Aging Better Now

We can not turn back the clock when it comes to aging but we can take (healthy) steps towards helping us feel the best we can. Both men and women can relate to this feature as the only way to optimal well being is by taking care of ourselves through a healthy diet and exercise and lifestyle plan.
Here are some ways that you can feel better about yourself and change the way you look. And it’s not as difficult as you may think.

1. Rethink the connection between diet and exercise. You can’t get away with thinking that you can eat all you want and go to the gym and just burn it off. Hate to be the voice of reality but your body is not the same as it once was when you were in your 30’s. While exercise is essential, it’s not going to undo the one drink that turned into 3 the other nite or the double cheeseburger or chicken parm and pasta. You need to drink and healthy as well as exercise to keep your body fit.
2. Exercise by weight training. Many think the longer we stay on the bike or treadmill then the more calories we burn and the better we will look. Not necessarily true. Naturally as we age we lose muscle mass. Yes, cardio is great for your heart, increasing lung capacity and decreasing stress, but that doesn’t mean you should do it exclusively, ignoring the weight-loss benefits of strength training. Working out with weights a couple of times per week is enough to reverse the loss of muscle mass. And, believe it or not, strength training has also been shown to lower stress levels, while also improving cognitive abilities, protecting against bone loss, and reducing risks for Type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
3. Increase your fiber. This is essential for good health. And it is easy to do. Just eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. Foods with high fiber are more filling and keep you from noshing later on.
4. Eat the right type of protein. Not all proteins are created equal. So, stick to lean sources like lean turkey, chicken, salmon, and plants.
5. Rest. This is so important and often overlooked as we have so much to do in a given day. But, in order to do it all we need to be rested. We need sleep to refuel our minds and bodies so that we can be as productive and energized as we want to be and as we can be. Taking naps is not underrated! And neither is getting to bed at a reasonable time. Getting enough rest will help to keep your metabolism working effectively and help to keep the unwanted weight off.

Follow these tips and you will feel great and look even better than you did many years ago! Be your best self now! NUTRITION. WELLNESS. BALANCE.

All Salads Are Not Created Equal

If you truly know me you know that I am a salad person. I can eat salads all day long. I truly love vegetables and I love the process of creating what I believe to be the perfect salad. I realize that not everyone enjoys a salad quite the way I do but I also think that it is because there is an art to making the perfect salad. So, here are some of my “salad pointers” to try for yourself or when you go to a salad bar.
Picking the salad dressing is always the final step but I feel it is one of the most important parts of a salad so this is my first point. It can either make or break the nutritional content of a good or bad salad. I advise to keep the dressing to olive oil and balsamic vinegar (and not too much of it) and maybe you can add a bit of dijon mustard and even a teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Who wants to get a salad where it is drowned in dressing, croutons, or other unhealthy toppings. Stay away from toppings that are fried or sauteed (they are often drenched in both olive oil and butter). When preparing your own salad, you can add raw veggies or roasted. You can add beans and grains and also a bit of chopped nuts and or seeds as well add fresh fruit or dried fruit. Don’t forget about adding your lean protein. Eat grilled or steamed or boiled. You can forget ordering the breaded chicken cutlet! Also, when possible, eat a salad that reflects the season. And make sure your salad has color! It makes it more interesting when the salad has a rainbow of fresh colorful veggies. Sometimes, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the choices of toppings at the salad bar. I try to keep it simple. Stick to 5 toppings. In this case, less is more! But, always make sure to include protein (chicken, fish or vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh), carb (beans, grains, fruit) and healthy fat (avocado, nuts).
If you click here you can find a great easy fall salad to prepare (I used leftover steak from dinner the night before that I heated up and roasted squash that I placed over a bed of spinach). Not big on making your own? That’s ok. Click here to find locations for your nearest Sweetgreens, Chopped and Just Salads healthiest salad stops. For more ideas, feel free to contact me at rachel@livehealtynyc.com

The Case for Peanut Butter

I love my peanut butter. I am sorry for those with a peanut allergy. Truly I am. Peanut allergies are severe and everyone should be aware they exist. But, for those of you who can eat peanuts, this one is for you. Research has found that a diet that includes foods with high levels of monounsaturated fats like peanut butter can help people lose weight and prevent heart disease. It is fats found in foods such as olives, nuts, avocados and peanut butter that are good for you. So, the take-away is that peanut butter is a healthy food, packed with protein, fiber and monounsaturated fats, plus plenty of fat-burning folate. However, be aware, most commercial peanut butters are packed with sugar and fillers, and have more sugar than they do fiber. This is not a healthy way to eat. So, look for brands that are made with just peanuts (and maybe just a bit of salt). The best pb that I have found is : Smuckers Natural PB Creamy and also the Crunchy one too! This brand is easy to find in many local supermarkets so it very accessible. What’s the best way to eat pb? Well, not out of the jar! That’s dangerous! Best to take a small smear (it goes along way) and have it on your favorite grain bread (love it toasted) or with an apple! I also love to add it to a smoothie (but be careful you don’t add too much) or as my daughter loves for breakfast when she blends it into oatmeal with a side of sliced banana. Want more ideas how to enjoy this creamy good for you food? Feel free to email me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com.

How to Stop Eating Sugar

I have never been a sugar addict (my addictions are more in the name of cowboy boots and jeans). But I know a lot of people who are sugar fiends. It’s not exactly breaking news or shocking that sugar is bad for you. It damages your teeth, it destroys your skin (leads to breakouts and wrinkles) and it can lead to health problems.
The good news is there are ways to cut sugar out of your diet once and for all. There are foods that we can replace for sugary drinks and foods- I call them food swaps and they offer healthy benefits.
    •    Binge on berries- Blueberries and raspberries contain little sugar and offer antioxidant benefits.
    •    Dairy- Choosing plain yogurt instead of ice cream, for example, gives you the benefit of probiotics, which help maintain proper digestive health. In fact, imbalanced gut bacteria and candida overgrowth have been linked to more intense sugar cravings, and probiotics can help rebalance the gut bacteria. Enjoy your yogurt with some fresh berries and low-sugar granola for a satisfying fiber- and protein-rich snack that will keep your blood sugar from spiking.
    •    Eat real food- A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, whole grains, eggs, poultry and wild fish are not high in sugar. It’s what you put on them that causes trouble. Simply put, fresh food tastes fine!
    •    Smart swaps- curbing your sweet tooth just takes some thought. Instead of sugar candy gummies, have a fresh mango. Grilled fruit brings out the natural sugar that you are seeking. Mashed sweet potatoes are also a great source of sweetness without the sugar.
The more you eat real unprocessed foods the less you will crave sugar. Trust me, you will feel better without artificial sugar and by eating real food.

Connecting to Yourself

Feeling good is a lot like the game I use to play with my kids- connecting the dots. I remember I would sit at a diner, draw dots on a napkin and have my kids connect the dots (it kept them quiet and busy as we waited patiently for our meal). Feeling our best is being able to realize that we need to connect our body and our mind and our soul all together. That is the balance of good health. So how do we get there? It’s a journey. And it takes work but if you want to feel great it’s not hard because you have determination. You start with setting your intention and making good healthy habits that are part of your life. It’s important to recognize how truly powerful you are. You are capable and able to change your life towards a healthier you. The support of professionals andfriends and family are instrumental. We all need positive reinforcement to get us through the hard stuff and what leads us to temptation.
One therapy (among many) that I have found to be helpful in connecting my thoughts and feelings and recognizing how my body feels is massage therapy. It has always seemed like a luxury to have a massage. But I am not talking about a simple back rub. It’s more about feeling your body, your muscles and tissues and what connects you physically to the emotional you. Massage therapy can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being. It complements other therapies. Try it for yourself. It’s all about the journey to finding and making yourself the best you there is!

New Beginnings

Every Sunday I set aside a few minutes to think about the week ahead and what I have planned and what I hope to achieve in the coming week. I create a mental list of “to-do’s”. Sometimes I am very concrete (supermarket shopping, dry cleaning, pick up pharmacy orders, remember to call the exterminator) and other moments I am deep in thought as to how I hope to be a better mom, wife, friend, daughter and clinician. This Sunday brought me to thinking about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I started to reflect on the past year. Wow, what a year it’s been! For me and my family the biggest part of this past year has been the college process. Our son studied, applied and was accepted to The University of Michigan. And off he went. This new beginning is exciting and filled with lots of emotions as the next chapter of our family life begins. We will visit and he will come back- that I am sure of. While we are not perfect (what family is?), we are bonded by traditions that are filled with love. So, it’s only natural for me to associate the this time with the beginning of this new year. As a therapist and a nutritionist  I think about the foods that we eat on this holiday. In particular apples and honey. The apples that I buy are both a bit sweet and tart. And the honey is always sweet. A metaphor of life. This combination is just right. It’s all about a balance. Many of my clients are a bit afraid of the holidays and this one is no different. The foods are rich and the wine is plentiful. I work with them to help them eat in moderation and to enjoy their company that they are sharing the meals with. In my mind, and what I try to practice and teach is that while the foods are good and should be enjoyed, it is the company with whom we share the holiday meal with that is far more significant than what is put on our plate. All of this being said, if you click on here you will find a delicious apple recipe that is easy to prepare and healthy!
Wishing you and yours a happy healthy sweet year!

How to de-Bloat

I hate the feeling of bloat. Honestly, who likes to feel gassy, puffy and plain ol miserable? Abdominal bloating (sometimes described as feeling too full) affects us all at some point in time. You can blame it on your period, on overeating, being constipated, or dining on gas-producing foods.
But, there are some foods that can help you de-bloat.
    1.    Kiwi-This little green fruit contains enzymes that help break down protein, so it moves more easily through your system. In one recent, very small study, participants who had several meals of steak and kiwi had significantly less bloating than those who had the steak meals with no kiwi.
    2.    Banana- Women who ate a banana a day reported less bloating than those who only had a banana-flavored drink or plain water. That's not surprising: Bananas are high in potassium, which helps balance sodium and prevent the water retention that can come from eating salty foods. And a banana's fiber can help ease constipation, and the more you poop, the less you puff up. Plus, bananas (especially greener ones) are high in resistant starch, a kind of carb that helps maintain healthy gut bacteria.
    3.    Papaya- A few fresh slices after a big meal may help ward off a bloated belly. That's because papayas have papain, another enzyme that breaks down protein in your digestive tract. The tropical fruit also fights inflammation, just what a bulging belly needs.
    4.    Ginger- You probably already know ginger is a great natural remedy for motion sickness, nausea and many other ailments. Turns out this natural stomach soother can help bloating, too. Studies show it reduces swelling and stimulates the digestive muscles, making it easier for food to pass through. Try it brewed in hot tea, or add a little grated fresh ginger to a smoothie.
    5.    Peppermint- This popular herb can increase the liver's bile production, helping your body digest fatty foods so they can move through the stomach more quickly. A soothing cup of peppermint tea can also relax your digestive muscles, allowing trapped gas to pass.
    6.    Yogurt- Yogurt's probiotics (good bacteria) help your gut digest and absorb food, so there's less gas and bloating. Go for plain yogurt with active cultures, and sweeten it with a little fruit.
    7.    Water-You may think water will make you more bloated, but drink up. You'll be getting the hydration your body needs to digest food, flush out excess sodium—and, if you're constipated, help you go.
Luckily bloating is harmless and by eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water you will feel good!

Always Remember

Today is a day that can never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with those we loved and lost and for the friends and families who survive. Always remember.

Gluten-Free

Have you noticed how many products are labeled “gluten-free”? It’s overwhelming. Is everyone out there allergic to gluten? Does going “gluten-free” really matter? For whatever reason, we have heard that gluten is bad for you and that in order to be healthy we need to stay away from bread, pasta and grains. Truthfully, there are some people who are allergic to gluten and they are diagnosed with celiac disease and gluten is off limits. There are also some people who have a sensitivity to gluten so they are careful about what they eat. I believe that you have to know your body and listen to the signs that your body tells you. I also believe that you should eat whole foods- not ones that come in a bag. Is eating a bag of gluten-free chips or gluten-free chocolate chip cookies really good for you? Probably not.
If you are allergic to gluten or have a sensitivity to it, here is a short list of food that In addition to pure wheat, all of its forms are off-limits: wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, couscous, cracked wheat, durum,farina, faro,kamut, matzo, semolina, spelt.
Other offenders are: barley, bulgur, oats (oats themselves don’t contain gluten, but are often processed in facilities that produce gluten-containing grains and may be contaminated), rye, seitan.
As well, gluten may also show up as an ingredient in: barley malt, chicken broth, malt, vinegar, some salad dressings, veggie burgers (if not specified gluten-free), soy sauce, seasonings and spice mixes, soba noodles, and condiments.
So, what can you eat? The list of off-limit items may seem daunting at first. Thankfully, there are plenty of replacements on the menu. Lots of foods are naturally gluten-free, including: fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, legumes, nuts, potatoes, eggs, dairy products, oils and vinegars, corn, rice, fish, lean beef, chicken and seafood.
I know that this may seem overwhelming, but really it isn’t. It helps to keep a food diary and you will learn to understand your body and what foods work best for you. This will help pave your road to a healthy lifestyle that is as manageable as getting out of bed and brushing your teeth. The take home message- eat whole foods and practice eating healthy on a daily basis- it’s the only real way for a healthy life.

Healthy Snacks

Hungry mid morning or later in the day? We all get a flash of hunger at some point during the day, and it can often be when we least expect it. But, whatever you do, don’t reach for the snickers bar or a bag of chips. Be mindful and grab a high protein, low calorie, healthy snack.
Here are some easy accessible options:
Hard-Boiled Eggs: A 78 calorie egg brings in over six grams of protein, and it's one of the easiest snacks to prep. Just boil, chill, store in the fridge, and snack on the go.
Trail Mix: Lean on a hearty balance of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit when you need a healthy snack on the road. Trail mix varies based on ingredients, but you can make your own healthy trail mix with high-protein, low-calorie ingredients to keep you full without overdoing it on calories.
Edamame: Soybeans aren't just an appetizer for a sushi dinner! A great plant based snack with a lot of protein they're only 150 calories per half cup and taste delicious.
Turkey and Cheese: Have a high fiber bran cracker and top with lean turkey, low fat cheese and you can power through the rest of your day. Get creative and add some sliced cucumber or avocado.
Greek Yogurt: Have a small cup and add some berries and a few sliced nuts and seeds. If you have time you can use your blender and make a fast delicious smoothie.
These snacks will keep you healthy and in shape! I love these options and hope you do to!

Basil

One of my favorite hobbies in the summer time is our vegetable garden. In the beginning of the season my husband plants all of the vegetables and then we both water and tend to it and hope the deer and rabbits stay far away!
This year the basil plant has taken a life of it’s own! We have a few varieties and it is one of my favorite herbs. Basil is considered one of the healthiest herbs. When fresh I find that it exudes a sweet, earthy aroma.
While I love making pesto (click here for a great easy recipe), basil comes with an impressive list of medicinal properties and vitamins and nutrients rather than just its culinary value, that extend the herb’s uses far beyond the humble pesto. Like other aromatic plants, basil contains essential oils and phytochemicals in the leaves, stem, flowers, roots and seeds that have biological activity in the body.
Throughout history, ancient cultures have used herbal remedies to prevent and treat illness and disease. Basil is just one example of the wide range of medicinal flora historically used in plant-based tinctures, compresses, syrups and ointments. It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, as a treatment for gastric, respiratory and inflammatory disorders as well as a remedy for headache, fever, anxiety, convulsions, nausea and hypertension. Basil provides vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and vitamin A, which contains beta-carotenes. Other vitamins and minerals in basil include iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.
Who knew that all of these wonderful properties existed in such a small leafy plant!

The Best Healthy Banana Bread

EASY HEALTHY BANANA BREAD

2 bananas (well mashed)
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour (1 cup should be whole wheat flour)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash bananas in a mixing bowl. Add sugar, eggs, oil mixing well each time. Sift dry ingredients together and add to banana mixture. Pour in a lightly greased 5x9 loaf pan and bake 55-60 minutes. You can add mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, dried fruit and chopped nuts if you want.

What is Ghee?

My friend who is a trained chef switched to using ghee butter. He insisted I start to use it when I cook. He promised that by eating ghee not only was it healthier for us but no one in my family would notice the change in taste when I made the switch.
What is ghee anyway? Ghee is an ancient health food and not at all a fad. Ghee is clarified butter. It is simmered longer to bring out butter’s inherent nutty flavor. The process of making ghee removes the water and milk fats, leaving a high-smoke point (meaning that it can be heated to a pretty high temperature before it starts to smoke) fat. It is nutritionally rich like coconut oil. Ghee has a unique nutritional profile without any lactose or casein. So, people who are lactose or casein-sensitive can use ghee because the process has removed these allergens. Ghee is great to cook with- it has a high smoke point which means when you cook you are not in great danger of causing a kitchen fire (unless you completely turn you back to what you are doing). Ghee is rich in vitamins. In particular, it is rich in vitamins A, D and E. Ghee is made from grass fed cows! Ghee also plays a role in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body. In Ayurvedic practice, ghee benefits the body by creating a more alkaline system that overall reduces inflammation. It’s believed that inflammation is at the root of most diseases we face today including Alzheimer’s Disease, some types of cancer, high cholesterol levels, arthritis and asthma. I like the taste of ghee and hardly notice a difference. But, let me warn you. It’s not low calorie. It’s just a bit better for you! I hope you will try ghee in your next recipe at your next meal.  Let me know what you think!

Healthy Lunch Ideas

I am always trying to figure out what to have for lunch that’s easy to prepare and leaves me feeling satisfied. I usually have the same thing, either a non-fat greek yogurt with fruit and granola (a little bit of my homemade granola) or a salad with italian tuna and lots of mixed veggies. These two meals are no-brainers for me and can be eaten at my desk or packed to go. But, I need a change. So, I am going to step up my game and try to incorporate a few new simple ideas that I am sure you will love as well! I am so excited to make this week all about new healthy lunches!
I love salads- and this cilantro lime avocado shrimp is easy and fast to assemble and delicious to eat! Click here for the recipe.
Feel like a wrap. This whole grain wrap with egg and avocado (yes, I can’t get enough of the avocado- it’s creamy and nutty flavor adds life to every meal!) is an easy on the go meal. Click here for the recipe.
I love adding fruit to my salad and right now you can’t go wrong with strawberries and cheese and adding a protein. This recipe calls for grilled chicken but I would love a piece of grilled fish (maybe try salmon). Click here for the recipe.
Kale salads are still “in” and this one is loaded with superfoods that’s easy to make. It is loaded with quinoa, raw almonds, avocado, blueberries, chickpeas, and goat cheese. And it has a lemon dijon honey dressing, Click here for the recipe.

Have any good healthy lunch ideas you’d like to share? I would love to hear from you and share them on my blog!

Amazing Energy Balls

This is the recipe for the best energy balls ever! They are easy to make. They are healthy and taste great- you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Ingredients:
1 cup oats
⅔ cup unsweetened organic coconut flakes
½ cup organic smooth peanut butter
½ cup organic cashew butter
⅓ cup honey
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp flax seeds
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup dried blueberries
½ cup dried cherries

Mix all ingredients together and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper. Freeze. Transfer to container.
Can be kept and enjoyed fresh for a week - but they probably won’t last that long cause they are that good!  

Sunscreen

I have had a sort of mid-life metamorphis. I have started to use sunscreen. It has only taken me 49yrs to realize how important it is to protect my skin from the damaging rays of the sun. What took me so long (I can hear my mother saying as she reads this). Well, to be honest it is part vanity (I look better with when I am not so tan and I don’t want wrinkles or a part of my face cut off for a biopsy), part common sense (the medical reports flood my in-box with news and information) and part the real life knowledge that skin cancer isn’t pretty (I visit the doctor 2x’s a year for annual skin exams).
Just like everything that life has to offer there are the good and the bad and we have to have a balance. The sun can be good for you- moderate sun exposure can increase the vitamin D supply which helps strengthen bones, muscles, and the body’s immune system. Exposure to the sun can also help with some skin conditions. The flip side (the bad) is that the worst consequence of long-term exposure to the sun is the development of skin cancer. Because the sun damage to the skin develops over years, the older you are, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer.
Being smart is the answer. And there are so many products that line the store shelves for the best sunscreen. I recently found an article in the NY Times sharing the best sunscreen. Click here for the information.
The sun has some great benefits and it does make me feel good - it gives me energy, stamina and it lifts my mood. I am not hiding from the sun, just being smarter. I encourage you to do the same!

Trying Your Best Isn't Always Easy

I know it’s summer and you have been eating healthy and exercising as much as you can but every once in awhile you aren’t as “good” as you intend to be. Temptations are out there- cocktail parties with fun drinks, summer bbq’s and sweets abound. If you overeat, miss a workout, or gain a pound or two, all hope is not lost. Remember how far you've come! Simply return to your healthy habits and recommit to your plan.

Be Confident: Focus on the strategies that play to your strengths and your skills. You have succeeded in the past, and there’s no reason to let a “slip” keep you on the ground. We all know that past experiences (good or bad) are learning opportunities. You can use these opportunities to tackle new goals with optimism.
Get into a Routine: I like to create a “schedule” both for exercise and meals. It helps me to feel more in control of my day and it is easy for me to follow (especially for the short-term). And it keeps me motivated to stay on course.
Focus on what you're adding to your life: Don’t obsess on what your giving up but rather focus on things like the delicious, healthy meals you are eating and how energized you feel after a workout. Feel proud of the success you have made!
Make your program your own: If you try to do what your friends are doing because you want to be like them chances are it won’t work for you. The more you make your program work for you, the less likely you are to rebel against it. Figure out what it takes — within reason — to make your healthy lifestyle pleasurable and sustainable.

As you continue to commit to your healthy life you can enjoy a lifetime of healthier living and a healthy weight!

Get Moving!

The other day I was at the doctor’s office and there was a man filling out a form at the desk. I overheard the receptionist asked if he’d like to sit and he responded that he’d been sitting all day and he’d rather stand. We can all relate to that, right? How much sitting is too much?
Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a number of health concerns, including obesity and heart disease. Many of us sit at a desk, behind the screen doing whatever it is we do at our desks. Others sit in our car, whether driving carpool or driving to and from our jobs or driving for a living. Many of us have our meals or snack mindlessly behind the desk or behind the wheel. And then sitting in front of the tv is also part of the problem. Sound familiar? What’s the solution?
Here are some ideas:
    1.    Get out and move. Take mini breaks just to get out of your chair.
    1.    Stand while talking on the phone.  
    2.    If you work at a desk for long periods of time, have you ever thought about  a standing desk? I am not sure how I feel about a “treadmill desk” but they are on the market. Click here to see the reviews.
    3.    Take a walk with your colleagues rather than gathering in a conference room for meetings.
    4.    Go out for lunch. And if you don’t have the time to eat out, don’t order in, go and pick it up for yourself.
    5.    Walk to and from your appointments.
Moving, even leisurely movement, can be profound. For starters, you'll burn more calories. This can lead to weight loss and increased energy.
Plus, the muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger important reactions related to the breakdown of fats and sugars within the body. When you sit, these responses stall — and your health risks increase. When you're standing or actively moving, you kick the processes back into action.
Hope this has inspired you to get up and go! Especially while the weather is nice, take advantage of it!
 

Beach Magazine

Thank you Beach Magazine for this wonderful feature!

Apple Cider Vinegar

When I was in college, at a party, I could throw back a shot of jagermeister like it was no big deal. As a “mature adult” I gave that up for shots of apple cider vinegar (maybe they taste the same but didn’t leave you with a headache?). I had read that apple cider vinegar was good for your digestive tract and had other healing properties. Who wouldn’t want to do things that made you feel good. We live in a society of “food fads” and so I too drank the “kool aide”. I downed a  shot of apple cider vinegar every day for a few months. I did it because I read that it was good for me. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing.
Here are some ways apple cider vinegar can be harmful if done every day for too many days:
    •    Taking apple cider vinegar every day, especially if you don't drink enough water when taking it in tablet form or if you don't adequately dilute the liquid, can cause throat pain and make it difficult to swallow. This is not a good thing.
    •    Apple cider vinegar can cause potassium levels to fall.  
    •    Apple cider vinegar can cause an increase in episodes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in diabetics.
    •    Apple cider vinegar can act as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner.
    •    The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can erode the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk of developing cavities.
Needless to say I am all for doing things that are good for you. I believe that we should all do as much as we can to feel our best. I don’t mean to sound like a party pooper, and if drinking apple cider vinegar for a week or even two weeks makes you feel better than go for it. But, just know that knowledge is power and that over time, it’s benefits get diminished and can even be harmful.