First of all, we sympathize over your constant agony when the morning scales tilt slightly on the heavier side. We understand your frustrations over extensive workouts that leave the most stubborn pounds refusing to part. We even nod in disapproval when your hard-earned money is spent at the diet foods section instead of at Victoria’s secret boutique over the slinkiest monokinis.

Now that that's said, here's the action plan. Ditch the latest fad diets in the likes of Atkins, Rastafarians and Koshers because we've got the latest (well actually, oldest!) lethal weapon in the battle of the bulge that you don’t have to travel to Russia for. Just reach out to your kitchen pantry closet (yes! It’s that much in close promixity) for a bottle of age-old vinegar. It’s the sour truth with sweet results in your attack of the omnipresent and unsolicited body fat!

Vinegar was one of the first emergent medicines used in the treatment of a slew of health conditions. Hippocrates, a Greek physician and writer, also known as the “father of medicine,” extolled vinegar's therapeutic qualities. He prescribed the drinking of vinegar to his patients for various ailments.

Vinegar has also found mention in ancient texts over its astounding healing properties. According to a very famous hadith, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) once remarked, “What an excellent condiment it is!” when his wife told him they had only vinegar for dinner.

Long touted as a cure for many illnesses, the substance has been used as a folk medicine remedy since ancient times, believed to increase spiritual energy and remove toxins from the body. Old-fashioned vinegar has often also found credence as a natural weight loss food. Modern medical evidence and research is now adding weight to some of old grandma’s claims.

A recent study published in the journal Bioscience Biochemistry Biotechnology in 2009 by Japanese researchers has revealed some startling results. In a 12-week study period of obese Japanese individuals, the regular consumption of vinegar produced reduction of waist circumference, BMI, body weight, visceral fat area and serum triglycerides levels.

Through animal testing, a group of researchers have discovered that acetic acid, which is essentially vinegar, may affect how the liver metabolizes fats, thus aiding in fat burning. The animal study followed a separate study done on human subjects, by Lund University, which found that vinegar consumed after a highly refined food, like white bread, not only reduced spikes in blood glucose, but also increased satiety.

It is believed that the acetic acid in vinegar turns on the expression of a gene PPAR-alpha, which produces proteins in helping the body break down fats. Such an action helps prevent fat buildup and thwarts weight gain.

Vinegar also boosts metabolism and accelerates the oxidation processes required to flush out cellular fats.

Here’s how you can concoct your own special potion: Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of preferably lukewarm water and drink once or twice a day. This terrific tonic scrubs fat from your cells and helps you lose weight.

So, get on your way to blast that flab and stay fit, stay healthy and smile!