Especially during the colder months, there’s nothing quite like starting your day with a hot cup of coffee. And part of the beautiful thing about coffee is the fact that it’s so versatile; everyone likes theirs made a little differently (maybe you even like yours iced rather than hot, even in the winter!). However, while the perfect cup of coffee may be in the eye—or taste buds—of the beholder, it’s important to remember that not all coffee preferences are created equal when it comes to their health effects. As it turns out, there are many popular coffee ingredients that could be doing some serious damage to your body, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. But luckily, there are also plenty of healthy choices to opt for in their place.
To shed some light on the best and the worst coffee ingredients for weight loss, we spoke to health expert Jesse Feder RDN, CPT. He told us that choices like creamer, whole milk, and sugar are likely to throw a wrench in your weight loss journey, while turmeric and cinnamon could help your efforts. Learn more about the effects of each of these ingredients below.
Worst ingredients: Creamer, whole milk, and sugar
We know, we know, these are likely the most popular coffee ingredients out there. Unfortunately, Feder says they're also among the worst for your health. If you're after a slimmer waistline, it's best to limit your intake of creamer, whole milk, and sugar—as well as sugary ingredients like syrups—as much as possible. Or better yet, cut them out altogether.
"Creamer is typically loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories," Feder warns. "This can really increase the amount of calories in your coffee and lead to weight gain over time." High-sugar creamers, in particular, should especially be avoided.
Likewise, he says whole milk is "very high in calories, fat, and even sugar," making it another major culprit of weight gain.
And we probably don't have to tell you twice that an excessive intake of sugar can lead to an array of health issues, including weight gain. In addition to adding a significant amount of calories to your coffee, syrups and sugar can "lead to spikes in blood sugars and potential chronic disease over time," all of which can make it difficult to lose weight.
Healthiest ingredients: Cinnamon and turmeric
Cutting out harmful, sugary ingredients doesn't mean you have to give up coffee altogether if you want to lose weight. In fact, there are many health benefits to drinking coffee; it could even help you shed pounds.
If you don't want to drink plain old black coffee, you have some options. Choosing a low-calorie, plant-based milk is one healthier way to go in place of creamer and whole milk. But to really kick things up a notch, Feder recommends throwing in healthy spices like cinnamon and turmeric.
"Cinnamon is great to add to coffee as it can help increase fat metabolism as well as aid the body in blood sugar control," he says. "This can help keep your energy levels consistent and increase the amount of calories you burn during the day. Over time, this can aid in weight loss." Plus, it tastes delicious and adds a natural touch of sweetness.
Turmeric, on the other hand, is "loaded with healthy antioxidants which can help fight off inflammation throughout the body," he says. "Additionally, it can help increase fat burning as well. Together, these things can aid in weight loss." Perfect!
So, there you have it: the perfect way to start your day with an energy boost and a tasty beverage—without loading up on sugar.
