Coffee while on a Keto diet? While some people think it’s impossible to enjoy your favourite morning wake up while dieting, the truth is you can definitely drink coffee while on the Keto diet. However, like most things in life, moderation is key so you should be mindful of how much and what type of coffee you’re drinking. So, if you’ve been wondering if you can drink coffee while on Keto, the answer is yes.
The good news for java lovers is that coffee itself has zero carbs and zero calories so it’s a great drink to have on Keto. According to Professor Maria Belalcazar of Harvard School of Public Health, “Coffee offers plenty of antioxidants and can be a healthy part of any diet.” What matters is what you add to your coffee that would turn it into a “bad” drink. White sugar and syrups are not allowed during a Keto diet and that’s the same for cow’s milk. This means that if you opt for cappuccinos or lattes, you should watch out for the type and amount of milk used in the recipes.
The thing is, Keto is all about low-carb eating. So, if you take a look at a regular Starbucks menu, you’ll find that most of their lattes and mochas contain several teaspoons of sugar so they’re not diet-friendly. Luckily, there are some solutions — opt for sugar-free syrups or, if you don’t mind losing some of the flavour, add a teaspoon of stevia instead. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can choose a nut, coconut, soy or oat milk.
Furthermore, one of the benefits of drinking coffee on Keto is that it contains caffeine, a stimulant known to speed up your heart rate and boost your metabolism. According to nutritionist and dietician Sammy Robins, “Caffeine is a powerful stimulant which may help you to feel energetic and alert but its effect will depend on the individual”. On the downside, it may lead to dehydration so it’s important to remember to drink plenty of fluids. Nevertheless, it can go a long way in helping you stay energised and active while following your diet.
Aside from the nutritional aspect, coffee consumption may also aid with weight loss. Research shows that it can increase satiety, reduce hunger and support fat burning, suppress appetite and help you eat less. According to Professor Belalcazar, “Coffee can be a great source to reduce your appetite and boost metabolism, which can help with weight loss and overall health.”
No doubt, the debate on whether or not you should be drinking coffee on Keto is going to continue. For some people, it’s an important part of their morning routine so when it comes to caffeine, a little bit each day won’t hurt as long as it’s done on its own and without any added cream or syrup.
Coffee and Keto Diet: Health Benefits
As well as aiding with weight loss, drinking coffee while following a Keto diet has some additional health benefits.
According to Joe Gold, Head Dietician at Lockhart Centre for Obesity, “Regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease, as well as slow down aging, in part due to its high antioxidant content.”
Furthermore, coffee is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B5, Manganese and Potassium.
In conclusion, coffee is an excellent addition to a Keto diet and with proper portion control, it can have some amazing health benefits.
Coffee and Keto Diet: Side-Effects
As beneficial as coffee may be, there are some potential side-effects you should consider.
The most common side-effect is your body’s natural reaction to the caffeine. This means you may experience anxiety, heart palpitations, jitters and restlessness. Other symptoms include headaches, difficulty sleeping, dehydration and irritability.
In addition, too much caffeine may affect your digestion. It could interfere with your natural gut bacteria and cause some digestive issues such as constipation, cramps and diarrhea. Also, when consumed in excess, it can lead to insomnia which can have a negative impact on your keto journey.
Finally, if you’re drinking a lot of caffeine, you need to be extra mindful of your electrolyte levels, as this can affect your performance and energy levels.
All in all, it’s important to understand that coffee should be consumed in moderation and everyone’s tolerance for caffeine is different.
Coffee and Keto Diet: Recommendations
If you’re sharing the Keto journey, there are some great ways to incorporate coffee into it.
Firstly, you can opt for high-quality unsweetened iced coffee, as long as you don’t add any sugar. You can also try black coffee, which has zero carbs and calories and is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to get your morning caffeine fix while on the keto diet.
Furthermore, if you prefer flavoured lattes and cappuccinos, you can make them with a tablespoon of heavy cream, a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil, a dash of stevia and almond or coconut milk.
Finally, to reduce the risk of dehydration, you should drink plenty of water and other fluids during the day. This way, your coffee consumption will remain balanced and your body will remain hydrated and energised.
Coffee and Keto Diet: Interactions
One of the most important factors to consider when drinking coffee while on Keto is the risk of interactions with medication.
Some medications, such as those used to treat depression and diabetes, may interact with caffeine and thus, increase the risk of unwanted side-effects. Therefore, if you’re currently taking any medication, it’s important to consult your doctor before starting a Keto diet with coffee.
The same goes for other supplements, as some may interact with caffeine or cause unwanted side-effects. In this case, it’s best to consult a qualified nutritionist or doctor.
Overall, it’s clear that drinking coffee on Keto has many potential interactions, and you should always be aware of the type and amount of caffeine you’re consuming and the potential interactions with any medications or supplements.
Coffee and Keto Diet: Summary
So, can you drink coffee while on the Keto diet? The answer is yes.
Coffee itself has zero carbs and calories and has some great health benefits, including reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease, as well as slowing down aging. However, if you’re drinking your caffeinated beverage with added cream and syrup, it won’t always be a diet-friendly option.
On the other hand, the caffeine in coffee can help to boost your metabolism, suppress your appetite and reduce hunger. But, it’s important to remain mindful and stay hydrated, in order to prevent any potential side-effects.
Finally, as with any diet, it’s important to consider the potential interactions before you start and to always consult with a qualified nutritionist or doctor beforehand.
Overall, keeping an eye on the type and amount of coffee you’re drinking can help you stay on track with your Keto diet.
