Anyone who's tried to shift a few extra pounds will be all too familiar with the frustrating fad diets, conflicting advice, and empty promises you hear along the way.
The good news is, one of the best support mechanisms for you and your goals is something you probably already have sitting in your kitchen cupboard, you might just need to tweak your routine.
We are, of course, talking about coffee.
While it's no miracle cure or overnight slimmer, as we'll shortly explain, it can be an effective addition to your weight loss tool kit.
Of course, if you are working towards a goal weight, remember to prioritize your body's health and nutrition over a number on a scale!
Sip Your Way To Your Health Goals
Coffee appears to have a positive impact on you health overall, with several bodies of research showing that coffee drinkers tend to have lower body weight, less body fat, and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
There are several reasons for this - including some that scientists have yet to explain - so let's dive in.
1. The Caffeine In Coffee Increases Calorie-Burning
Ever wonder why caffeine is in so many weight loss supplements? We usually praise this naturally occurring stimulant for waking up our brains, but caffeine also fires up your metabolism. Studies show that caffeine can raise your resting metabolic rate by up to 11%, helping you torch extra calories throughout the day.
This is because it stimulates adrenaline to break down fat cells and kick your body into fat-burning mode. Researchers also found that people who partake in higher caffeine consumption during the day have lower fat mass and more lean body mass.
In one meta-analysis of clinical trials with over 600 participants, scientists discovered that every doubling in caffeine intake resulted in a twofold decrease in weight, body fat, and BMI.
2. Coffee Helps You Conquer Cravings
Sipping on some Joe can make you feel less hungry. Both caffeinated and decaf coffee interact with hormones that regulate appetite and help you feel fuller longer, reducing those late-night fridge raids.
Evidence suggests that drinking coffee 30 minutes to four hours before a meal may decrease how much you eat. Another study indicates coffee not only helps you consumer fewer calories at your next meal but also naturally slashes your caloric intake for the rest of the day.
It's no wonder research connects regular coffee consumption with better appetite control and satiation responses. Appetite suppression may also explain why caffeinated beverages like coffee support weight management.
3. Coffee Is Packed With Antioxidants
Chronic inflammation is linked to weight gain, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and more devastating health issues, which is why you'll often hear health gurus talking about anti-inflammation.
Coffee beans (and the coffee drinks made with them) contain over a thousand bioactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory antioxidants and polyphenols (molecules with antioxidant properties). Chlorogenic acid, one of the most abundant and potent coffee antioxidants, may help tamp down that inflammatory fire and open the door for weight loss — specifically, fat loss.
Studies demonstrate that chlorogenic acid even has the power to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and improve insulin sensitivity. When your body gets better at using blood sugar for energy, it's less likely to get stored as fat.
4. Coffee Elevates Your Workout Performance
Leveraging coffee for fitness is a genius move. Science tells us that drinking coffee before you get active:
- Energizes and motivates. That caffeine buzz can perk you up, giving you the mental and physical oomph you need to crush your spin class and slay your day. It even prompted participants in one study to perceive working out as less difficult and more enjoyable.
- Enhances physical performance. This natural pre-workout enhancer amplifies endurance, stamina, and strength while improving many sport-specific tasks—all without the questionable side effects of other pre-workout mixes.
- Turns up fat-burning. A meta-analysis of 19 studies showed that caffeine may effectively increase fat utilization during exercise, meaning that your body has an easier time breaking down stored fat for fuel.
How To Brew A Winning Cup For Weight Loss
Okay, convinced about coffee's superpowers? Let's turn theory into practice! Here are some tips to make your coffee a weight loss wonder:
1. Start with Organic, Antioxidant-Rich Coffee
Would you rather sip on coffee beans subjected to chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers or one brimming with those potent antioxidants we dished about? The choice is clear. That's why we only source the highest quality, USDA-certified organic coffee beans for our For Wellness java. Organic coffee tends to be richer in healthful antioxidants and tastes better.
☕ Take your pick from our organic Arabica whole-bean coffee, ground coffee, and ultra-convenient coffee pods!
2. Skip the Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners, and Creamer
Black coffee is virtually calorie and carb-free, making it your ultimate weight-loss buddy. The same cannot be said about trending Starbucks drinks loaded with sugary syrups. Just consider this: In one four-year study, people who sipped black coffee lost weight, but those who drank coffee with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or creamer gained weight.
Embracing the dark side (of your mug) may take some getting used to. But you can always spice up your coffee with flavor punches from anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Or add a dash of sugar-free vanilla or almond extract.
3. Power-Up Your Coffee With Fat-Burning Sidekicks
Adding healthy fats from coconut or MCT oil can kick your coffee up a notch in the flavor department while increasing satiety, energy, and fat-burning. That's why we created The Good Stuff™ — a performance coffee supplement that will supercharge the natural benefits of your java.
Each scoop of The Good Stuff™ powers up your cup of joe with:
- MCT. MCT converts to ketones to help enhance ketosis, fat burning, and mental clarity.
- L-Theanine. This naturally occurring amino acid found in tea promotes relaxation and reduces stress by boosting calming brain chemicals. It pairs well with caffeine and reduces the jitters.
- Organic Cinnamon. High in antioxidants, this warm spice helps your body handle free radicals, fight inflammation, and lower your risk of disease and weight gain.
- Collagen. It can improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation while protecting your gut, skin, and hair.
- Himalayan Salt reduces coffee's natural acidity, helps your body stay hydrated by maintaining proper fluid balance, and staves off muscle cramping.
🧠 If you like your coffee a little sweeter, opt for The Good Stuff™ Focus. It's got the same ingredients as above, plus Chocamine® for mental clarity. Theobromine, our patented cocoa extract, elevates your cognitive prowess, concentration, mood, and overall outlook.
3. Make It A Lifestyle Upgrade, Not A Fad
Coffee may not be a magic weight loss potion, but these benefits solidify its place in any weight loss strategy. Combining it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and self-love is the key to sustainable weight loss and unwavering self-confidence. You've got this!
🙌 Ready to brew up a body to be proud of? Let coffee be your fuel for a healthier, happier you — whether you start with organic antioxidant-rich coffee, a performance coffee supplement, or both. It's time to pour yourself into action!
Byline: Written by Lauren Ciccarelli, a writer and research geek passionate about low-carb nutrition, mental health, and meditation. Her 2,500+ articles empower doers with science-backed tips for leveled-up living.
