Background Information
It is a long-standing belief that drinking coffee after a workout might cause weight gain. This is due to the calories it contains from the sugar or creams we usually add to the coffee. While the idea of drinking coffee to aid in weight loss may seem counterintuitive, groundbreaking research has suggested that an occasional cup of black coffee post-workout may not be such a bad idea after all.
What is Black Coffee?
Black Coffee is a type of coffee that is brewed with nothing added. This means no cream, sugar, or even milk-based syrups which have become increasingly popular. When consumed black, it has zero calories and zero fats, making it the optimal choice of drink post-workout when looking to shed the pounds.
Nutritional Benefits of Black Coffee
Black coffee is naturally rich in polyphenols, a form of antioxidant linked to fighting inflammation, increasing fat burning potential and improving kidney and liver health. Additionally, black coffee is known to boost energy levels and cognitive information processing.
Potential Benefits for Weight Loss
A study conducted by the Department of Human Science and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florence looked into whether or not drinking black coffee pre- or post-workout could help people lose weight. They found that both drinking black coffee before and after a workout may have benefits for weight loss. Immediately after a workout, drinking black coffee will not only give you an additional energy boost but can help increase post-exercise lipolysis. This is essentially a process which helps the body break down fat more quickly and effectively.
Effects on Appetite Suppression
Research has also suggested that black coffee can act as an appetite suppressant. This means that after an intense workout, the caffeine present in the coffee will help reduce hunger cravings, helping individuals to make more mindful decisions by decreasing the likelihood of reaching for unhealthy snacks.
Caffeine and Performance
Caffeine is also known to improve performance during exercise. A systematic review at the University of Birmingham concluded that over 300 studies showed that caffeine improves physical performance in athletes during endurance training. After a workout, drinking black coffee will further increase physical performance by eliminating fatigue, reducing fatigue, and sharpening senses.
Other Factors
When considering if drinking black coffee post-workout can help with weight loss, it is important to consider other factors such as what time of day one works out and when they consume coffee. Being active during the morning increases the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates into energy. Therefore, consuming black coffee after morning exercise could help with weight loss in the short-term. In the evening, when the body is more able to process fats, consuming black coffee after working out could further aid in weight loss.
Precautions&
It is important to point out that a high intake of caffeine may lead to complications such as anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate. Therefore, those who are sensitive to caffeine should use caution when considering drinking coffee after a workout. Additionally, for those looking for maximum results, it is best to consider a healthy balance of diet, exercise, and plenty of rest.
Impact of Genetics
When considering the impact of black coffee on weight loss, it is important to understand the impact of genetics on metabolism and the recommended daily intake of caffeine. Genetics play a huge part in how the body reacts to caffeine and thus how it can affect weight loss. Certain genetic factors such as age, body size, sex, and more can determine one’s unique recommended daily intake of caffeine. As such, it is important to understand one’s own unique body chemistry before attempting to use black coffee as a weight loss tool.
Pros and Cons
When looking into the potential benefits of drinking black coffee after a workout, it is important to consider both the pros and cons. On the one hand, black coffee has been found to provide a slight boost to physical performance, help with appetite suppression and weight loss, and increase energy levels. On the other hand, for those who are sensitive to caffeine, high intakes can lead to unwanted side effects such as a racing heart rate, anxiety and insomnia.
Alternatives to Caffeine
For those who are sensitive to caffeine, there are alternatives to drinking black coffee after a workout. For example, a protein shake or smoothie can provide the body with the necessary nutrition and energy to help with weight loss and recovery. Green tea is also known to be rich in antioxidants, have beneficial effects on the metabolism, and provide a slight boost of energy. Additionally, opting for green smoothies to replenish fluids and nutrients can also be beneficial post-workout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are potential benefits to drinking black coffee post-workout when looking to lose weight. Since black coffee contains zero calories and fats, it can help suppress appetite, improve physical performance, and boost energy levels. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of caffeine and talk to a medical professional to determine a person’s recommended daily intake. Additionally, for those who are sensitive to caffeine, there are various alternatives that can help with weight loss and replenishing fluids and nutrients post-workout.
