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Food

The Worst Coffee Mistakes For Weight Loss, According To A Registered Dietitian

November 20, 2021 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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Drinking black coffee has more health benefits than we can count on one hand, including several for weight loss alone. “It can be beneficial by providing the body with antioxidants, acting as a diuretic, and improving bowel movements in those with digestive issues,” registered dietitian Trista Best explains. Additionally coffee can help increase energy which is a necessary factor in exercise (which can, in turn, lead to weight loss). So, why isn’t your coffee working for you? Well, you’re probably not drinking it black!

Watch What You Add To It

“Coffee may lead to weight gain primarily due to the ingredients you use to sweeten or flavor your coffee,” Trista explains. It’s as plain and simple as that: coffee alone supports weight loss, but coffee with a bunch of sweeteners and creamers does just the opposite.

“By adding high-calorie and fat sweeteners or creamers you are increasing the likelihood of your regular coffee beverage causing weight gain,” Trista Warns. And that might be because you are conditioned to wanting your coffee to taste sweeter than it naturally does, but the

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Variety of International Delight creamers in colorful packaging.

"Creamers loaded with added sugar and sweeteners pack on extra calories and ingredients that feed bad gut bacteria and lead to gut imbalance," she warns. The worst offenders? The popular International Delight flavored creamers. "They are loaded with fat and added sugar, both of which will lead to gut inflammation and gastrointestinal distress," she warns. Yikes!

For those wanting weight loss benefits *and* a sweeter cup, Trista recommends adding Stevia to yours.

"Stevia is a natural herbal sweetener with a low glycemic index and zero calories," she says.

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
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Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in a grocery store aisle.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in a grocery store aisle.