How you choose to start your day can make all the difference in your health. This is especially true if you’re trying to shed a few pounds. There are a number of morning habits you can implement into your daily routine to help you lose weight faster. In addition to finding time to exercise, one of the most important things you can do is nourish your body with a healthy breakfast. And it isn’t just the food you eat that makes a difference! Your beverage of choice can also make or break your weight loss progress. In fact, there are a few great options that could help boost your metabolism—including one you likely have in your kitchen right now.
While it should go without saying that the healthiest thing you can drink will always be plain old water, there are many other tasty beverages out there that can help you shed pounds. In fact, health experts agree that many people’s go-to morning drink, coffee, offers up a range of benefits, including a potentially faster metabolism—as long as you drink it black. We spoke to registered nutritionist-dietitian Catherine Gervacio to learn more about the fat-burning benefits of this popular, energizing elixir. Find all of her expert insight below.
Black coffee for a boosted metabolism
Many of us enjoy a cup—or a few cups—of coffee every morning for a caffeine boost that can help us take on the day ahead. However, it turns out that this beverage can offer up more than just a bit of energy. Gervacio tells us that it may even help you lose weight, thanks to its metabolism-boosting properties.
"I would say that black coffee without added sugar or high-calorie creamer is a good choice for a morning beverage," she says. "This is due to the fact that the caffeine in the coffee has the ability to boost metabolic rate and enhance fat burning for a certain amount of time."
But how, exactly, does this work? Gervacio explains it's because caffeine is a natural stimulant. "It works by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine which promotes sleepiness and relaxation," she explains. This can do more than just help you focus or stay awake; it can also stimulate your metabolism. "When adenosine is inhibited, other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine are increased, resulting in improved mood, alertness, and enhanced metabolic activity," Gervacio tells us. Amazing!
Avoid sugary ingredients
However, there's one crucial caveat that you can't forget if you're aiming for a slimmer waistline: adding certain ingredients to your mug can negate these benefits. While treating yourself to a sweet latte from time to time won't kill you, consuming high-sugar creamers, syrups, refined sugar, and even artificial sweeteners could take a toll on your health and result in weight gain over time.
If black coffee is simply too bitter for you, consider adding a bit of metabolism-boosting cinnamon or turmeric to the mix, rather than a spoonful of sugar. It will be worth it!
It's important to remember, of course, that no beverage is a miracle worker. Losing weight requires dedication to a number of healthy habits, and sipping on black coffee is just one of them. But doesn't it feel good to know that your morning cup of joe can help keep your body healthy?
