Can I Drink Coffee on C9?
C9 is a diet and lifestyle program which advocates for natural, healthy eating and exercise. The trend of eating ‘clean’ foods and the notion of cutting out certain food groups to stay healthy is a fast-growing movement, and C9 is a popular example of this. Coffee is a beverage which many enjoy, but with C9 there are certain guidelines regarding its consumption.
Coffee is actually included in the list of permissible foods during your Clean 9 programme. From the ‘Aloe Vera Gel’ through to the ‘Clean 9’, there are various stages of the programme which have progressive restrictions on foods and beverages. Coffee is only restricted during the ‘Clean 9’ phase. All that it requires is that the coffee is consumed without milk and sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Nutritional experts point out that the real danger is when caffeine interruption the balance of other macro and micronutirtients in the body. Nutritionist, Emma Brown notes that “Whilst a mug of coffee in moderation can be alright, too much coffee can lead to a decrease in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron, as the caffeine tends to block their absorption”.
In order to determine the right amount of coffee to drink when following a C9 diet it is important to consider the volume of coffee wou would normally drink and make sure to stick within that range. Some people may find they need to reduce their coffee intake as caffeine has been shown to be a stress-inducing substance. Health coach, Sara Miller advises that “the three key aspects to consider when deciding how much coffee you should drink are your daily stress levels, your sleep quality and your caffeine sensitivity.”
Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee on C9
Coffee has been embraced and rejected in equal measure over the centuries. While there are numerous pros and cons for drinking coffee on C9, one of the main perceived pros is that coffee can act as a quick source of energy when consumed in moderation. Caffeine helps to stimulate metabolic activity, making it possible to reach goals quicker.
The primary concern with drinking coffee on C9 is that it can interfere with the body’s natural ability to absorb certain key nutrients. Studies have shown that caffeine can reduce the absorption of certain nutritional substances. Therefore, there is a need to be mindful of what nutrients you might be missing out on when drinking coffee on a C9 diet.
Effects of Coffee on Metabolism
Whether you are trying to follow C9 or another diet, coffee can have an effect on metabolism. The caffeine contained with coffee triggers a release of epinephrine (adrenaline) which is responsible for the sudden spike in energy many people devleop after drinking it. This surge of adrenaline will temporarily speed up the metabolism, however, the effects are generally not drastic enough to be deemed beneficial alone.
It has been found that coffee can have a positive impact on weight loss. There are no reported miracle effects, just an effect of suppressing hunger – as coffee can make it easier to resist eating unhealthy foods. As with most things coffee like with a diet, moderation is key.
Coffee and Hydration
The myth that coffee is a diuretic has been widely dispelled. A study showed that coffee and other caffeinated beverages lead to a net gain in water. However, the body’s overall hydration levels can decrease with excessive coffee consumption, as the acidity of coffee can stop the body from absorbing the water it needs.
Depriving the body of water can be detrimental to overall health, so it is important to remember to drink sufficient water when drinking coffee during a C9. Dietitian, Thomas Smith suggests “incorporating a glass of water for every cup of coffee consumed and making sure you’re drinking enough throughout the day, ideally 2 litres, is a great way to ensure you’re staying hydrated.”
Are There Any Alternatives to Coffee?
If you’re looking for alternatives to coffee whilst following the C9 diet, green tea is a great option. As well as having a range of anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial qualities, green tea is also lower in caffeine than coffee. Other herbal teas or even yerba mate, can be great non-caffeinated drink options if you’re looking for a hot beverage.
Coffee Alternatives to Avoid
Not all coffee alternatives are beneficial to health. Many shop-bought or pre-made coffees can be full of sugar and promoted as a ‘diet drink’ which can be misleading. Health expert, Amy Jones warns “Syrups, artificial sweeteners and flavoured versions of coffee alternatives can be very low in nutrition and can contain as much as a third of a teaspoon of sugar. Low sugar doesn’t always mean good for you, so stick to the good stuff.”
Is Caffeinated Coffee OK For Everyone?
Whether caffeine from coffee or other sources is okay for you depends on individual circumstances, what the person’s sensitivities are and how reliable certain types of products are. Overnight shifts, high stress levels, tremor disorders and reduced sleep can all be made worse by a steady intake of caffeine. Nutritional therapist, Steph Smith claims that “Those who have previously experienced any kind of adverse reaction to caffeine should aim to reduce or cut-out their coffee intake.”
Professional Advice
If you are using or thinking of using the C9 diet as a way of improving your health, professional advice from a medical practitioner or dietician is always recommended. It is important to consider your metabolic rate and energy expenditure levels when taking on this type of program, to ensure it is beneficial for your individual needs. Internationally renowned personal trainer, Matt McCombs said “Before embarking on this or any diet and lifestyle change, it is important to speak with a professional to have an individual assessment done. This will help to ensure that you are taking the right steps in improving your health in the long-term”.
