Wellness Hack: Apple Cider Vinegar

We’ve all experienced that post-lunch crash, the brain fog and dip in energy after a carb-heavy meal (like pasta, pizza or even avocado on sourdough). Your blood sugar spikes, then tumbles. Your mood dips, your focus blurs, and suddenly you’re reaching for coffee or something sweet just to recover. What I’ve learned is that the solution isn’t cutting out carbs, it’s preparing your body for them.

My grandfather used to drink apple cider vinegar, and we’d all cringe watching him. Now I do the same before carb-heavy meals, and it works. About ten minutes before eating, I mix a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar into a tall glass of water. It’s simple, grounding, and noticeably smooths out that energy dip.

WHY IT WORKS: Apple cider vinegar helps slow the digestion of starches, reducing sharp blood sugar spikes and supporting better insulin sensitivity, helping your body process carbs more efficiently. And the water is a must, as it dilutes the acid, hydrates your cells, and primes your digestion. Together, they create a kind of metabolic buffer. You stay steady, alert, and energized instead of riding the sugar rollercoaster.

After a few weeks, your energy stabilizes. Hunger cues get clearer and cravings ease. It’s a tiny habit that costs almost nothing, takes less than a minute, and can change how you feel.

TIP: If you’re new to apple cider vinegar, start with a teaspoon in a large glass of water and build up to a tablespoon. Always use a straw as the vinegar can wear on tooth enamel over time.

This small ritual has become one of my favorite moments of self-care: a pause to slow down, breathe, and give my body a head start on balance. Because wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about remembering what our ancestors knew all along.

To your vitality,
Lizanne