South Beach Diet is a weight loss program developed by the famous cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agaston. It is a low-carbohydrate diet that revolves around the incorporation of healthy fats and proteins to achieve a healthy life style. But one of the most commonly asked questions from dieters is whether they can consume coffee while on the South Beach Diet. The answer is: yes, but with some limitations.
Depending on the phase of the diet, coffee can be consumed. In the first two phases, a heavy emphasis is placed on controlling blood sugar levels and reducing processed carbohydrates. In this phase, coffee may be consumed in moderate amounts without any added sugar, sweeteners, cream, or coffee drinks. During these phases it is best to limit your daily servings to two 8-ounce cups of coffee or less.
During the third phase, the maintenance phase of the diet, dieters are allowed to have up to four cups of coffee a day, with small amounts of added sugar, cream, creamers and sugar free syrups. However, as with all dietary protocols it is important to go slow and easy on the coffee consumption, even when in the maintenance phase. Too much caffeine can increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. For some people, it can also cause side effects like nausea, bloating and irritability.
Drinking coffee on the South Beach Diet is okay and, for some, it is even recommended. Coffee has many health benefits, including improved brain function, alertness, energy, metabolism and overall wellbeing. When consumed in moderation, it can be beneficial to dieters. Studies have also indicated that moderate amounts of caffeine can also help to reduce appetite and control cravings while on the South Beach Diet.
When drinking coffee on the South Beach Diet, it is important to be mindful of what type of coffee you choose. Make sure to select organic and non-GMO options. Regularly occurring antibiotics and hormones are widely used in non-organic farms, making organic coffee a much better choice for those on the diet. Furthermore, it is important to opt for fresh ground and manually brewed coffee, as opposed to instant coffee. Lastly, it is essential to stay away from drinks with added sugars, creams, and syrups.
What is the Recommended Amount of Coffee to Consume?
The recommended amount of coffee to consume while on the South Beach Diet varies depending on the phase. Dieters should start with two 8-ounce cups per day during the first two phases and then increase to four cups of coffee a day during the maintenance phase. Exceeding these guidelines will not help with weight loss and could even be detrimental to health.
Additional Tips for Drinking Coffee on the South Beach Diet
In addition to following the guidelines for the amount of coffee to consume, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when drinking coffee on the South Beach Diet. First, it is important to avoid adding sugar, cream, creamers or sugar free syrups to the coffee. Secondly, try to select organic and non-GMO coffee beans. Thirdly, opt for fresh ground and manually brewed coffee. Fourthly, drinking coffee at the same time each day can help to keep caffeine levels in check.
Other Healthy Alternatives to Consider
Aside from coffee, there are other healthy alternatives that can be consumed while on the South Beach Diet. Dieters can choose to drink herbal tea, homemade vegetable and fruit smoothies, vegetable juice, and warm water with lemon. All of these options are excellent to help keep dieters hydrated while also providing healthful antioxidants. Additionally, dieters can opt for calcium-rich and high-fiber snacks such as raw almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
Coffee Containing Foods to Avoid
Although drinking coffee can be beneficial for dieters when on the South Beach Diet, there are certain coffee containing foods to avoid. These include caffeinated energy drinks and sports drinks as well as high sugar products such as mochas, cappuccinos, lattes and flavored coffees. Additionally, high sugar doughnuts, cakes and cookies should also be avoided.
Incorporating Healthy Fats Into the Diet
The incorporation of healthy fats into a diet is essential while on the South Beach Diet. Healthy fats include monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. This means consuming foods such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Dieters should also stay away from saturated and trans fats, which can be found in red meat, processed meats and processed foods.
Exercising Regularly and Staying Active
Exercising regularly and staying active is another important factor to consider while on the South Beach Diet. Regular exercise helps to burn fat, increase the body’s ability to respond to insulin, boost confidence, and give dieters the energy to last throughout the day. Dieters can opt for activities such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or sports. It is recommended to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.
Management of Cravings
Cravings are an inevitable part of every diet, including the South Beach Diet. To manage cravings, dieters should opt for healthy snacks and drinks, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbal teas and natural juices. Additionally, it is important to stay away from refined sugars, processed foods, and fried foods. Dieters can also opt to boost protein and healthy fat consumption, as they can help to reduce hunger and cravings.
