Coffee is one of the most popular morning beverages out there. Not only is it a great way to get a caffeine boost when you wake up, but it also offers up some great health benefits, including potential weight loss. However, it’s important to remember that adding the wrong ingredients to your morning cup of joe could negate the slimming benefits of coffee altogether and put you at risk of weight gain instead. Health experts agree that taking your coffee black is the best way to go if you’re looking to shed pounds, but let’s be real: not all of us are willing to sacrifice a creamy cup of coffee. Luckily, if you can’t bear the bitter taste of black coffee, there are a few healthy creamer options to consider.
A healthy diet is often about compromise. The same can be true for your coffee; while you may not be willing to take it black, limiting your intake of fattening, sugary ingredients is definitely a good idea. That means it may be time to ditch your go-to creamer and opt for something a little healthier in its place. So what’s the best choice? According to dietitian Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, unsweetened almond milk makes a fantastic creamer. Read on for all of her insight on why it’s one of the healthiest options.
Unsweetened almond milk benefits
Among all the milks and creamers out there, Richards says, unsweetened almond milk is probably the superior option when it comes to weight loss. "Unsweetened almond milk is considered a healthy coffee creamer because it is a low-calorie alternative to traditional dairy creamers, making it an excellent choice for individuals watching their calorie intake," she says. "With only about 13-17 calories per cup, unsweetened almond milk won't significantly impact your daily caloric intake." And as we all know, cutting back on calories is one crucial part of losing weight.
Another great benefit of almond milk over many other popular creamers is the fact that it won't pack harmful sugar into your coffee. Although you may love sipping on a sweet treat, consuming too much sugar can contribute to a range of health risks over time, including weight gain. "Unsweetened almond milk typically contains no added sugars, which can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of sugar-related health issues," Richards says.
In addition to being low in calories and sugar, it's also worth noting that almond milk is a viable choice for anyone whose body doesn't handle dairy well. "Almond milk is naturally dairy-free and lactose-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies," Richards says, pointing out that it's also cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat, which makes it a great choice for your heart health, as well.
Plus, almond milk offers additional nutrients. "It is often fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, providing added nutritional benefits," Richards says. Perfect! Calcium and Vitamin D, in particular, can do wonders for your bones. So it's not just your waistline that will be benefitting from this healthy swap!
But how does it taste? While everyone's preference in flavor is personal, and a splash of almond milk certainly won't transform your coffee into a specialty Pumpkin Spice Latte, many people do enjoy the taste of this plant-based creamer. "Almond milk has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that compliments coffee without overwhelming it," Richards says. And when you consider the benefits—especially compared to the downsides of drinks like PSLs—making the switch will be well worth it.
The bottom line
As we mentioned above, forgoing creamer and sugar altogether (and maybe adding a bit of cinnamon for the metabolism-boosting benefits) will always be the healthiest way to take your morning coffee. And while you're certainly welcome to treat yourself to a sweetened latte every now and then, limiting your intake of sugar and calories by choosing almond milk instead is ultimately a healthier path. "It's a versatile choice for those seeking a creamy coffee experience without the excess calories, sugars, or saturated fats found in many traditional creamers, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your morning brew," Richards concludes.
