The Impact of Coffee on Weight Loss
Coffee is widely known for its energizing effects and aroma. There are many health benefits of drinking coffee too, so it could be difficult to imagine eliminating it from your diet altogether. In the world of weight loss, however, cutting out coffee can be an effective way to reduce your body weight.
Right away, it is worth noting that while coffee can cause weight gain, it can also help with weight loss. It all depends on how much and how often you drink it. While some people use coffee for energy to exercise, for others, the high levels of caffeine can lead to increased appetite and urge to eat more. So, the real question is, will cutting out coffee help with weight loss?
Pros of Reducing Coffee Intake
When it comes to reducing coffee intake, there are clear benefits; the first being a lower intake of caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine can act as an appetite stimulant, often leading to overeating on unhealthy snacks and processed products. Studies also suggest that the more caffeine a person consumes, the higher the chances of weight gain.
To be fair, some coffee can provide a healthy dose of antioxidants. However, most coffee-lovers today drink coffee with cream and sugar, which tends to increase the caloric value of coffee. This means that drinking heavily sugared coffee can lead to weight gain, due to its high caloric value.
Cutting Caffeine Can Improve Sleep Quality
One of the essential aspects of losing weight is having a proper night’s sleep. Each person needs to make sure that they get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. But, if you are still caffeinated late into the night, it can create difficulty falling, and staying asleep. Drinking coffee in the afternoons can also reduce melatonin levels, which can affect healthy stress levels and digestion.
Plus, if you do not get enough sleep, it can lead to increased snacking when you are awake. Over time, this can lead to weight gain. So, if you are looking to reduce your appetite, reducing your caffeine intake may be the right move.
Cons of Quitting Coffee
If you love coffee, quitting it can be a hard decision. And while it may help with weight-loss, completely eliminating it from your diet can also have some repercussions. The withdrawal process can cause headaches and mild irritability, while some people report anxiety and fatigue in the process.
Some more recent studies are even suggesting that coffee can reduce the risk of obesity, by affecting fat and sugar metabolism. In these studies, the participants who drink between three to five cups of coffee every day, tended to be in better shape due to caffeine’s effect on releasing fatty acids in the blood.
Cutting Out Coffee – A Long-Term Solution?
In the end, it all depends on how often and how much you consume coffee. Most health experts agree that moderate and occasional coffee consumption should not be a problem, as long as it is not too often and is paired with some light exercise.
The best way to go about quitting coffee is gradually and cautiously. To start, reduce the amount you consume, and switch to options like decaffeinated tea, dark or green tea, or herbal tea. These options are a healthier alternative to sugared coffee and can help in the long-term weight loss journey.
How Exercise & Diet Can Help With Weight Loss
Aside from reducing caffeine intake, exercising and eating healthy are also some of the essential elements for losing weight. Regular exercise can improve your overall health, boost energy levels, reduce stress, and assist with healthy weight loss.
Moreover, having a healthy diet also plays a role in healthy weight loss. Remove processed foods, and instead, focus on wholesome, natural foods. Incorporate proteins and carbs such as beans and quinoa with lots of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy helps to curb hunger and supports overall health and longevity.
Understanding Macros & Meal Timings
One of the foremost steps to weight loss is understanding how to macro-manage healthy meals. When it comes to meal timings, experts suggest that five to six smaller portions work better than three large meals. These meals should include proteins and unprocessed carbs with some healthy fats too. But, if possible, try to eat a few hours before going to bed to make sure that your body gets a chance to work its metabolic magic.
Additionally, counting food intake—such as calories, proteins, carbohydrates and fat—can help provide a sense of portion control. Paying attention to calorie count will help with understanding how many calories you should be eating, depending on your specific goals.
Finding Inspiration Through Reality Checks
One of the toughest components to healthy weight loss is maintaining enthusiasm. But, in order to reach your goals, keeping a positive outlook is key. People should make sure to reality-check themselves by doing things such as tracking food intake and weight, noting it down on a calendar, or simply taking regular progress pictures. These methods can be used to judge how far you have come and how much further you need to go.
Supplements & Meal Planning
To make weight loss easier, nutritionists always suggest meal-planning. Meal-planning can help to plan and prepare healthy meals in advance, which can help to cut down food waste in the process. This process can also be complemented by nutritional supplements, such as protein powders, which can help you hit your goals with fewer calories. However, supplements should always be taken after consulting with your doctor and nutritionist.
Finding Balance With Healthy Habits
Overall, weight loss is a lengthy process, which requires dedication and consistency. As mentioned before, cutting out coffee can be beneficial, depending on how much and how often you consume it.
That being said, it is also essential to understand that coffee can still be included in the diet, as long as you keep a healthy balance. Working out, eating right and taking supplements can help support weight loss. But to truly succeed, it is important to establish sustainable habits to get long-term results.
