For you Coffee Lovers

Having that first cup of coffee in the morning is a habit many do no want to break when starting a weight loss effort. They can give up high sugar sodas and artificially sweetened diet sodas, but coffee is one thing they want to keep around. And you can!


First off, many compare coffee to a drug. Is it really? These simply are the facts:

It's addictive.
It's a stimulant.
It alters mood.

But coffee is not a drug and is one of the five most healthy drinks to include in your healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the many benefits of drinking coffee:

Coffee reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and many other health risks.
Coffee gives you more energy for a tougher workout that lasts longer, making it possible to burn more calories.
Coffee does not contribute to heart disease as previously thought.
Caffeine speeds up your metabolism making it easier to burn more calories --- even while at rest.
Caffeine in coffee keeps the brain alert and receptive of new information.

Should you go to Starbucks and grab a large mocha latte now? Where the problem lies with coffee is when flavors, sweeteners and creamers are added to it. Here are a couple of tips when going out for that cup of Joe.

Coffee when consumed straight and by itself is perfect. It has very few calories, zero carbs, and zero fat so it cannot hinder weight loss. Adding all that extra sugars, artificial sweeteners, syrups, milk, alcohol and so on just make it a high calorie catastrophe. Sticking with regular or straight shots of coffee with limiting extras for achieving healthy living and weight loss.

Avoid fancy drinks from places like Starbucks that are loaded with hidden ingredients and additional calories. Frappacinnos and Mocha Lattes are not going to help you lose weight.

Drink coffee in moderation. Just like with anything that is considered healthy, it too must be taken in small quantities. Too much coffee at one time can affect blood sugar levels so the easy fix is reducing your intake at one time. Spacing out your coffee intake throughout the day would be something to consider and would benefit as an appetite suppressant while reducing chances of increasing blood sugar.

Don’t drink your coffee with high sugar foods. It seems perfectly normal to pair that Dunkin Donuts treat with a cup of coffee, but this combination will again spike your blood sugar. Besides, a donut can add another 200-300 calories and a muffin can range from 450-700 calories depending on the size and type.

Coffee is not a bad drink that should be avoided at all costs. The truth is that coffee actually has more benefits than negatives, so enjoy your coffee worry-free about hindering for diet and weight loss goals