Drinking black coffee is not only a tasty and delicious beverage but also an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
But what about if you’re following a stricter diet, like optavia? Can you drink black coffee during a weight-loss program like optavia?
The short answer is yes, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle does not mean cutting out all of your favorite drinks.
You are allowed to drink black coffee on Optavia, but of course, you must limit the amount you consume.
For those that are following Optavia, it is important to be aware of the amount of calories, sugar, and caffeine in your drinks.
Additionally, if you’re looking to lose weight on Optavia, you should switch any sweeteners and extra creamers for something healthier and low calorie.
Dietitian and nutritionist Ashley Paat, who specializes in weight loss and lifestyle management, recommends black coffee as a weight loss aide.
Paat says that black coffee can help stave off hunger, aid in digestion and help reduce cravings.
She discusses the importance of reducing calories while keeping your energy levels up, which is exactly what black coffee can do.
Moreover, it is also important to keep in mind that black coffee is still a stimulant.
Because of this, some might find that drinking it too late in the day could interfere with their sleep, which should always be a priority during weight loss.
There is no one “right” number when it comes to how many calories you should take in while drinking black coffee on Optavia, but it is important to always listen to your body, and if you feel that drinking it is interfering with your health goals, it is worth checking with your physician.
Caffeine Content
Black coffee has become a popular choice for many looking for a pick-me-up throughout the day.
But for those concerned about their caffeine intake, it’s important to note that black coffee does indeed have caffeine.
Generally, a cup of black coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine.
However, depending on the amount of coffee and type of coffee used, the caffeine content can vary greatly.
According to the National Institute of Health, a cup of black coffee contains not just caffeine, but also vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial components, such as antioxidants.
Benefits
As previously mentioned, black coffee can be a great way to enjoy a delicious beverage while on Optavia, as it contains few calories and is sugar-free.
Additionally, black coffee may have multiple health benefits including improved energy levels and cognitive functioning, reduced risk of certain diseases and more.
It’s important to remember to stay hydrated throughout the day, and drinking black coffee is a great way to get a tasty and energizing pick-me-up.
While drinking black coffee is generally safe, there may be potential side effects to consider.
Because black coffee is a stimulant, some may experience insomnia, anxiety, headaches and heartburn.
It’s important to pay attention to your body and how it responds to certain foods and beverages.
If you begin to experience any side effects, it’s best to cut back or stop drinking black coffee.
Finances
As much as people enjoy the taste of coffee and its health benefits, the cost associated with the beverage can be yet another reason to opt for the black coffee option.
Black coffee is cheaper compared to lattes, cappuccinos and iced coffees, which are often heavily loaded with sugar and cream.
Not only does this make them much higher in calories, but also more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee is a popular choice among many and generally safe if enjoyed in moderation.
Generally, black coffee is an appropriate choice if you are following a weight loss program such as Optavia.
Though, it is important to pay attention to caffeine intake and look out for any side effects.
On the plus side, black coffee is not only calorie friendly, but also more cost effective.
Baristas
Personal baristas have become very popular in recent years and can provide a great way for those on Optavia to enjoy their coffee.
A personal barista not only makes a delicious cup of coffee, but also helps ensure that calories, sugar and other ingredients are kept to a minimum in your cup or mug.
Working with a personal barista can also help them better customize a black coffee for an individual’s needs.
Please note, there may be a surcharge associated with working with a professional barista.
Ingredients
Though black coffee is generally a calorie-friendly choice, it is important to keep in mind that the ingredients used will play a role in the overall nutritional content.
If you enjoy flavoring your coffee, opt for healthier ingredients, such as almond milk, skimmed milk and natural sweeteners.
Additionally, we recommend using organic and ethically sourced beans, as this can help to not only limit the amount of additives and preservatives in your favorite beverage but also help support local businesses.
Mindfulness
Finally, it’s important to remember to drink coffee mindfully.
On Optavia, or any diet for that matter, mindless snacking can be an easy way to pack on those extra calories.
Instead, opt to savor your coffee. Take a few seconds to smell the aroma, taste the different flavors and enjoy this delicious beverage.
