suppress body fat accumulation. Besides the preliminary nature of these findings, the study hasn’t yet been tested on humans. Registered dietitian Keri Gans’s take on the subject is that using vinegar is a healthy, low-calorie way of cooking, but tossing back a glass isn’t the way to lose weight for the long haul.
Like most experts, Tallmadge agreed that it’s the small, simple diet changes that take the weight off. Speaking to Fox’s point of reducing water retention, she says that key is “eating more natural foods and fewer processed, high sodium foods.” In addition, she recommended “consuming fewer processed carbs, such as foods made with white flour and sugar, and foods with naturally high fiber and water content such as fruits, veggies and whole grains.”
Speaking of shots, in the days leading up to a big event, Megan Fox reportedly knocks back daily shots of apple cider vinegar to help shed the kilos. It’s said that this vinegar helps the body digest food and break down fat. While some detox devotees might adhere to this method, health expert say there’s no evidence it does anything but leave behind an unpleasant taste.
Over the years, various home remedies for weight loss have popped up here and there. Some have been short-lived and ineffective, but others — such as vinegar — have shown some promise. When it comes to weight loss and vinegar, the vinegar of choice is apple cider, a product available at most grocery stores. As always, consult your doctor before using any home remedies. She can answer your questions and also address concerns or risks specific to you.
Types
From the basic distilled variety to seasoned types, there are many vinegar types on the market. You can purchase unfiltered, organic vinegar or opt for distilled vinegar, which is often lighter in color and free of floating particles. Apple cider vinegar is the more common vinegar choice for weight loss.
Taking Vinegar
Dilute 1 to 3 tsp. of vinegar in a cup of water. Diluting it cuts down on the acidity’s harshness, which can wear away at tooth enamel. You can drink the vinegar water solution slowly or quickly, but make sure you consume all of it. Follow with either plain water or something slightly sweet, such as fruit juice, to cover the taste. Vinegar is also available in pill form. For best results, refer to the bottle’s instructions. Taking vinegar to promote weight loss does not work for everyone. For best results, it should be paired with a healthy, balanced diet and daily exercise.
Misconceptions
According to Columbia University’s Health Q&A Internet Service, a popular misconception about vinegar is that it curbs the appetite. This is inaccurate, as is the belief that vinegar burns fat. Columbia University says that while vinegar may temporarily reduce water weight, it doesn’t have any affect on fat.
Warnings
Though most vinegars — including apple cider vinegar — are natural products, they do come with a few disadvantages. For example, drinking vinegar may wear away at tooth enamel and may irritate the mouth and throat. Columbia University also states that vinegar is a blood thinner, and that it may interfere with other medications.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
