Coffee lovers are a passionate bunch, so when it was discovered that 21 Day Fix does not fit in to their caffeine ritual, there were lots of questions. The most popular question is: Can you drink coffee on 21 Day Fix?
The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. Coffee is a calorie free beverage, so it’s technically allowed. However, users of 21 Day Fix should consider a few things before committing to caffeinate on their 21 day journey:
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee on 21 Day Fix
The most obvious advantage of coffee is the obvious source of energy it provides, which is especially helpful during a 21 Day workout. When caffeine enters our bloodstream, it attaches to certain receptors in the brain. When these receptors are activated, they activate certain pathways that produce energy, alertness and focus. In other words, coffee can make us feel invigorated, allowing us to push our bodies and get the most out of our workout.
Coffee also has other benefits. For one, it is an excellent source of hydration — especially if you add some healthy additions like coconut or almond milk. It also has a great number of antioxidants, which can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation. Finally, it can even help suppress appetite when consumed in moderate amounts.
The Pitfalls of Drinking Coffee on 21 Day Fix
Unfortunately, coffee can also come with a few drawbacks. The most obvious is the caffeine addiction. Consuming more than the recommended amount of coffee can lead to withdrawal symptoms when we try to cut down or stop drinking it altogether. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, irritability and headaches, which can derail our progress in the long run.
Coffee can also lead to dehydration if it’s consumed in large amounts. Many of us tend to forget that coffee has a diuretic effect — meaning it causes us to lose more water than we take in, leading to dehydration. This can lead to fatigue, headaches and even weight gain in the short term.
Finally, coffee and certain additives can be unhealthy in certain circumstances. Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety and insomnia, while certain additives like cream and sugar can add unnecessary calories and fat to our diet. So on top of their calorie counting and portion control, coffee-drinking 21 Day Fixers will need to be careful to not overindulge.
The Recommended Amount of Coffee on 21 Day Fix
The recommendation for coffee consumption on 21 Day Fix is to drink one cup per day, and to limit the type of coffee to plain or black. Adding cream and sugar will add unnecessary calories, fat, and sugar — all of which can limit your progress on this health and wellness journey.
In addition, it is important to note that caffeine can dehydrate you. So, it is best to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and to limit coffee to just one cup per day.
Alternatives to Coffee on 21 Day Fix
Just because you can’t indulge in as much coffee as you like on 21 Day Fix doesn’t mean you can’t get a caffeine boost. There are plenty of alternatives to coffee that can provide the much needed energy boost and help curb your caffeine cravings.
Green tea is a great alternative. It contains only 30 – 45 milligrams of caffeine, which is a fraction of the amount of caffeine in coffee. It also contains a number of antioxidants that can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation. Other alternatives include yerba mate, herbal tea, and even certain fruits and vegetables.
Best Practices for Coffee on 21 Day Fix
If you decide to incorporate coffee into your 21 Day Fix journey, there are a few simple guidelines that can help you get the most out of your caffeine fix.
The best practice is to limit your coffee to one cup per day and to opt for plain or black coffee — as adding cream or sugar adds unnecessary calories to your diet. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help counteract the diuretic effects of caffeine.
It is also important to be aware of the side-effects of caffeine and to make sure you are not overindulging. If you are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia or headaches, then it might be wise to cut back on your caffeine intake. Also, it is important to be mindful of your portion sizes, as drinking too much coffee can derail your 21 Day Fix progress.
The Bottom Line
Overall, drinking coffee on 21 Day Fix is allowed, but with some caveats. Coffee has been shown to provide numerous benefits, such as energy, alertness and focus. However, it can also lead to certain drawbacks such as caffeine addiction, dehydration and unhealthy additives. The best practice is to limit coffee to one cup per day, and to make sure you are hydrating and being mindful of your portion sizes. If you are looking for an alternative to coffee, consider trying green tea or other types of herbal teas. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you get the most out of your 21 Day Fix journey.
