Thursday, March 5, 2026

Why I make sure to drink Apple Cider Vinegar almost daily

What's Inside Your Stanley?

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar


Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. It may have some health benefits.

These may include:


What is Acetic acid?

 is vinegar’s primary active compound, giving it its strong sour smell and flavor. Researchers believe this acid is responsible for apple cider vinegar’s health benefits. Cider vinegars contain about 5%Trusted Source acetic acid.

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegarTrusted Source also contains a substance called mother, which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance.

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Some people use apple cider vinegar as a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema.

The skin is naturally slightly acidic. But, it may be less acidic in people with eczema. Using diluted topical apple cider vinegar topically may help rebalance the skin’s natural pH, improving the protective skin barrier.

However, researchTrusted Source doesn’t necessarily support this and warns that apple cider vinegar may actually irritate the skin in some people, especially people with skin conditions like eczema.Trusted Source

Talk with a doctor before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns.

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The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet is to use it in cooking. It’s a simple addition to foods like salad dressings and homemade mayonnaise.

Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water.

It’s best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.

Some dietitians recommend using organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains “mother.”

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Conclusion

Many websites and natural healthcare proponents claim that apple cider vinegar has exceptional health benefits, including boosting energy and treating disease.

Unfortunately, there’s little research to support most claims about its health benefits.

That said, some studies suggest it may offer some benefits, including killing bacteria, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar appears safe when diluted as long as you don’t take excessive amounts of it.

 

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar#lowers-blood-sugar

Friday, May 30, 2025

The No-Prep Meal Prep


By Dr. Tracy Vest, DPT


The No-Prep Meal Prep

I don't know about you but sometimes figuring out what I'm going to eat for lunch is a challenge.  My job has me in the car much of the day driving to and from patient homes.  So, it can be tempting to just rely upon drive-through restaurants or finding a dine-in spot where I could eat and work.  For one, this is not so good on the wallet and two it's not so good on the waistline!  Not to mention the long list of preservatives and artificial additives that can be found in these foods. 

If I can encourage you to do one thing, it would be to stop eating fast foods!  You will trade convenience for your health and honestly, that's not a good trade.  These companies use food additives to enhance the flavor, making these foods much more addictive to keep you coming back for more. I would say it's like a chain around your neck, but it's much more like a hook within your mouth.


Fast Food's Fangs

 Like that wolf in sheep's clothing.  It may look harmless enough, with its pleasing aroma and satisfying taste. But once this food hits the stomach and intestinal track that is when the wolf begins to do his work. At this point, what was once covered by its harmless appearance now allow its fangs to fully emerged and bite into you as inflammatory oil molecules, hormone disrupting chemicals, artificial food dyes that are known to cause cancer, and so much more. 

Sounds good right?  No... it's time that we break these unholy covenants that we've made with food.  Rip the contract, break the chain, cut the line, and reclaim your health! It may seem hard to break away from these habits at first, but I can guarantee you that if you can just resist the cravings and start to feed your body nutrient dense foods that it actually needs; over time the cravings will subside. You may even begin to find yourself a little repulsed at the idea of putting these things in your body. Just saying... 


"No-Prep" Meals

So, what did I do about my dilemma for a quick on the go meal?  I've learned to keep healthy foods on hand that I can just grab and throw into my lunch box with little to no prepping.  


I would love to be more consistent with prepping enough full meals in my fridge for easy grabbing through the week, but that's not always the case. Keeping things like pistachios, Brazil nuts, key limesdates, boiled eggs, avocados, kiwiapples, peanut butter, cucumbers, and sourdough bread on hand in my kitchen are enough to not only satisfy me but also provide my body with nutrients to function.  That's a much better trade off! 


An Alternative Option to No-Prep Meals

However, if you are looking for a quick pre-made meal that also takes no prep time and offers you plenty of health benefits. Then might I suggest trying Metabolic Meals.  They have a large selection of meals that are pre-made and great for people who deal with digestive issues, as well as those who struggle with Metabolic Syndrome.  These meals are particularly good for those trying to manage Diabetes.  Click to link below to find out more.




Resources used for this article:

Healthline, DoveMed, Well.Org

The Secret Chemicals in Fast Food and What They're Doing To You - Well.Org

Pistachio Nutrition and Health Benefits

Why Are Brazil Nuts Good for You?

8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates

 6 Reasons Why Eggs Are the Healthiest Food on the Planet

7 Health Benefits of Avocados

7 Health Benefits Of Key Lime - DoveMed

Kiwi Benefits: Heart Health, Digestion, and More

Apple and Peanut Butter: Nutrition, Calories, and Benefits

6 Health Benefits of Eating Cucumber

Sourdough Bread: Nutrients, Benefits, and Recipe