If you’re a coffee-lover and trying to lose weight, you’re not alone. Many people with weight loss goals are looking to their daily coffee habits to see if anything might be stalling their progress. We reached out to registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, about a common everyday coffee-related habit that might be deterring your weight loss ambitions and the good news is, it’s an easy fix!
Read on for tips on what you might be doing wrong while preparing your coffee, and what you can do instead. With these changes, not only will your metabolism benefit, but your bloated belly will thank you.
Tip #1: Watch How You Sweeten Your Coffee
Many coffee-drinkers like a little flavor in their cup of joe so the taste isn’t too bitter. While this isn’t necessarily what is setting you back regarding weight loss, how you sweeten your coffee and what you sweeten it with might be. “Full-fat dairy creamer and refined sugar are the two coffee habits that are detrimental to weight loss, especially for those that consume more than one cup a day,” says Best.
These two ingredients commonly used to lighten and sweeten coffee are high in calories, fat, carbohydrates and are quite inflammatory, she says. “Not only will the calories add to weight issues, but the inflammation they cause or exacerbate can make weight loss more difficult as well,” adds Best.
If you do like sweeter-tasting coffee and use full-fat creamer or refined sugar, Best has better recommendations that are much healthier for your metabolism and less likely to make you feel bloated.
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Tip #2: Opt For Natural Sweeteners Or Plant-Based Creamers
If you're a fan of non-dairy products to sweeten your coffee, you're in luck! There are numerous benefits to sweetening your coffee with plant-based products, which Best details. "By opting for a plant-based creamer, you are removing dairy, which can lead to bloating and inflammation," says Best.
She advises considering using honey or cinnamon to flavor your coffee rather than refined sugars. "These two ingredients are natural, anti-inflammatory, and cinnamon can help to boost metabolism and stabilize blood sugar, all of which can improve weight loss effords and reduce bloating," notes Best.
Keep in mind when buying vegan milks, however, that some plant-based creamers are still high in calories, fat, and sugar so it is important to pay attention to the nutrition label.
Overall, the biggest mistake coffee-lovers that want to lose weight often make, Best says, is "having a specific way they like their coffee and not often veering from that." By being open-minded regarding sweeteners and willing to try healther options, you're one step closer to your weight loss goals.
