I took 1 tablespoon of olive oil every morning. 8 days later, this is what happened

Olive oil has long been praised as a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and it’s often linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

But recently, a new trend has gained traction: taking a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Claims online range from improved digestion and glowing skin to better sleep and boosted metabolism. Curious but cautious, I decided to try it for eight days and observe what changed — without altering anything else in my routine.

Here’s what I experienced, what science suggests, and what might realistically happen if you try it.

The Routine: Simple and Consistent

Each morning at 7 AM, before coffee or breakfast, I took:

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
On an empty stomach
Same time daily
No other dietary changes

The idea behind taking it first thing is that nutrients may be absorbed without interference from other foods.

One tablespoon contains about:

120 calories
14 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated)

So this isn’t a zero-calorie habit. It matters if you’re tracking intake.

Day 1–2: Texture and Aftertaste

The first two days were mostly about getting used to the sensation.

Drinking olive oil straight is different from using it in food. The texture is thick, and the peppery finish of extra virgin olive oil lingers.

No stomach upset. No dramatic effects.

Just adjusting to the taste.

Day 3: Digestive Changes

By the third morning, I noticed something subtle.

My digestion felt smoother. Less bloating after meals. A lighter feeling overall.

Olive oil stimulates bile production, which helps digest fats. It may also gently support bowel regularity for some people.

That said, three days is a short window — so this could be individual variation.

Day 4: Energy Stability

I typically experience a mid-morning slump.

On day four, I didn’t.

Was it the olive oil? Possibly.

Healthy fats digest more slowly than carbohydrates, which may contribute to steadier energy levels. Starting the day with fat instead of sugar can help avoid sharp spikes and crashes.

It wasn’t dramatic — but it was noticeable.

Day 5: Skin and Bloating

Around day five, I looked closely at my skin.

No dramatic “glow-up,” but it did feel slightly more hydrated.

Olive oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which support skin health internally. However, visible skin changes usually take longer than five days.

The reduction in bloating continued, which felt like the most consistent benefit.

Day 6: Appetite and Cravings

An unexpected shift happened on day six.

I wasn’t as hungry at breakfast.

Fat increases satiety hormones. Starting with olive oil may have slightly reduced morning cravings.

I didn’t eliminate breakfast — but I naturally ate a bit less.

— See Next Page —