For many, a morning cup of coffee is more than just a caffeinated pick-me-up; it’s a sacred ritual. And as it turns out, it can also impact your health. When it comes to weight loss, your morning coffee order might be more important than you think. While a daily cup of black coffee can actually support weight loss, certain popular coffee drinks can sneak in extra calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
We spoke to nutritionist Catherine Gervacio to shed light on a few of the worst options out there, from sugary Frappuccinos to creamy lattes. Before you make your Starbucks run, here are four coffee drinks you may want to reconsider.
1. Frappuccinos
When you're craving something extra sweet (Who doesn't love coffee that tastes like dessert?) you may be tempted to order a good old Starbucks Frappuccino. Unfortunately, though, Gervacio warns that regularly drinking this beverage could do some serious damage to your health due to high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories. "A medium (16 oz) caramel frappuccino, for example, can contain about 400 calories and over 60g of sugar. This is more than a can of soda," she tells us. Yikes! You're better off sticking to a lower-calorie Starbucks order.
2. Flavored Lattes
A latte with some flavored syrup can be a real treat and a cozy way to start your morning—but if you make it an everyday treat, it could pose a risk to your health and ultimately result in unwanted weight gain. "These lattes need multiple pumps of flavored syrup that are essentially liquid sugar," Gervacio warns. "Even sugar-free versions may have artificial sweeteners that can trigger cravings. This hinders weight loss goals, especially when managing appetite." Say it ain't so! If you can't do black coffee, stick with a dash of milk to keep the calorie count lower.
3. Canned Coffee Drinks
If you don't have time to make your own coffee but don't want to break the bank by stopping at Dunkin' every morning, you may stock up on canned coffee drinks from the store. The bad news is that these come with many of the same risks as specialty drinks from coffee shops. "These convenient drinks commonly have added sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats," Gervacio says. "All these are not ideal ingredients for healthy weight loss. The sugar and unhealthy fats add to excess calories and preservatives may cause inflammation." Yikes!
4. Bulletproof Coffee
This one may be a surprise as it's frequently praised in certain health circles. While it may be suitable for some diets, it's not the best option for those trying to lose weight and avoid extra calories, according to Gervacio. "I am adding this to the list despite its popularity among people following Keto," she says. "This drink is made with butter and MCT oil and are calorie-dense without providing fiber or protein. This contributes to weight gain."
Bottom Line
Of course, it's always fine to treat yourself to your favorite coffee order from time to time. However, remember that moderation is key. It's best to avoid choosing these high-calorie drinks on a regular basis if you want to reach your weight loss goals at a steady rate.
