There's no denying that coffee is a delicious brew with tons of health benefits. It is one of the most commonly consumed beverages, and it can actually help with weight loss if you're mindful about how much you drink.
Black coffee has been vouched for by many dietitians as being a weight loss friendly beverage, especially when consumed without added sweeteners or milk. It also contains Chlorogenic Acid that helps your body burn fat.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice produced from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum cassia or Cinnamomum aromaticum). It is one of the most popular spices in the world. Cinnamon is a natural appetite suppressant and can also help boost metabolism. The key to these properties lies in its phenolic compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde.
It can also improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential for weight loss. It helps regulate blood glucose levels, which is important for avoiding obesity and other diseases that can be caused by insulin resistance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Studies show that the polyphenols in cinnamon may reduce insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome by lowering their blood glucose levels and reducing fat accumulation in their bodies.
Another benefit of cinnamon is its ability to protect the heart. It has been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels in the body, which can prevent artery clogging and improve overall cardiovascular health. It has also been found to reduce high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your morning cup of coffee or lemon water to help curb cravings and boost metabolism. It can also be added to other beverages, such as tea, smoothies or oatmeal, or over fruit. You could even add a sprinkle of the spice to plain popped popcorn or spoon it over cottage cheese or cereal to sweeten your snacks without using sugar.
Just be careful not to eat cinnamon by the spoonful, as it can cause lung irritation in some people. It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and engage in regular exercise to see the most benefits from cinnamon for weight loss.
Nuts
Nuts have a bad reputation for being fat-laden but this isn’t entirely fair. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, both of which help to keep your hunger at bay. Studies have also shown that they can boost weight loss, particularly when included in a high-protein diet.
However, the key is to eat them in moderation. A one-ounce serving equals 24 almonds, eight Brazil nuts or 49 pistachios, so it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes. Ideally, you should choose ones that have a shell, as these take longer to eat, and opt for raw or roasted varieties instead of salted or fried.
The fat in nuts is monounsaturated, which means it’s healthier than saturated and trans fats. They also contain dietary fiber, which can delay gastric emptying and increase satiety, which will help to keep you from overeating. In addition, they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, B6, niacin and folate.
They’re also packed with antioxidants that fight disease, and can reduce cholesterol levels. In fact, the Nurses Health Study, which followed 86,016 nurses for 14 years, found that those who ate 5 ounces of nuts a week reduced their risk of heart disease by 35%.
They are also a great snack for weight loss because they’re satiating, satisfying and nutritious. You can add them to a smoothie, make into nut butter or sprinkle on top of a salad. In addition, they can provide a nutty flavor to coffee without adding too many calories. The best part is that they are a good substitute for sugary snacks and can help you avoid a crash diet.
Milk
Milk is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially for adults. It’s rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and a host of other nutrients that support the body in many ways, including aiding weight loss.
The protein found in milk can help keep hunger at bay, by reducing the levels of the hormone ghrelin, which causes you to feel hungry. Additionally, the peptide YY, also found in milk, helps to increase feelings of satiety. This can reduce the temptation to snack on junk foods that are high in calories, and can instead support a balanced and nutritious diet.
A glass of milk can be a great way to start your day and can also help to boost the immune system during times of seasonal change. A warm glass of milk can also be a good post-workout drink, as it can help to replenish the nutrients in the body after exercise.
Whether you choose cow’s milk, or a non-dairy alternative such as almond or soy, there are plenty of options for everyone! Make sure to check the label for a low-sugar option. Another good choice is Coffig, which is a plant-based, dairy-free coffee alternative made from black figs. It’s low in sugar and calories, and is a good source of fiber and vitamin B9.
Try this delicious nutrient-packed coffee recipe, featuring a blend of milk, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, to get your morning started on the right note! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the stress-free energy of a coffee, without any of the downsides of caffeine (like heartburn or an afternoon energy crash). This nourishing beverage will keep you feeling full and focused throughout the day.
Sweeteners
Many people who want to lose weight use low-calorie sweeteners, like aspartame or sucralose, in place of sugar in their foods and drinks. While it’s not a perfect substitute for sugar, there’s no evidence that these non-nutritive sweeteners increase hunger or prevent a person from losing weight.
Some people also worry that non-nutritive sweeteners might have other negative health effects, including insulin resistance, decreased gut microbiota diversity and other problems. But these concerns are mostly based on speculation and have not been confirmed by laboratory or clinical studies.
Research on these sweeteners has been mixed, and it’s hard to know what the best choice is for weight loss. But, in general, it’s important to limit your sugar intake in order to manage your weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. That means limiting or eliminating sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks and juices, and avoiding desserts and baked goods that are made with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
There are a few types of low-calorie sweeteners available, which include aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, saccharin and cyclamates. The WHO has recommended that these sweeteners be used in place of sugar to help people meet nutrition guidelines and to reduce their calorie intake.
In a review of 11,000 studies, researchers looked at both artificial and natural sweeteners (like stevia) to find the highest quality and longest-term research. They included randomized controlled trials, the gold standard of scientific studies, as well as longitudinal studies that followed people over time.
In a meta-analysis, they found no evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners cause weight gain or increased calorie consumption. They were also found to have other benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.