Coffee – a popular beverage amongst adults for decades now – has recently surged in popularity as studies have come out touting its health benefits. But does it fit into a keto diet plan? Can you still get the benefits of coffee while following a ketogenic diet? Let’s take a closer look.
Keto diet plans are well known for their ability to help people lose weight. The focus of these plans is on forcing the body to rely on fat as its primary fuel source, instead of glucose. To achieve this, the diet requires significantly cutting back on carbohydrates. Amongst other things, this means limiting the amount of sugar, sweets, soda and other sugary treats.
But what about coffee? Coffee is a great source of antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B. Additionally, it is also known to boost metabolism and provide an alertness boost in the mornings. In fact, it can be an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
However, when it comes to following a ketogenic diet, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to limit your intake of carbohydrates. This includes sugar, so adding sugar or any other sweetener to your coffee is not suitable for a keto lifestyle. Luckily, most coffee drinkers can enjoy their favorite morning beverage without worrying about added sugar.
Keep in mind that there may be some people who would benefit from avoiding coffee all together. For example, people who have adrenal fatigue may benefit from cutting back on coffee. Additionally, if you find that coffee leaves you feeling jittery, it might be a good idea to limit your intake, as too much caffeine can lead to an overload of stimulation and aggravate adrenal fatigue.
When deciding on if coffee is right for you, consider consulting a doctor or dietician first. Depending on your specific situation, they may be able to advise you and help you find the right coffee beverage for your lifestyle.
Do Artificial Sweeteners Affect Keto?
Artificial sweeteners are popular amongst many low-carb or keto dieters. They have no calories and have the sweetness that many crave, without the carbohydrates necessary to kick you out of ketosis.
As mentioned before, it is important to avoid adding sugar to your coffee, so artificial sweeteners may seem like an appealing alternative. However, it should be noted that many artificial sweeteners are not appropriate for a keto diet. These include sugar alcohols, polyols, or sugar free syrups, all of which can still affect your blood sugar levels and, in turn, kick you out of ketosis.
The best type of artificial sweetener to use if you are on a keto diet is one that has 0 carbs and 0 calories. These include types of erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, and xylitol.
If you are looking to sweeten your coffee without adding more carbohydrates, these are the best types of sweetener to use.
Keto Creamers
Many people like to add cream to their coffee to add a richness and creaminess for an extra delicious coffee experience. However, traditional creamers often have added sugar and carbohydrates – something that is not compatible with a keto diet and can throw off your ketosis.
Luckily, there are now many keto friendly creamers available on the market. These creamers contain healthy fats like coconut oil, coconut cream, or MCT oil and have no added sugar. They can help to add a deliciousness to your morning cup of joe without any guilt attached.
If shopping for a keto creamer, look for one that contains healthy fats and has no added ingredients. Additionally, look out for ones made with organic ingredients and without any suspicious additives.
Can Bulletproof Coffee Fit into a Keto Diet?
Bulletproof Coffee is a popular beverage amongst those on keto diets, as it is meant to provide a robust dose of fat, helping to kick start the body into ketosis. It is essentially a combination of black coffee, ghee, and MCT oil, making it an easy and convenient way to get a big dose of healthy fats.
Bulletproof coffee is a great way to get the benefits of black coffee, while also supplying a satisfying source of fats. However, it should be noted that the amount of MTC oil used in a cup of Bulletproof Coffee is quite high, so those on a keto diet should start off with using ½ teaspoon of MCT oil and work their way up to a whole teaspoon. Additionally, the amount of ghee that is used – typically a tablespoon – may be too much for those on a low-fat keto diet. If this is the case, consider using just a teaspoon of ghee, or skipping it altogether.
Can I Drink Decaf Coffee on Keto?
If you find yourself sensitive to caffeine or can’t have it late in the evening, then decaf coffee may be the way to go. While regular coffee does contain small amounts of carbohydrates, decaf coffee does not have any noticeable amount – making it a great option for those on a keto diet.
Decaf coffee can still provide all the great benefits that regular coffee provides. It is a source of antioxidants and can supply healthy doses of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B. It can still provide an alertness boost in the morning, while avoiding any of the jittery side effects that some people may experience.
Conclusion: Can I Drink Coffee on Keto?
In conclusion, drinking coffee can still be part of a keto diet plan, as long as it is done properly. Black coffee, just like decaf coffee, has very little carbohydrates and can be a great way to start the day. Additionally, it is important to remember to avoid adding sugar or other sugary equivalents and try to use either MCT oil or erythritol in order to sweeten the coffee if desired. With the right approach, coffee can still be a part of a healthy, keto lifestyle.
