In the world of health and wellness, new trends and hacks emerge frequently, each promising a variety of benefits from weight loss to improved energy. One such trend that has caught the attention of many is consuming a tablespoon of olive oil before breakfast. Proponents claim it can aid digestion, boost energy levels, and even improve skin health. Intrigued by these potential benefits, I decided to try this hack for myself and document the results.
Over the course of five days, I took a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil each morning on an empty stomach. I was eager to see if this simple addition to my morning routine would live up to its claims or if it would simply be another wellness fad. Here’s what I discovered throughout the week.
1. Why I Tried the Viral Olive Oil Before Breakfast Hack
The olive oil before breakfast trend has been circulating online, with many influencers and health gurus touting its supposed health benefits. Claims include improved digestion, increased satiety, and a glowing complexion. As someone who is always on the lookout for natural ways to enhance my wellness routine, I was curious to see if this hack could deliver on its promises.
I chose extra virgin olive oil for this experiment, as it is often recommended for its higher quality and nutritional content. A tablespoon (approximately 15 milliliters) is the suggested amount to consume, which seemed manageable and easy to incorporate into my morning routine. My goal was to track any changes in my digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being over the course of five days.
2. Day 1: First Impressions and How It Actually Tastes
On the first day, I was apprehensive about the taste and experience of consuming a tablespoon of olive oil on its own. To my surprise, the flavor was milder than I anticipated, slightly fruity with a hint of peppery finish typical of high-quality extra virgin olive oils. It was not unpleasant, but certainly different from my usual breakfast routine.
Despite the unusual start to my morning, I found the process to be quite simple and quick. The oil went down smoothly, and I didn’t experience any immediate adverse effects. I went about my day feeling curious about what, if any, changes I might notice.
3. Day 2: Immediate Digestive Changes I Noticed
As someone who occasionally deals with bloating and sluggish digestion, I was particularly interested in any digestive changes. On the second day, I noticed a subtle difference—my stomach felt calmer and less bloated after meals. While it’s difficult to attribute this solely to the olive oil, it was a promising start.
Additionally, I found that I didn’t experience the usual mid-morning hunger pangs I often get. The olive oil seemed to help keep my appetite in check, allowing me to focus better on my morning tasks.
4. Day 3: Energy Levels, Hunger, and Morning Cravings
By the third day, I began to notice a slight shift in my energy levels. I felt more alert and less prone to the mid-morning slump that I often experience. This boost in energy could be attributed to the healthy fats in the olive oil, which are known to provide a steady source of energy.
Interestingly, my morning cravings for sugary snacks were also reduced. I felt more satisfied after breakfast and less inclined to reach for a snack, which was an unexpected but welcome change.
5. Day 4: Bloating, Bathroom Habits, and Gut Comfort
On the fourth day, I was eager to see if the positive digestive changes would continue. My stomach felt consistently less bloated, and I noticed an improvement in my regularity. The olive oil seemed to support smoother digestion, which contributed to an overall feeling of gut comfort.
These changes in my bathroom habits were subtle but noticeable, and they added to my growing curiosity about the long-term effects of this simple morning ritual.
6. Day 5: Skin, Glow, and Any Visible Body Changes
By the fifth day, I started paying closer attention to any changes in my skin. While a week is a short time to see significant changes, I did notice a slight improvement in my skin’s texture and glow. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which may have contributed to this subtle enhancement.
Aside from skin, I didn’t observe any dramatic changes in my overall physique, but I felt lighter and more energetic, which was a positive outcome of this experiment.
7. What Happened to My Weight and Waistline in 5 Days
In terms of weight and waistline, five days is not a significant amount of time to expect major changes. However, I did feel less bloated, which could give the appearance of a slightly slimmer waistline. I didn’t lose any measurable weight, but the reduction in bloating was a welcome change.
This experiment was more about understanding the immediate effects of olive oil on my daily routine rather than a weight loss strategy, and in that regard, it provided some interesting insights.
8. The Science: What Research Really Says About Daily Olive Oil Shots
Scientific research supports the consumption of olive oil as part of a healthy diet, particularly for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Studies have shown that olive oil can support cardiovascular health, improve digestion, and even have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, taking olive oil as a stand-alone morning ritual is less studied. There are anecdotal claims of benefits like improved digestion and energy, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of this practice on overall health.
9. Extra Virgin vs. Any Olive Oil: What I Used and Why It Matters
For this experiment, I specifically chose extra virgin olive oil because it is the highest quality available, made from pure, cold-pressed olives. This type of olive oil retains more of the natural vitamins and antioxidants compared to refined varieties.
Using extra virgin olive oil was important to ensure I was getting the most potential benefits from this practice. The quality and purity of the oil can significantly affect the results, and using a lesser quality could yield different or less noticeable outcomes.
10. The Downsides: Nausea, Reflux, and When This Hack Backfires
While many people report positive experiences with this hack, there are potential downsides to consider. Some individuals might experience nausea or acid reflux when consuming olive oil on an empty stomach. This can be attributed to its rich, fatty nature, which may not agree with everyone.
It’s important to listen to your body and adjust the practice if needed. If you experience discomfort, it might be wise to reduce the amount or try incorporating the oil with a small amount of food.
11. Who Should Avoid This Trend and Talk to a Doctor First
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as gallbladder issues or those on a strict low-fat diet, should consult with a healthcare professional before trying this trend. Olive oil, while healthy, is high in calories and fat, which might not be suitable for everyone.
Additionally, if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any existing medical conditions, it’s always best to seek medical advice before making significant changes to your diet.
12. Would I Keep Going? How This Morning Ritual Fits Into Real Life
After five days of taking a tablespoon of olive oil before breakfast, I found the experience to be mostly positive. The subtle improvements in digestion and energy were enough to convince me to consider continuing this habit. However, it’s essential to balance this practice with a well-rounded diet and not rely solely on it for health benefits
Incorporating olive oil into my morning routine is a simple adjustment, and I appreciate the potential benefits it offers. As with any health trend, it’s important to evaluate how it fits into your lifestyle and adjust as necessary to maintain a sustainable and enjoyable wellness routine.
