So You Started Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar... Now What?

Before and After ACV Journey

You’ve decided to add apple cider vinegar to your daily routine. Maybe you heard it’s great for weight loss, or maybe someone told you it’s a magic cure-all. A week goes by and you’re stepping on the scale thinking, “Why in the world am I not 20 pounds lighter yet?” Let’s be real: you won’t be. At least, not yet. And honestly? That’s not even how it works.

Apple cider vinegar isn’t some instant fat-melting potion. It’s a supportive tool that works best when you treat your whole body with care. Years of hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and less-than-ideal food choices don’t vanish overnight. They take time—and a bit of detective work on your part.

Let’s talk about what “diet” really means. When I say diet, I’m not talking about a restrictive plan that cuts out everything you love. Your “diet” is simply what you eat most of the time. Apple cider vinegar can help improve digestion, lower blood sugar spikes after meals, and even slightly suppress appetite by supporting balanced blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. But it won’t cancel out a daily routine of sugary drinks, processed snacks, and late-night fast food.

Digestion itself is a good place to start. ACV is acidic outside the body but has an alkalizing effect once metabolized. It can help increase stomach acidity, which is actually a good thing if you struggle with low stomach acid—a common cause of bloating, indigestion, and nutrient malabsorption. By improving how you break down proteins and absorb minerals like magnesium and calcium, ACV can support your overall nutrient status. But if your diet lacks these nutrients in the first place, there’s nothing for your body to absorb.

One of the most eye-opening things you can do is keep a food log for even just a day or two. Don’t change what you eat, just write it all down. You might be surprised at hidden sources of sugar in your coffee creamer, bottled sauces, or snack bars. Maybe there’s soda or energy drinks sneaking in, or desserts making their way into both lunch and dinner. Even if your main meals seem healthy, those extras add up quickly. Seeing it all on paper can help you figure out where small, sustainable changes will have the biggest impact.

When I started my own ACV journey, I was at the height of my PCOS and endometriosis symptoms. I had gained so much weight. My body’s response to those health issues was swelling and weight gain, which was so discouraging at the time. But as I stuck with consistent changes—using apple cider vinegar daily, improving my diet, and supporting my hormones—I lost three dress sizes in just three months. Not because ACV melted fat magically, but because my body was finally able to calm the inflammation and swelling that were signs something deeper needed to be corrected. That’s something I want everyone to hear: if you’re dealing with weight gain or swelling, it’s often your body’s way of waving a flag that there’s an underlying imbalance that needs attention. Don’t ignore it. Learn to listen.

Let’s also talk about hydration. Proper hydration is non-negotiable. ACV on its own contains minerals (especially if you’re using raw, unfiltered vinegar with the “mother”), but it’s not a substitute for drinking enough water. Your body needs water to flush toxins, lubricate joints, maintain healthy digestion, and keep your metabolism running smoothly. Mineral-rich water, herbal teas, and cutting down on sugary drinks can make a huge difference over time.

Another critical topic is medications. Many people don’t realize how certain medications can affect weight, hormones, digestion, or nutrient absorption. Birth control, antidepressants, steroids, and even common over-the-counter drugs can have metabolic side effects that contribute to weight gain or hormone imbalance. That’s why it’s so important to regularly review what you’re taking with your healthcare provider and ask questions about the long-term plan. A Functional Medicine Doctor can be incredibly helpful here, looking at the whole picture instead of just isolated symptoms.

When you decide to start drinking apple cider vinegar daily, it’s a great step. But it’s only one part of the puzzle. For the best results, you want to pair it with real, unprocessed foods, plenty of vegetables, enough protein, healthy fats, good hydration, gentle movement, and attention to stress and sleep. None of this has to be extreme. Even small changes—like swapping soda for mineral water, adding a serving of greens to your dinner, or going for a short walk after meals—add up over time.

Consistency really is the magic here. Your body didn’t get out of balance overnight, and you won’t restore balance overnight either. But if you’re willing to be patient, pay attention, and make steady changes, you’ll start to see results that actually last. Apple cider vinegar can absolutely support you in that process. It’s not a quick fix—but it is a powerful tool when you use it wisely and pair it with choices that nourish your body from the inside out.

So if you’re frustrated that you’re not 20 pounds lighter in a week, take a deep breath. This is a journey. You’re learning, growing, and making choices your future self will thank you for. That’s the real goal. You've got this and I am cheeing you on!

Rachel aka

The Crazy Vinegar Lady