Coffee is an integral part of a lot of people’s morning routines. All over the world, young and old alike drink at least one cup of coffee daily to power them throughout whatever tasks and challenges are ahead of them.
Coffee itself is known to be a diuretic, and it can push out the contents of your colon. That is why, after drinking your morning coffee, you not only feel awake but also feel the need to use the bathroom.
Coffee, in theory, should help you better manage your weight. After all, it has zero calories. Moreover, it can make you feel fuller longer and make your bowel movement more regular. However, it can also make you gain weight. Here’s how.
Your Coffee Additives Are Bad for You
Coffee itself isn’t bad for your health, but the stuff you add to it might be. If you’re the type to drink your coffee with creamer, processed sugar, favor syrups, and whipped cream, you need to cut back. These additives are packed with calories and sugar but don’t have many nutritional benefits in return. Creamers, for example, can add 50–100 calories to your drink. Studies also show that drinking flavored coffee raises your risk for weight gain.
Drinking coffee black is the healthiest way to consume the stuff. However, if you’re not ready to drink black coffee yet, there are much better alternatives. Most coffee shops also already offer healthier options for those who are health conscious. You can ask for low-calorie sweeteners like Stevia, for example.
Better yet, make your own coffee. That way, you’d know and can control the stuff that goes into your morning caffeine fix. Consider buying skim milk or unsweetened almond milk at the grocery store next time you’re there. Get a good-quality coffee maker machine so you can brew your cup of joe right at home.
You Replace Breakfast with Coffee
Your cup of coffee is not a meal. It is a drink that does not contain any nutrients that your body needs to survive.
If you’re used to drinking coffee in the morning instead of eating breakfast, then you need to stop and look at what you’re doing. You might be setting yourself up for weight gain and other health problems down the line because your body isn’t getting the protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats it needs from food.
Suppose you rely solely on caffeine for energy throughout the day. In that case, the chances are high that you will experience more mood swings than usual as well as more intense cravings later on. Furthermore, pediatricians warn that this behavior can lead to future weight gain if you continue this habit into adulthood. Children who don’t eat breakfast generally weigh more than those who do.
Eat a healthy meal in the morning. If you want to lose weight, you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, which are chock-full of nutrients and fiber.
Coffee Can Cause Sleeplessness
If you’re constantly drinking coffee throughout the day, the chances are high that you will have trouble sleeping at night. Caffeine is known to be a stimulant because it can give your body energy. Many people rely on this boost every day to help them stay active, manage their moods better, and live life to the fullest.
However, caffeine also has powerful effects on other parts of your body, including your sleep cycle. If you drink coffee after lunchtime every day, particularly if you drink more than four cups daily, then there’s a good chance that you won’t feel tired until later in the evening or even into the early hours of the morning.
When you don’t sleep, you’re more likely to gain weight. You eat more because your energy levels drop, and you feel hungrier all the time. You can also suffer from several sleep-related problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
You need to realize that you can’t rely on your morning cup of coffee for energy if you have trouble sleeping at night. To help yourself get a good night’s sleep, make sure to build a bedtime routine. This means going to bed and waking up at roughly every day, including weekends.
Moreover, consume caffeine moderately. Only drink coffee in the morning, not in the afternoon, especially at night. Decaf doesn’t mean without caffeine, either. Avoid caffeinated soft drinks, chocolate, and tea as well.
You don’t have to quit coffee. It can also be beneficial for your health because it contains antioxidants and can even help you lose weight. Just make sure to have your coffee in moderation, and be mindful of how you drink it so that it won’t negatively affect your life.
