Guest Post By Sarah Jones
People diet for many reasons. Some people diet to lose weight, build muscle, improve their overall health or because certain health conditions require them to eat or avoid very specific foods. The good news is you do not have to give up your cup of coffee each day just because you are on a diet. In fact, you can and should drink coffee due to it number of health benefits.
You can drink coffee on a diet
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks. Most people have at least one cup of coffee a day. Its active ingredient is caffeine, but it also contains various antioxidants that have several health benefits for your body.
Coffee improves memory and cognitive function and also lowers the risk of several diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depression. If you are on a diet, coffee can also help in a variety of ways.
First, it suppresses your appetite so you do not feel as hungry and will consume fewer calories. It can also boost your metabolism, causing you to burn more fat and help you lose weight. It can also provide you with an increase in energy, which may help some people who experience a dip in energy when they are on a strict diet.
How to prepare coffee while on a diet
Coffee is a perfect drink while you are dieting because it contains just a few calories per cup. A safe way to drink your coffee, if you can handle the taste, is too drink it black. However, it is important to remember that if you need to alter the taste, you should only add sweeteners and creams so that they are compatible with your respective diet.
If you are on a lower calorie diet, you should refrain from adding lots of sugar, cream or syrups in your coffee. A Frappuccino can have upwards of 400 calories. These items are filled with extra calories and fats that can cause you to gain weight and may defeat the purpose of your diet.
If you are on a lower fat diet, you may want to avoid heavy creamers. You should also drink your coffee warm as warm coffee increases body temperature and your body’s metabolic rate. Coffee should be consumed between 155-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should make sure you let your coffee cool to a temperature you can tolerate. Just be sure to drink coffee in moderation, as consuming too much can cause you to feel jittery, stressed and can stain your teeth. Using an organic brushing rinse will help prevent stains associated with coffee.
Other lifestyle practices that can improve overall health while on a diet
If you are on a strict diet, it is important that you get enough sleep and exercise. Often times, a rigid diet will make you feel sluggish and lethargic. It may also be harder to work out. Sleep will help you exercise and feel better and give you more energy throughout the day.
In addition to the physical benefits, sleeping properly will help you think better as it improves mental capacity. You might also want to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet as well, depending on the list you of food you are adhering to. An easy way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables to your diet is to try juicing. Juicing can re-introduce important vitamins and minerals you might be missing out on because you are on a diet.
Although you do not have to give up coffee just because you are trying to lose weight, it is important to remember to ditch the sugary additives to your coffee and make sure that you also live a healthy lifestyle by choosing a healthy diet, engaging in exercise daily, and getting a good night’s sleep every night. Incorporating these simple changes is an easy way to get healthy.
Bio: Sarah is the author of We Dream of Coffee. She mixed her passion for coffee and her love for writing in one place so that more people can learn about the benefits of her favorite drink.
