A lot of people think that coffee is nothing but bad for you, but that’s not entirely true. Coffee can actually be good for you – in moderation, of course. However, like anything else, there are also some downsides to coffee drinking – one of which is its effect on your weight. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 4 ways that coffee affects your weight. From appetite suppression to calorie burning and more, read on to learn more about how your daily cup of joe could be impacting your waistline.
Coffee boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss
Coffee is a great way to help boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss. Drinking coffee first thing in the morning can help jump start your metabolism and give you the energy you need to get through the day. Coffee also contains antioxidants which can help improve your overall health. This is so because caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, soda, and tea with coffee having the highest caffeine amounts among the three. In fact, a cup of brewed coffee has 95 mg of caffeine and it can help improve your metabolism. This is why most weight loss supplements have caffeine in them.
That said, in large doses, caffeine can influence metabolism. A study demonstrates that a dose of caffeine/4.5mg body weight boosts metabolism by 13%. This is equivalent to 7 cups of coffee for a 150 lb individual. Additional research is still needed in order to fully establish caffeine’s role as a weight loss agent. Still, studies continue to show that an increase in caffeine intake was associated with less weight gain along with those that consistently consumed more coffee were successful at maintaining weight loss overtime.
Coffee suppresses appetite
Coffee is a popular drink for many people, and it has been shown to have some benefits when it comes to weight loss. One of the ways that coffee can help with weight loss is by suppressing appetite. Many different factors play a role in appetite such as hormones and activity level. Caffeine helps reduce ghrelin levels or the hunger hormone.
When you drink coffee, the caffeine sends a signal to your brain that says you are full. This can help to reduce your overall food intake throughout the day and can lead to weight loss over time. In addition, coffee can also help to boost your metabolism, which can further help with weight loss. That said, studies show that consuming coffee reduces the tendency to consume more calories throughout the day.
More research needs to be conducted regarding caffeine’s role as an appetite suppressant with some studies stating that caffeine has no impact on satiety.
On Its Own, Coffee Is Low On Calories
Coffee is often lauded for its health benefits, but when it comes to weight loss, coffee on its own is relatively low in calories. A cup of black coffee has just 2 calories, and a cup of coffee with milk and sugar has about 50 calories.
However, what you add to your coffee can make a big difference in terms of calories. For example, adding a tablespoon of cream to your coffee can add up to 50 calories, and adding a tablespoon of sugar can add up to 16 calories. So if you're looking to cut back on calories, be mindful of what you add to your coffee.
Some Coffee Pairings May Contribute to Weight Gain
We all know that coffee can be a great way to jump-start our mornings and help us get through the day. However, what we may not realize is that some of the ways we enjoy our coffee can actually contribute to weight gain. Take a look at some of the most common coffee pairings that may lead to unwanted pounds:
Sugar: A single teaspoon of sugar added to your coffee can add over 16 calories to your daily intake. And, if you’re like most people who enjoy a cup or two of joe each day, those numbers can really start to add up! Consider swapping out sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or stevia instead.
Heavy Cream: While a little bit of cream in your coffee can be delicious, too much can quickly turn your cup into a calorie bomb. If you must have cream, opt for skim milk or an almond milk instead.
Flavored Syrups: Store-bought flavored syrups are often loaded with sugar and empty calories. If you’re looking for a way to flavor your coffee without all of the extra calories, consider making your own syrup at home with healthy ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Butter: You may have seen “bulletproof coffee” trending on social media lately. This popular beverage is made by blending coffee with butter and oil
How to enjoy coffee without sabotaging your weight loss goals
Assuming you're trying to lose weight, it's important to be mindful of how you enjoy your coffee so that you don't inadvertently sabotage your goals. Here are some tips:
Stick to black coffee or coffee with a small amount of milk and no sugar. This will help keep calorie intake down.
If you like your coffee sweet, try using a natural sugar substitute like stevia instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Watch out for high-calorie add-ons like whipped cream or flavored syrups. These can quickly turn your healthy cup of coffee into a calorie bomb.
Don't drink your calories! Choose coffee over sugary frappuccinos or other specialty drinks that can pack in hundreds of calories.
Use caution with caffeine. Too much caffeine can lead to weight gain by raising your cortisol levels and increasing appetite. Try to limit yourself to one cup of coffee per day if possible.
If you are looking to lose weight or gain weight or perhaps are in need of weight loss medication, know that the wisest decision is to get in touch with a weight specialist and a registered nutritionist dietitian who can guide you through every step of the way, ensuring long lasting results. Schedule an appointment right now!