#FlavorfulFriday – Raspberry Probiotic ACV Tonic – CG Fitness: Personal Training, Nutrition & Yoga

Apple Cider Vinegar is so good for many reasons. I used to drink it all day long in my water…usually 1 TBSP in a 20 oz water bottle. Then for some reason I stopped drinking it. Sometimes I go through spurts like that, where I do something I know is super healthy for me, then I stop. I guess sometimes I just get tired of doing the same thing and at the time I didn’t know any other ways to use or enjoy Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s not exactly the greatist tasting drink lol

Recently, I tried making a homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic drink and it’s a really yummy way to reap all the benefits of ACV that tastes good and makes you feel like you are enjoying an alcoholic drink without the alcohol. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love to enjoy a glass of wine, bourbon, whiskey or beer but since I’m trying not to over-indulge too much, this drink is a fabulous way to feel like your are indulging without the calories or side effects that alcohol has on your body.

Apple Cider Vinegar is great for preventing colds since it’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It also helps suppress your appetite which could help you with weight loss. One of the other benefits is that it helps alkalize your body, balancing out your pH levels. Drinking ACV before dinner will also help balance your blood sugar levels since it helps slow down the digestion of simple carbs. Of course, almost everyone knows that it’s also one of the best ways to get healthy bacteria into your gut.

The most important thing to remember when purchases ACV, is to purchase the kind that has the “Mother” in it, which is where all the beneficial bacteria, enzymes and protein are located. I always buy Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Apples are one of the most pesticide-sprayed fruits so it’s super important to buy organic.

This tonic drink is super simple to make, and I like to add zero calorie Seltzer to it to make it bubbly and taste like an alcohol spritzer 🙂 I used Raspberry Lime Seltzer, but you could use any flavored or non-flavored seltzer you want. Or just enjoy it without the seltzer.

Ingredients:

2 cups organic apple cider vinegar
1 handful raspberries (or any other berry you have on hand)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a sealed container, and let it sit at room temperature for 2 days. Then put it in the refrigerator for 1 week, or until it gets to the taste you like. I let mine sit for a week. Pour into a glass and top off with some Seltzer if you like.