The Turning Point in the Vinegar Aisle
In September of last year, I stood somewhat clueless in the supermarket in front of the vinegar shelf. In a YouTube video, I had heard that apple cider vinegar is supposed to help with weight loss. After years of intermittent fasting – with great initial success – I had been stagnating for a few years, despite three fasting days per week.
"Stagnating" is actually putting it nicely, because since the beginning of the Covid period, I had creeping gained 15 kilos.
I had tried many things, and apple cider vinegar also seemed to be just the next pre-programmed failure. That's why I chose the cheapest bottle for 89 cents. I was all the more surprised when I made it through my fasting day from day 1 without a single craving attack.
The Magical 100-Kilo Mark
Since then, I have lost over 30 kilos and today, for the first time, dropped below the 100-kilo mark. This means that medically, my condition is no longer considered obese, but "only" overweight. Normal weight is no longer a distant dream, but within arm's reach. With a current body fat percentage of 29.7% (a good value at my age would be 22%), I am still short another 8 kilos. After the 30 kilos already lost, that sounds absolutely doable.
Unfortunately, losing weight is not a linear matter – at least on the scales. In recent weeks, my weight fluctuated between 101 and 104 kilos, despite an unchanged routine. This is probably because the internal organs, which were squeezed by visceral fat for decades, are now reclaiming their space. My Omron value is currently at 16, which corresponds to an estimated two kilos of visceral fat. Ideal would be a value below 12 (approx. 1 kilo).
Back in March, I experienced a similar plateau phase. Until, after a long walk, something suddenly broke loose and I lost a staggering 6 kilos of water within 36 hours. There is a biological explanation for this too: the fat cells are empty, but still there. Before the body breaks them down, it temporarily fills them with water to flush them out, so to speak.
The Downside: Detoxification and Side Effects
The detoxification of the body, however, is something nobody warned me about. Toxic residues that my body has stored in fat tissue for years are currently being released in irregular bursts. The result: small pustules on my right arm, itching all over my body, and extreme fatigue.
Since I cannot prevent this process, I am trying to actively support it. I consume cloves and a tablespoon of olive oil daily. In addition, psyllium husks are firmly integrated into my morning routine. Due to their swelling capacity, these dietary fibers briefly increase weight on the scales, but they keep the bowels moving and help with cleansing.
Looking Ahead
This weekend, a 60-kilometer hiking tour with my wife is coming up. I hope that the detox will be largely completed by then and that my body won't have any more surprises in store for me – because flushing out 6 liters of water in 36 hours also meant two almost sleepless nights.
In July, the next highlight follows: a long hike on the island of La Réunion. Until then, I will maintain the routine of three fasting days per week. In August, I want to drop one fasting day and do more sports instead.
Yes, I have to and want to continue losing weight. But now that my obesity is no longer life-threatening, I can approach the diet a bit more relaxed – and regain a piece of my quality of life.
