Coffee is one of life’s great pleasures, an energy-boosting fuel that can help ease stress, provide focus, and power through long days. But if you’re on the Nutrisystem diet, can you enjoy the occasional cup of joe? The consensus from nutritionists and dietitians is that in moderation, coffee is absolutely ok!
Nutrisystem is a plan designed to help you lose weight, but there is no research to support that it is more effective if coffee is avoided. If you absolutely must have coffee to feel energized and productive, there are ways to do so without sabotaging your diet. First, don’t load up on sugar and creamers. While add-ins like those might make your coffee taste better, they don’t support your weight loss efforts. Instead, experiment with healthy alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil to sweeten your coffee, or swap out your current creamers for lower fat, dairy or nondairy types.
For Nutrisystem meal replacement shakes, the company suggests not to mix them with coffee. But, if you can’t help yourself and must have a few drops of coffee, they don’t recommend more than a tablespoon. You could also sneak some coffee into your Nutrisystem shake by using a Nutrisystem flavor boost packet. The flavor boost packets are sugar-free, calorie-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners. They come in a variety of delicious flavors, like salted caramel and mocha cappuccino, that won’t adhere to your meal plan guidelines and will give you a tasty pick-me-up.
When you need an afternoon pick-me-up, choose energy-boosting snacks provided by Nutrisystem, like cheese puffs, chocolate pretzel dessert bars, and snack-a-rations. These flavorful alternatives will give you the energy you need without sacrificing your diet.
If you’re serious about losing weight and want to get the most out of your program, it’s best to limit your coffee intake. Generally, you should try to limit yourself to one cup per day to ensure you don’t overdo it on caffeine. After all, caffeine is considered an appetite suppressant, so too much can lead to a decrease in hunger, resulting in fewer calories consumed.
It’s also key to consider the carbohydrate content that coffee-rich drinks and snacks may provide. Caffeine itself does not provide many carbohydrates, but there are many coffee-based snacks that you might include in your daily diet, such as coffee bread and cookies. These carbs can really add up, so it’s essential that you stay mindful of your total carb intake — particularly if you are aiming to stick to a strict weight loss program.
Staying Hydrated
An important part of any weight-loss program is to drink plenty of water. Coffee is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, so try to drink one cup of water for every cup of coffee you consume. This will help you stay hydrated while still getting your caffeine fix. The recommended intake of water is eight 8-ounce glasses each day, so adding in another cup of water for each cup of coffee can help you stay on track with your diet.
Nutritionists recommend adding electrolytes to your diet, especially if you’re consuming a large amount of coffee. If you’re drinking too much coffee and not replacing the lost electrolytes in your body, you may start to feel lightheaded and weak. Adding electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium can help keep your body hydrated and energized.
When drinking coffee on the Nutrisystem meal plan, you have to remember to make it your own individual drink. Avoid sugary syrups and flavored creamers, limit yourself to one cup per day, and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. By keeping your coffee routine healthy and mindful of your calorie intake, you’ll find that your cup of joe can be a great part of your weight-loss program.
Stimulant And Appetite Suppressant Effects
Coffee is not just a diuretic — it is also a stimulant, an appetite suppressant, and an antioxidant. While the diuretic properties of coffee make it effective in helping to flush excessive fluids from the body quickly, it can also help you to boost your metabolism, increase your alertness, and reduce your appetite. This can be particularly beneficial for dieters who find themselves feeling hungrier than normal.
Caffeine’s stimulant effects may help to boost your metabolism and increase the calories you burn. This can be a great aid in helping to curb cravings and snacks cravings that often accompany dieting. Additionally, because it is an appetite suppressant, you may find that you’re not as hungry throughout the day, allowing you to focus more on the actual meals that you’re consuming as part of your diet.
Coffee’s antioxidants can also be beneficial in helping to improve gut health and reducing inflammation throughout the body. By improving your gut health, you may find that you have improved energy levels and digestion, allowing you to better adhere to your meal regimen while on the Nutrisystem diet.
Time Of Consumption
When it comes to coffee consumption on Nutrisystem, timing is everything. It is suggested that you drink your coffee at least 1 hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This will help ensure that the appetite suppressing effect of the coffee does not interfere with your meal times. Coffee can also interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, so it is advised that you avoid drinking coffee during your pre- or post-meal snacks.
Coffee is known to cause stomach issues for some people, so it’s important to take note of how your body reacts to coffee consumption. If you do notice any adverse effects, such as nausea, lightheadedness, or increased stomach cramps, it is best to avoid coffee until you and your doctor can properly assess the cause.
It’s also important to pay attention to when your energy levels hit their peak. If you drink coffee too soon prior to your meal, you may find that your energy levels dip less than an hour into the meal, leaving you feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
Coffee Alternatives
If you’re not a coffee fan or if you find that it’s not working for you, there are plenty of alternatives that you can turn to. Green tea is a great source of natural energy and will help you stay alert and focused without the crash associated with coffee. Green tea also has the added benefit of being rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Additionally, you may find that drinking a cup of hot water with some lemon can help to soothe your digestion, improve your metabolism and aid in energy levels.
Some other caffeine-free alternatives to consider include hot cocoa or herbal tea, as both can give you a warm, comforting energy boost. If you’re still not satisfied with these options, you could also try experimenting with things like raw cacao powder, matcha, leezay, or even kombucha.
Maintain The Right Balance
In general, coffee is not considered the enemy when trying to lose weight on Nutrisystem. A cup of coffee a day can help give you the extra boost you need to make it through the day, and when balanced with the right amounts of water and healthy snacks, it won’t slow your progress. Just remember to pay attention to any side-effects that you may experience, such as excessive stomach cramps or lightheadedness, and always be sure to monitor your caffeine intake.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to tempering your caffeine intake, it’s also important to make sure you are eating balanced meals and making healthy lifestyle choices to support your weight-loss regime. Instead of relying on caffeine to get you through the day, consider some natural energy-boosting alternatives such as exercise, meditation, or picking up a new hobby. These activities will help improve your well-being and energy levels while being mindful of your calorie and nutrient intake.
Additionally, sleeping enough can be a challenge when trying to stick to a tight eating schedule. Remember that it’s important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to ensure that your body is properly recharged and refreshed. Milder forms of exercise, such as yoga and walking, are great for releasing endorphins and improving your overall mood and mood-related cravings.
Being Mindful
Remember that indulging in coffee on occasion doesn’t mean you’re cheating your diet. To be successful on Nutrisystem, it is important to be mindful of your meal and consumption. If you’re someone who really loves coffee, this doesn’t have to hinder your weight-loss progress — it might even help it. So enjoy a cup or two of coffee, but always be sure to stay on top of your hydration, watch your portions, and stick to one cup (or less) a day.
