I have a lot of time for nutritionist Sonja Gardiner.
She's supportive, knowledgeable and she's passionate about what she does for a living. Heck, she's helped me fit back into my favourite jeans and improve my health. What's not to love!?
But when I took that first shot of apple cider vinegar, I cursed her. I gagged, then choked as the acidic liquid burned on its way down my oesophagus.
"Bloody hell, Sonja! I can't do this before every meal!" I gasped to myself, my eyes watering.
"Are you alright, Mum?" my daughter asked, looking concerned. "Yuck! That stuff stinks! What are you drinking?"
That would be Skybright's organic cider vinegar that I've just chugged back. This potent unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains 'mother', strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance.
Earlier on, Sonja had identified some issues with my digestion - occasional bloating, tummy troubles. And my iridology screening had indicated I might have a bit of a problem with a leaky gut.
A person with leaky gut is likely to present with symptoms that could include bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, aches and pains. The theory is that a possible cause of leaky gut is increased intestinal permeability, which means that food particles are absorbed into the body before they're properly broken down. And that can also mean you aren't necessarily getting the full nutritional benefit of foods.
Sonja reckoned that my "digestive fire" could do with some help, which is where the apple cider vinegar comes in.
The idea behind the vinegar is that it helps the stomach acids along - they're crucial for good digestion. So before each meal I'm to chug back a tablespoon of the vinegar.
As well, Sonja encourages me to really appreciate what I'm eating, to chew each mouthful 20-30 times and not to eat when I'm feeling stressed or anxious (our digestive system doesn't function properly when we're feeling strung out).
I've got the chewing each mouthful thing down pat and it's amazing how much sooner my brain registers that I'm feeling full. I reckon I'm leaving about 25-30 per cent of what's on my plate now.
As for the vinegar, I remembered Sonja said it was okay to add a tiny splash of water to the vinegar which would make it a bit more palatable without diluting it too much. She's right - it's just manageable. So I'll finish the bottle and I'll buy another.
Since cutting out wheat, sugar and carbs, I haven't had any of the tummy troubles I used to have. Between that and the vinegar, I think my digestive system is functioning a lot better than it was seven weeks ago!
The eczema patches on my hands are also much better. Sonja has had me dabbing them with the cider vinegar which I follow up with some coconut oil once the vinegar has dried. And luckily I do that last thing at night so the smell from my fingers doesn't gross anyone else out.
Sonja Gardiner is a Hamilton nutritionist on a mission to bring health, wholeness and happiness. For more information see www.sonjagardiner.com