It's reasonable to say that for some of us, coffee is the only thing that gets us through the week's busiest days. And, in most cases, those daily cups might actually be beneficial to our health if eaten in moderation.
We just learnt that certain unhealthy coffee behaviors, such as adding too much sugar or drinking on an empty stomach, can lead to weight gain. But, are there any coffee habits that can assist us in losing weight?
1.Skip the table sugar
One of the simplest strategies to assist you accomplish your weight loss objectives, according to Manaker, is to avoid adding sugar to your coffee. The amount of sugar you should consume in a day varies based on your caloric consumption, but for a 2,000-calorie diet, the average recommended sugar intake is 50 grams per day.
With that in mind, one tablespoon of sugar in a cup of coffee equals around 12.5 grams of sugar, which is a significant portion of your daily recommended sugar intake in just one cup of coffee.
- Drink your coffee black
Adding a lot of sugar to your coffee, as well as too much coffee creamer, might sabotage your weight loss efforts, which is why both of our dietitians recommend drinking your coffee black if possible.
"Adding too much cream, half-and-half, or even whole milk to your coffee can add a lot of calories and fat," Manaker warns.
"Black coffee contains fewer than 5 calories per cup," Burak says, "but beware of the extras you may be adding, which can add a significant number of unwanted calories and saturated fat to your diet, especially if you drink multiple cups in one day."
- Don't use coffee as a meal replacement
Although coffee is a natural appetite reducer, Burak advises against using it as a meal replacement or substitute.
"While coffee is not a meal or snack in and of itself, I frequently see clients who use a 3 p.m. cup of coffee to skip a meal and save calories because it momentarily suppresses your appetite,"
Meal skipping, unfortunately, is not only bad for your metabolism, but it can also contribute to overeating later in the day.
This is a tricky balance, because drinking coffee with your meal might help you feel satiety or fullness, which can help you avoid overeating.
"Caffeine functions as a stimulant," adds Burak, "giving you a momentary surge of energy and getting your metabolism working throughout the day." "The idea is to make sure you're still focusing on getting good sleep and not relying on coffee for artificial energy on a regular basis."
Learn about a additive to help you lose weight with your daily morning coffee