Introduction to Coffee
Coffee is a popular drink around the world. It is consumed for its energising effects, its distinct flavour and its health benefits. Many people swear by starting their day with a cup of coffee, as it provides them with an energy boost to start their day. However, excess consumption of coffee can have a detrimental effect on one’s weight and overall health. This article will address the issue of how to drink coffee without gaining weight.
Moderate Consumption
It is important to be mindful of how much coffee one drinks. Moderate intake of coffee is suggested, wherein one’s daily intake of actual coffee beverage should not exceed two cups. However, individuals must be aware of the volume of their daily coffee intake, as larger servings may cause problems. For instance, an 8-ounce cup of pure brewed coffee can have anywhere between 50-150 mg of caffeine, depending upon the type of the coffeemaker.
If the level of caffeine is high, the individual may experience restlessness and nausea. As such, it is advisable to take regular breaks between cups of coffee, and to avoid drinking too many cups in a row. It is also important to understand that the effects of drinking coffee are heightened by factors such as amount of sleep, stress levels, and physical activity.
Be Choosy About Quality
One must also be careful about what type of coffee one drinks. High-quality coffees like organic Arabica have higher levels of antioxidants, and also have fewer calories. In contrast, low-quality coffees such as robusta have fewer antioxidants and more calories. As such, it is important to be mindful of the type of coffee one drinks, as it can have an effect on the individual’s calorie count and overall health.
Be Savvy about Add-ins
When it comes to add-ins, one should be mindful of their choices. It is important to choose low-sugar and low-fat options like skim milk, low-fat yogurt, or plant-based milks. Adding heavy amounts of sugar, cream, or whole milk to one’s coffee can add a lot of unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats. As such, it is important to choose healthy and low-fat add-ins.
Drink Carefully
Too much coffee can put the consumer in a situation akin to the so-called “caffeine crash”, wherein the consumer starts feeling jittery, light headed, and restlessness without coffee. To avoid this and other potential health problems, it is important to engage in a balanced lifestyle, including regular physical exercise and healthy sleeping habits.
One should also always remember that coffee is not a substitute for nutrition and a balanced diet. Coffee does have many benefits and is a great way to get an energy boost, but it can’t replace the healthy benefits derived from eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Diversify Your Intake
Coffee is not the only way to get the benefits of caffeine. Individuals should also look into other beverages that contain caffeine, like green tea and cocoa. Green tea has many benefits, as it provides antioxidants and catechins to the body. Similarly, cocoa provides beneficial flavonols, which can help to reduce blood pressure and inflammation in the body.
Green tea, cocoa, and other alternatives to coffee provide the same level of energy boost, without the added calories and unhealthy fat of coffee. As such, diversifying one’s intake of energizing beverages can help to keep the individual healthy and energized without the need for unwanted calories.
Conclusion
While coffee can provide many benefits, it is important to make sure not to over consume it. Moderate intake of high-quality coffee with low-fat additions, combined with other sources of energy, such as green tea and cocoa, can help to energise the individual without any negative side effects. By following these steps, individuals can enjoy a healthy cup of coffee without any weight gain.
