How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning

I learned why and how to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning when I was an avid Tone It Up girl, several years ago. Drinking it in the morning in their special Meta-D drink (and later their Bombshell Spell, which I prefer) was supposed to boost my metabolism, and I think it really did. There are tons of other health benefits to drinking apple cider vinegar (but always get the raw one with “the mother”), like increased energy and glowing skin.

Later, I discovered the Trim Healthy Mama program and really got hooked on their “Good Girl Moonshine” drinks (there are so many flavors now) and healthy cream soda made with ACV. Those are considered all-day sippers. No, they don’t have alcohol in them. LOL

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Tips: How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning

Sometimes people ask me how to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning, especially on an empty stomach.

Short answer: Chug.

Longer answer: You get used to it over time and you can find ways that you actually enjoy and don’t need to chug down. I’ve had a pineapple juice ACV concoction so many times that pineapple juice doesn’t taste right to me without it. But I don’t really taste the vinegar. It’s all just pineapple juice to me now. 

Full disclosure: You may want to gag the first week or two. Hold your nose if you have to, assuming you really do want to choke it down for the health benefits. 

I’ve done the two Tone It Up concoctions and whipped up an ACV mix with diluted Bai drinks. I never really thought too far outside of those (other than just putting it in water, but that’s a little too intense–and simultaneously boring–for me) until a few weeks ago. I received a free copy of Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks for Health by Britt Brandon, CFNS, CPT to check out, and let me tell you… It blew my mind. You won’t have to chug or hold your nose to drink the recipes in here.

I mostly use apple cider vinegar to boost my metabolism and immune system, but this book has recipes for:

• Weight loss
• Detoxification
• Digestion
• Cold and sinus relief
• Improving skin and hair
• Anti-aging
• Immunity
• Energy
• Reducing inflammation (pssst, if you suffer from anxiety and/or depression, getting the inflammation under control could help!)
• Improved cognitive function
• Stress reduction
• Men’s health
• Women’s health

Insert “mind blown” emoji here. See each of those benefits? Each one of those is a whole chapter in the book. There are teas, smoothies, gazpachos, lattes (y’all!), salsa, and more. Some of my favorites are:

• Tropical Treat (for weight loss), mostly because it’s got that familiar pineapple-ACV thing going on.
• Watermelon Basil (for detox), since watermelon and basil are two of my favorite things. I’m obsessed with both.
• Turmeric Tea (also for detox), because I am huge on using turmeric to fight inflammation, and this one uses honey to sweeten things up as well.
• Aloe Vera Kiwi Cream (for healthy skin and nails), since I am also obsessed with kiwi, love the hydrating effects of cucumbers, and enjoy the benefits of aloe (this calls for food-grade gel, but I tend to use juice).
• Great Grape Fizz (for anti-aging), because it’s bubbly and interesting, thanks to kombucha (fabulous for gut health) and seltzer water.

Honestly, there are so many appetizing (never thought I’d call ACV appetizing) recipes in here, I can’t wait to just work my way through the whole book. Apparently, a lot of my favorite things pair well with apple cider vinegar.

I won’t share any recipes here because I don’t want to break any copyright laws, but you can get a preview and see a couple of recipes over on the “Look Inside” feature Amazon offers.

Timing for the Most Benefits

Do you really have to drink apple cider vinegar in the mornings to see the benefits? Maybe there’s a better boost to your metabolism if you do, but you’ll probably be fine drinking it whenever you like. Word of caution: If you prefer to drink it before bed, you may find that your bladder keeps you up all night, at least at first.

I personally prefer to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning, before breakfast. That way it’s done and I don’t have to think about it anymore. Plus if there’s something to that metabolism boost Tone It Up promised, I’m all for it. I think having it early helps with sugar cravings throughout the day, too. That seems to be the case for me.

The ways I would normally consume ACV just feel better in the morning. Mixed with juice, in a smoothie, in a sparkling kombucha drink…all of those would be best (in my opinion and according to my schedule) in the morning. 

There are some mixes and a handful of teas I would drink at night if I had a certain ailment and could use them medicinally, but I am more likely to make a smoothie or juice mix during the day than an apple cider vinegar drink in the evening. 

What Is “The Mother”?

Am I the only one who thinks “the mother” sounds like some kind of horror movie? Is it a horror movie? I haven’t watched one in years, which is crazy because I used to love them. 

Anyway, if you’re wondering what “the mother” actually is and why it’s necessary to reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar, a quick look through the glass of a bottle will allow you to see it. It’s all the “stuff” you see floating around and at the bottom of the bottle. It’s where all the magic comes from, in the form of enzymes and bacteria. Without this, you won’t get all the antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral perks that ACV can have.

I used to only be able to find the Bragg’s brand with “the mother” (and I had to go to Whole Foods or shop online to get it) but now it seems like it’s available from several different brands, all over the place.

Do you drink apple cider vinegar regularly? Do you use it sporadically, like when you’re sick? How do you drink ACV? Is there a recipe you love?