For most people, coffee is an essential part of their daily routine. Some may rely on the caffeine boost while hard at work or to help keep them up at night. Others may appreciate the burst of energy that caffeine provides right before their workout. In 2021, the global coffee market was valued at $107.93 billion. As coffee remains a staple beverage in coffee houses and at home, the market value is expected to reach $167.51 billion by 2027.
Of course, frequent consumption of coffee can impact our bodies in many ways. In a previous post on acid reflux and dark roast coffee, we discussed coffee acidity and its effects on people with sensitive stomachs, mainly side effects such as nausea and heartburn. While different coffee types and preparation methods result in different acidity levels, dark roast coffee is less acidic and easier to stomach for most people. It’s clear that coffee significantly affects our stomachs and digestive system. For coffee lovers looking to lose weight, adjusting these coffee habits can help you enjoy your caffeine while supporting your weight loss journey:
Eat before your morning coffee
Having your coffee every morning doesn’t make it your breakfast. Instead, have your coffee with your breakfast. Studies have associated skipping breakfast with weight gain, indicating how missing this “most important meal of the day” can lead to metabolic issues. Additionally, skipping breakfast makes you hungrier as you spend energy, causing you to overeat for other meals or binge on junk food and snacks. Having something to eat with your daily morning coffee won’t reduce the effects of caffeine, so don’t hesitate to pair it with some bread or fruits.
Adjust your cafe orders
The coffee you brew and drink at home and the coffee you order at a cafe or in a coffee shop may be different. When you’re out and about, it is tempting to order a bigger size than what you usually drink or a menu item you may have trouble recreating. It’s fine to have a treat once in a while, but skipping the whipped cream or chocolate toppings will help reduce the additional sugar and calories.
Rethink your coffee break snacks
Pairing cookies or other sweet treats with your coffee gives you a fun coffee-drinking experience but may affect your weight loss journey when done excessively. Rather than eliminate snacks completely, weight loss programs suggest being more mindful of what you eat. Food shouldn’t be categorized as “good” or “bad”; instead, you should pay more attention to their nutritional value. Finding the correct portion sizes allows you to enjoy your favorite foods while working toward your weight loss goals. You can also switch to healthier snacks to go with your coffee, like fruits or oats.
Lessen the sweeteners
Adding sugar, creamer, or other sweeteners to your coffee can really elevate its flavors. It is crucial, however, to remember that while they help make your coffee taste better, they don’t only contribute to weight gain, but too much could also lead to diabetes and other serious health consequences as well. Turning to natural sweeteners like monk fruit instead of artificial ones can still give your coffee its sweetness while keeping you healthy. Other natural sweeteners include honey and maple syrup, giving your coffee a more natural and healthy twist.
Enjoy black coffee
Finally, consider taking your coffee black once in a while. Black coffee is undoubtedly an acquired taste, but it also provides zero calories, fats, or cholesterol, making it a great supplement for your weight loss journey. Black coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which helps slow down glucose production in your body, producing less glucose and fat cells. At the same time, remember that black coffee has a low nutritional value, so it shouldn’t be used to replace proper meals.
For more coffee-related information, do check our other articles and recommendations.
