If you rely on a cup (or, let’s be honest, a few cups) of coffee to help you get through the day, you’re certainly not alone. And if you’re like many people, you may even frequently make stops at the coffee shop in order to indulge in your favorite specialty drink like these tasty new options from Starbucks—but when that’s not a possibility, processed, bottled coffee offers an alternative. Unfortunately, though, experts say that drinking these beverages could make it difficult to lose weight and may even cause you to gain a few pounds.
To learn more about how bottled coffee drinks could be taking a toll on your health, we spoke to certified nutritionist and personal trainer Josh Schlottman, CSCS, and registered nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. Read on for all of their expert insight!
How sugary coffee drinks lead to weight gain
If you enjoy a bit of caffeine boost with some sweetness mixed in but don't want to whip up your own latte, you may keep your fridge stocked with bottled varieties such as Starbucks and Dunkins' brands found on grocery shelves. However, experts warn that frequently drinking these processed beverages can negatively impact your health and may ultimately result in weight gain.
"Pre-made and processed coffee drinks are a convenient alternative to standing in line for a traditional sugar-laden coffee," Richards notes. "Unfortunately, much the same as many other special order coffee drinks, they contain empty calories, fat, and added sugar." We probably don't have to tell you twice that frequently consuming all of that can throw a wrench on your weight loss goals. (P.S. the same goes for adding harmful ingredients to your coffee at home).
"Processed coffee drinks have emerged in recent years as a quick and easy way to get your caffeine fix, yet, many of these drinks can keep you from losing weight and may actually be causing you to pack on the pounds," Schlottmann warns, noting that "high sugar content is going to be the most concerning ingredient in these processed coffee drinks." It's no secret that excessive sugar intake can increase your risk of a number of health issues—especially when you load your body with it first thing in the morning. Schlottmann explains that spiking your blood sugar in the morning can "cause an insulin release and put your body into fat-storage-promoting mode." Yikes!
Luckily, there are ways to enjoy coffee without putting your health at risk. In fact, drinking black coffee can lead to a number of health benefits, including increased fat burn.
If you want to sweeten things up a bit with something besides fattening sugar, you might want to consider sprinkling some cinnamon into your morning cup of joe. Not only will this help you cut down on your refined sugar intake, but it may even increase your metabolism. Score!
So, next time you're browsing the grocery store aisles and feel called to throw some of those bottled Frappuccinos into your cart, it may be a good idea to reconsider. Your body will thank you!
