How you choose to start your morning—from the amount of time you spend on your phone before you get out of bed to the food you eat for breakfast—can impact your entire day and even your overall health. This is especially true when it comes to the first beverage you drink when you wake up. Unfortunately, many people choose sugary drinks they may not realize can be detrimental to their health and lead to weight gain—including one caffeinated, seemingly convenient option.
To learn more about the worst morning drinks that slow your metabolism, we spoke to Registered Dietitian Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. Richards told us that regularly consuming premade, processed coffee drinks is a bad idea for anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle, but especially those who want to lose weight.
Premade, Processed Coffee Drinks
Let's face it: sometimes you simply need a caffeine boost to get through the day—and coffee is one of the best ways to get that boost. But if you don't love the taste of black coffee, you may find yourself reaching for options with lots of sugar, milk, and flavorings. And when you don't have time to wait in line at Starbucks in the morning, a bottled, premade coffee drink can be a quick and tasty fix. Why waste precious time waiting for a Frappuccino or white mocha when you can stock up on the premade varieties right in your very own fridge?
However, Richards warns that while "premade and processed coffee drinks are a convenient alternative to standing in line for a traditional sugar-laden coffee," one downside remains the same: "They contain empty calories, fat, and added sugar." Whether you order your sugary beverage at the coffee shop itself or pull it from your own refrigerator, these processed, ingredient-loaded drinks can take a serious toll on your health. That's why Richard says it's best to limit your intake of them as much as possible, especially if you want to avoid slowing your metabolism and gaining weight.
If you can't go without your morning coffee, there are healthier options to consider. "If you insist on drinking these beverages it is best to look for options that are 100 calories or less, to limit the amount of empty calories you drink in a day," Richards suggests. "You should also look for no, or low added sugar," she adds, noting that although it may make your morning beverage taste sweeter, this ingredient is "a contributor to metabolic disorders and raised triglycerides." Yikes! Of course, at the end of the day, your best bet is just plain black coffee; that will always be the healthiest option. Hey, maybe you'll even learn to love the taste!
