I broke the one obvious rule and tried a fad diet I found on social media.
The post talked about a cleanse to eliminate bloat, help digestion issues, and get those much-coveted obliques.
I’d seen other fitness peeps snap shots of gallon jugs, talking about their own concoctions.
So, I committed to giving it a try.
Day 1:I’m just gonna say it: The shake tasted disgusting.
I didn’t even finish the whole serving.
I drank what I could first thing in the morning when I woke up.
I ate regularly at work and did an extra-long endurance run in the evening.
I also worked in a few new abs exercises into my workouts.
After all, drinking ACV was about to give me abs, right?
The post also recommended a magnesium supplement at night, so I took one after dinner.
The only major change wasTMI aheadthat I went to the bathroom more than usual that day.
Day two of of this eating plan, check.
Day 3:The taste of the drink got better (or I was getting used to it).
I spent decent time in the bathroom again, which debloated me and made my stomach flat.
Yes, legitimate abs (a first for me).
At home, I piled my plate high with veggies and took another magnesium supplement.
I decided to take a rest day from my workouts.
Day 5:My stomach felt terrible.
I dealt with a nauseous, acidic stomachallday.
I tried to do my long run, but my stomach wouldn’t allow it.
I still took my magnesium pill with dinner.
Day 6-7:I woke up with the worst stomach ache I’ve ever had.
The post suggested trying to drink ACV for at least 7 days.
(I know now that I should have listened to my body.)
Day 8:No shake, no magnesium pill, continued stomach ache, and fading abs.
This approach ended on a(nother) sour note.
I knew I’d never do it again.
So I talked to Jessica Crandall, R.D.N., a certified diabetes educator.
Crandall says she’sneverprescribed ACV to any of her clients, and she doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.
“Because it tastes nasty, it might curb your appetite,” says Crandall.
“But it’s just a diet fad.”
All good stuff, but nothing in there will give you abdominal muscles, says Crandall.
So besides some obvious dehydration, to what does she attribute my day-long abs?
Simply put, being aware of my goal and my diet.
Remember, I did start doinga few new abs exercises.
Lessons Learned: Abs Just Aren’t Worth It
Stay skeptical of words like detox and cleanse.
While some may have their benefits, most are nothing more than fluff.
Regardless, the moral of the story here to is listen to your body.
Next time, I’ll listen to my gut (pun intended).
