Is Coffee Good for Weight Loss?

By Jessica Swartz March 14, 2023 39 mins read 141 Views

As you sip your morning coffee, you could be asking yourself, “Is coffee good for weight loss?” We’ve come to love coffee as an energy booster, which is why it’s a part of our daily routine, but studies also show that it may be beneficial for people looking to reduce their body fat.

This article explores the mechanisms behind coffee for weight loss by looking at available research. Moreover, we’ll cover the best type of coffee, timing tips, and what to add or avoid in that cup of java to lose weight.

Can Drinking Coffee Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, coffee can be good for losing weight along with other strategies, such as limiting the number of carbohydrates (especially refined carbs) in your diet, increasing protein intake, and following an exercise routine.

As you’ll learn in this article, coffee aids weight loss because it helps you consume fewer calories throughout the day. Besides that, coffee improves your stamina, which allows you to push harder when you hit the gym. It also acts as an appetite suppressant and increases your metabolism.

Research shows that other than caffeine, coffee contains bioactive compounds — chemicals found in plants in small amounts, which have beneficial effects — such as chlorogenic acid and trigonelline (* , *).

Coffee also has small amounts of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chromium (*).

One important thing to note is that certain ingredients added to coffee will raise its calorie and sugar content, which can contribute to sugar cravings and hinder weight loss.

How Drinking Coffee May Support Weight Loss

There’s evidence showing that coffee helps you lose weight. Here are some science-backed reasons to explain the impact of coffee on your weight:

how drinking coffee may help with weight loss

It contains nearly zero calories

Conventional wisdom says that you need to eat fewer calories than usual to lose weight. However, it’s also important to remember that the source of your calories also matters, since certain foods affect your satiety and hormones differently!

But taking the “calories in versus calories out” model into account, plain black coffee (without creamer and syrup) is very low in calories. For example, one cup (8 fl oz) serving has only 2 calories (*).

For this reason, coffee is a great addition to an intermittent fasting plan. Since fasting restricts calories, you can drink black coffee without breaking a fast.

It’s no secret that sweet drinks (e.g., fruit juice and soda) are a huge source of calories as well as added sugars. As a matter of fact, soda has more sugar than a cookie (*). These drinks increase your likelihood of weight gain and obesity (*).

With that in mind, ditching these drinks for a plain cup of coffee in the morning and afternoon can be a small but effective way to limit liquid calories in your diet.

Improves exercise performance

Studies have found that coffee helps individuals who workout lose weight by improving their endurance and performance for high-intensity exercise, although the effects of caffeine for intense workouts may require more research.

So, it comes as no surprise that many athletes use caffeine as one of their go-to supplements.

In fact, some professional and recreational endurance athletes (such as those who do marathons) take small to moderate doses of caffeine 30 minutes before a race or training (*).

According to a 2016 randomized controlled trial, cyclists who consumed a low dose (100 mg) and moderate dose (200 mg) of caffeine had improvements in their time-trial performance (*).

Furthermore, a moderate dose boosted performance more than a low dose, including when given during a prolonged steady-state exercise (*).

What about high-intensity workouts?

In a 2017 randomized controlled trial, adult male subjects who consumed caffeine for a high-intensity cycling exercise didn’t get exhausted sooner. Not just that, but there was a significant decrease in their subjective fatigue an hour after ingesting caffeine (*).

Another way coffee help with weight loss during exercise is by boosting mental alertness and mood (*). This allows you to get the most out of your sweat session.

Given these benefits, it makes sense to use coffee during situations (like working out) that are demanding in nature.

May increase resting metabolic rate

Caffeine is naturally found not just in coffee beans but also in cacao. It may speed up your metabolism, which plays an important role in weight loss.

By boosting your metabolism, you’re able to burn more calories whether at rest or during physical activity (*).

Early studies have found that caffeine or coffee stimulates the metabolic rate in obese, lean, and normal-weight individuals. Additionally, fat-burning tends to be greater in subjects who aren’t obese (* , *).

However, there is a caveat:

People become more tolerant of caffeine over time — yes, caffeine tolerance does exist. In that case, it’s best to not rely on caffeine as a long-term weight loss strategy.

If you plan on drinking coffee for weight loss, it may be a good idea to consume it less often. For example, you could limit it to only twice per week.

Acts as a natural appetite suppressant

Does coffee help you lose weight in this manner? As it turns out, yes, coffee has been shown to decrease appetite, leading to reduced food intake.

This is due to caffeine and probably chlorogenic acid, which is found in high concentrations in coffee. It’s a phenolic compound that has also been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose and prevent or manage diabetes (*).

In one study, researchers found that overweight or obese subjects who consumed a moderate amount of coffee — 6 mg of caffeine/kg body weight or 2-4 cups — ate less during lunch and the rest of the day (*).

More importantly, don’t ignore other science-based ways to naturally reduce your appetite, such as getting more protein into your diet and eating healthy fats. On that note, an important benefit of following a keto diet (which is high-fat and moderate-protein) is that it makes you feel less hungry (*).

What Kind of Coffee is Best for Weight Loss?

Despite the benefits of caffeine for losing weight, you should know that not all coffee is created equal. Black coffee — not instant coffee with cream and sugar — is the best option for weight loss.

Sure, you can have espresso, Americano, drip coffee, or iced black coffee as long as you avoid adding regular sugar, creamer, milk, and even chocolate which will increase its calorie content. Again, one cup of black coffee contains only 2 calories.

Some people like making their coffee more flavorful, but there are other ways to make it extra special without impeding weight loss.

Moreover, just because black coffee is okay doesn’t mean you can consume it unlimitedly. Too much caffeine can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as insomnia, irritability, fast heartbeat, nervousness, and frequent urination (*).

If you’re experiencing these side effects, reducing your caffeine intake may be a good idea. As a general rule, limit yourself to 4 cups of coffee per day, which is equivalent to 400 milligrams of caffeine (*).

What is the Best Time to Drink Coffee for Weight Loss?

Many people drink coffee as soon as they wake up, but some believe that delaying coffee to about 2-3 hours after waking up prevents further increases in cortisol levels.

Cortisol, your primary stress hormone, naturally peaks early in the morning, although cortisol levels vary from person to person (*).

Since caffeine in coffee increases cortisol secretion, drinking coffee when your cortisol is already high could be detrimental (*). However, this may not be the case for people who consume caffeine on a daily basis, as one study has shown (*).

That said, whether you drink coffee first thing in the morning or at least 2 hours after waking up is totally up to you. Pay attention to how you feel — your energy levels and mood — on both approaches.

What about the latest time you should drink coffee? On average, people need to avoid caffeine about 4-6 hours before bedtime. This is the time it takes for your body to process or use up half of what you consumed (*).

For those who are highly sensitive to the effects of caffeine, avoid coffee (or any caffeine-containing beverages) after 3:00 pm or during dinner time.

If exercising is part of your daily habit, the best time to drink coffee for weight loss is 30-60 minutes before working out. This is the time it takes for caffeine to reach peak levels (*).

The next time you decide to drink coffee before exercising for a performance boost, schedule your workout in the morning, early afternoon, or before dinner.

What Can You Add to Your Coffee to Lose Weight?

Coffee with plenty of calories and sugar contributes to weight gain, which is why we recommend sticking to plain black coffee. But for those who want creamy and flavorful coffee while reaping its weight loss benefits, they can mix in MCT oil and grass-fed butter, or collagen protein powder.

MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) and grass-fed butter are ingredients in Bulletproof coffee — a high-fat and zero-carb drink that aids weight loss by increasing your energy, helping you enter ketosis, and making you feel satiated.

Collagen powder is an excellent source of protein, which also supports weight loss by increasing satiety. Protein’s satiety-boosting effect leads to a lower food intake. In addition, protein has a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and protein, meaning that protein boosts your metabolism and the calories you burn.

For a low-carb and keto-friendly collagen powder, you can try Perfect Keto unflavored grass-fed collagen with MCT oil. Just add one scoop of collagen to your coffee and start experiencing its benefits.

Our Barista Blend Collagen Creamer & MCTs is also a good alternative for those who want to keep their calories in coffee as low as possible. It’s available in Hazelnut and White Chocolate Raspberry flavors.

Another ingredient for your coffee that may aid weight loss is cinnamon. A research study published in 2017 found that cinnamaldehyde — an essential oil found in cinnamon — acts directly on fat cells, inducing the fat-burning process (*).

Not to mention, a pinch of cinnamon imparts a little sweetness and a warm vanilla-like fragrance that coffee lovers appreciate!

Finally, you may add a small amount of stevia or monk fruit to sweeten your coffee without using sugar. Stevia and monk fruit are natural keto-friendly sweeteners that do not affect your blood sugar levels. They’re also calorie-free, which makes them great for black coffee during intermittent fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover more about coffee for weight loss by reading the frequently asked questions below:

How much coffee should you drink a day to lose weight?

Drink no more than 4 cups of coffee or 400 milligrams of caffeine for weight loss. Consuming more than 400 milligrams could increase the risk of side effects, such as palpitations, nervousness, and insomnia.

Note that insomnia due to excessive caffeine intake may hinder weight loss by increasing your appetite. A lack of sleep makes you want to eat more and crave unhealthy, high-calorie foods.

Can coffee reduce belly fat?

Yes, coffee helps in reducing fat in your abdominal area (and overall body fat) by increasing your metabolism. What you add to your coffee can also support your weight loss goals, such as MCT oil and grass-fed butter.

I can’t have caffeine – does decaf coffee do any good for weight loss?

While decaf coffee has 97% of its caffeine removed, it may still contribute to weight loss by reducing your calorie intake. Like regular black coffee, decaf coffee has nearly zero calories. Also, decaf coffee has chlorogenic acid which regulates blood sugar (*).

Can drinking coffee make you gain weight?

Coffee in and of itself does not cause weight gain. Some coffee drinkers who gain weight do so because of their coffee drinking habits, such as adding sugar, syrups, and creamers. These ingredients cause blood sugar spikes and increased cravings for sweet-tasting foods.

The Bottom Line

Is coffee good for weight loss? The answer is yes, coffee is definitely one of the things you can take to lose weight naturally.

Keep it simple — black coffee works best for weight loss — or be mindful of what you’re adding to coffee for better taste.

In that case, choose healthier add-ins like MCT oil, grass-fed butter, a keto-friendly collagen protein powder, a pinch of cinnamon, and natural sweeteners (stevia or monk fruit).

Have no more than 400 mg of caffeine in a day, and consume a cup 30-60 minutes before working out to get a boost!

By: Tiffany Joy Yamut, RN
Title: Is Coffee Good for Weight Loss?
Sourced From: perfectketo.com/is-coffee-good-for-weight-loss/
Published Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:49:58 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to consume alcohol while following the keto diet

A sensible approach to the keto diet is to question what you can or cannot do while limiting carbohydrates. Consuming alcoholic beverages is something that should be considered.

It all depends. Many alcoholic drinks are not suitable for keto, and some may be more keto-friendly than others. The type, quantity, and grain content of alcohol can impact your daily carb intake.

This is why it's important to be careful when choosing alcoholic beverages. Even if they don't contain visible carbs it doesn't mean they are keto-friendly. You might even experience an increase in blood sugar. Besides, other elements, such as calorie content, should also be considered before making your choice.

Moderation is important for alcohol consumption on a low-carb lifestyle to maximize its benefits while avoiding potential drawbacks that could hamper your weight loss and fitness.

Be informed to make better decisions. Be sure to read all the details before you make a low-carb decision.

How long does it take to start losing weight on lazy keto?

It can be hard to determine how long it takes for a lazy keto plan to lose weight. There are many factors which influence the success of the diet. It won't be the exact same for everyone. It all depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how you adhere to this diet.

Studies suggest that after about two weeks, you might see a consistent decrease in body weight. But, there are factors like body composition and caloric intake that can make it difficult to achieve your fat loss goals. Therefore, it is important to be consistent and monitor your progress for a long time.

You don't have to exercise every day. Most people who follow this program will see some weight loss within the first month. When engaged in regular exercise coupled with sensible eating habits, it's possible that noticeable results could occur within as little as seven days.

When making lifestyle changes, such as starting a diet or exercising regularly, consistency is crucial. It will help you achieve your goals quicker if you do it consistently and according to your specific nutritional requirements. You can see significant improvements in your life by applying lazy keto programs with dedication, knowledge and hard work.

What happens if you eat more than 20 carbs while on keto?

What happens to keto if you eat more than 20 carbs? It's a crucial thought that needs to be finely weighed, as consuming too many carbohydrates can stall weight loss or even cause weight gain.

To unravel the puzzle of how much carbohydrate is enough, you need to understand how carbohydrates interact with your body as well as how fast your body processes them.

When following a low-carbohydrate diet like the ketogenic, it is important to not eat too many processed carbs. The rule of thumb is not to exceed your body's requirement for energy, which means reducing your total carbohydrate intake to no more than 20g per day. Ketosis is a state of ketosis that you must maintain. Exceeding this can cause imbalances in the body which can hinder progress.

It pays to be within the guidelines of a ketogenic Diet for optimal health. Doing this will increase the efficiency of your body's breakdown of these macro components to fuel energy production. This is a crucial step in achieving a sustainable weight loss and physiological equilibrium.

Can I eat a vegan keto diet?

It all comes down to understanding the principles of a vegetarian keto lifestyle and how it works. It's not complicated as it appears. A vegetarian diet is one that eliminates all animal products. Instead, you should eat plant-based foods rich in low carbohydrate and high fats.

You must monitor your macronutrients when eating vegan keto. This means that you should be watching the amounts of carbohydrates and proteins in each meal. Protein should be reduced, while fat should be increased. In order to achieve nutritional ketosis (a state of optimal metabolic function), you must reduce your consumption of carbohydrates. This will make your body burn more calories than glucose and increase your metabolism.

Calculating macros and monitoring carbohydrate consumption are just two of the many things you should be doing. You also need to consider nutrient-dense whole foods like nuts and seeds, avocados and leafy greens as well as healthy unsaturated oils such olive oil and coconut. Another important component of any vegan ketogenic diet is supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12 since many people lack enough of this nutrient due to their chosen diets.

You can achieve success on a vegetarian diet by learning more about plant-based options, such as tempeh or tofu.

Is the first week of keto the hardest?

It can be daunting to prepare for the first week on a keto diet. It requires significant lifestyle changes and pushes most people out of their dietary comfort zone. The idea that you're saying goodbye to your favourite high-carb foods can be intimidating.

But don't fear! You can make this one of the most fulfilling weeks of your entire life with the right information. With consistent effort and dedication, you'll be able to not only survive but thrive on the ketogenic diet.

It is important to take it slow. Any new diet requires time. As you adjust to this low-carb lifestyle, you might feel groggy. Don't worry! Consuming healthy fats, low-sugar fruits and vegetables will replenish energy stores and help you control your portions.

It's important to realize that it won’t take forever for your body to adjust. After that, you will find your hunger diminishing naturally and your metabolism will continue to be energized all day.

It's possible to make the seemingly impossible task seem manageable by focusing on mental fortitude and taking concrete steps before you jump into ketosis.

Can you eat oatmeal on keto?

It can be difficult to find answers for unanswered questions. Many feel lost and confused when it comes time to choose the right food for the keto diet. Especially with items like oatmeal, which is full of carbs.

Oatmeal can, contrary to popular belief, be successfully integrated into a keto diet if you have the right circumstances. It all depends on the type of oatmeal you choose and how much you eat.

Finding a form of "keto-approved" oatmeal starts with examining ingredients like nuts, seeds, and other low-carb additives that bundle together in one deliciously nutritious meal. Pure oats are high in fibre, protein and vitamins. They also comply with the keto rules.

It's important to monitor your portions when you add oats to the daily menu. Do not try to run a marathon or overindulge in every overnight meal. Be mindful of your portion sizes and maximize the flavour potential of innovative ingredients like coconut milk and chia seed.

If you take the time to prepare your oatmeal properly, it can be a unique breakfast option that fits within a Keto-based nutrition plan. So don't let anyone tell you that sticking to your principles means sacrificing taste - because proper prepping spells out some serious results!

Is keto the right choice for you?

When you are trying to find what is best for your life and your journey, you need to be able ask difficult questions and do your research. The keto diet has been around since the beginning and is still popular today. It is believed that it offers many health benefits, not just weight loss.

Ask yourself, What are my health objectives? Are you looking to lose weight, increase mental clarity, or balance your gut microbiome? If done with care, keto can be a great place for a start.

Keto works to reduce the amount of carbohydrates we consume, and is best when there are 20 grams a day. This forces our bodies into a biochemical process known as nutritional Ketosis. Our bodies use fat as an energy source, instead of sugar and glucose. While it might be hard to stick to a strict carbohydrate limit at first, it will become easier over time.

The ketogenic diet is good for internal and external health. However, it's important to maintain high nutritional quality.

If you balance your nutrient intake with keto, it can be very sustainable. Make sure to eat real whole foods and eat small portions. When done properly, keto can be very beneficial to your individual needs. So take some time to find out more and get started before taking big steps backwards or forwards.

Statistics

It typically contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs (9Trusted (healthline.com)
When following a ketogenic diet, carb content is between 5–10% of calories consumed, though looser versions of the diet exist (7Trusted Source (healthline.com)
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, but on a strict ketogenic diet, less than 5% of energy intake is from carbohydrates (learn more in our beginner's guide for the ketogenic diet). (eatingwell.com)
Recommended Keto diet includes: Keto sushi bites, olives, one or two hard-boiled or deviled eggs, keto-friendly snack bars, 90% dark chocolate, full-fat Greek yogurt mixed with nut butter and cocoa powder, bell peppers, and guacamole (healthline.com)
Fats should replace the majority of cut carbs and deliver approximately 60–80% of your total caloric intake. (healthline.com)

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How To

Common Mistakes to Avoid when on a Ketogenic Diet

The key to success is following a ketogenic diet. Many people make mistakes in the beginning of their ketogenic journey. This can severely impact their progress.

It is important that you pay attention to the type of food and the amount you eat. Bad carb choices and eating too much fat can lead to weight gain. It's important that you monitor your carbohydrate intake, fat, as well as protein for each meal.

Hidden carbs can cause serious health problems if you accidentally consume them. Hidden carbs can lurk in foods like parmesan cheese, processed meats, and other seemingly innocent food items. Make sure to check labels. Take care when ordering from restaurants as many meals exceed the recommended carb limit due to extra sauces and starches such as rice or potatoes.

Not drinking enough water can also hinder success on a keto-friendly diet. During ketosis the body needs lots of fluids, especially during the induction phase. It also has to adjust to fasting. Failure to follow this simple rule could cause negative side effects like headaches and fatigue.

Do not expect miracles overnight. It will take time for your body to adjust to burning fats rather than glucose. So be patient as you join the "keto community". Keep track of your progress to stay motivated, but appreciate that the process will take some time - so don't give up!