I don’t know about you but I am a creature of habit, not one who likes too much change, and someone who falls into a routine very comfortably and fast. Ok ok yes these are sounding like excuses you are right. These are the things that I tell myself every day when I think … “do I have a coffee addiction?” and the answer is yes. I do. You probably do too. Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world. Although negative effects of caffeine have received most attention from health writers, coffee is a complex mixture of antioxidants which are beneficial to our health. Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed stimulant ‘drugs’ occurring naturally in tea and coffee and other plants and when withdrawn entirely from a diet can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, stiffness, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, depressed mood and irritability. Well – want to avoid such symptoms??? DON’T STOP DRINKING COFFEE.

I am sorry for those nutritional therapists that I offend in saying that but if there is one thing I believe and stand by more than anything whilst living a clean and healthy lifestyle, is not depriving yourself or completely removing anything from your diet. God knows I have tried to quit. I gave it up for 30 days once and it made no difference. I didn’t feel the slightest bit healthier or better and I craved it just as much on day 30 as I did on day 1. For me coffee is social, fun, exciting, brings happiness, makes me alert, picks me up, burns my tongue (have got to stop demanding extra hot), gives me energy, lifts my mood and not to mention tastes AMAZING!!! And why would I deprive myself of those feelings on a daily basis. Not to mention the amazing antioxidant benefits of a daily coffee. I know that I can stop although I am not in the least concerned. I drink coffee because I LOVE IT!! Hell if my body would fit inside the takeaway cup (yes it HAS to be in a takeaway cup) then I would jump head first straight into it and bath in its creamy hot goodness. I am a sucker for anything coffee – desserts, slices, cookies, ice cream and smoothies. Aaaaaaaand recently started topping my froyo and yoghurt snacks at work with coffee granules…

Froyo recipe >> HERE

Choc Banana Protein Mousse recipe >> HERE

So stop listening to all of those one liners about coffee being bad for your health. Yes if you consume 10 cups a day, but anything in excess is bad for you. Even Kale!!! Yep I said it… kale can be bad for you. Kale is a cruciferous vegetable similar to broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts all of which when consumed in excess can lead to problems with your thyroid glands. Proof!!

How about “coffee will make you fat?” heard that one before? Well this couldn’t be more wrong. The actual ‘coffee‘ part of your coffee is NOT going to have a negative affect on your weight or health/fitness goals. It will in fact have a positive affect by increasing fat burning and improving physical performance. It is what you put IN your coffee that can have a negative affect on your weight loss goals.  If you are having multiple large flat whites with teaspoons of sugar and flavoured syrups then you might find this detrimental to your health goals.

When you are ordering a coffee try and stick to the following rules;

– Order a small (unless you have a SUPER good reason to order a large. My rule – one large coffee a week and the other mornings order a small)

– Do not add sugar (chose natural sweeteners like honey or stevia if you are a sweet tooth)

– Choose full fat milk; organic cows milk or organic GMO free soy milk (I choose Bonsoy… only the best damn soy milk going around!!)

– Stick to one (unless the second is free or you have just done burpees )

– Skip the syrups (yes, yes we have all been there – large caramel latte with vanilla)

– ENJOY IT; coffee should be enjoyed and not abused. Make it social or try to make it last long enough to enjoy

 

Here are the top 13 evidence based health benefits of coffee that have been confirmed by human studies.

1. Coffee can improve energy levels and brain function
2. Coffee can increase fat burning and boost your metabolic rate
3. Coffee can improve physical performance
4. Coffee is full of essential nutrients such as riboflavin, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin.
5. Coffee may lower your risk of type II diabetes
6. Coffee may protect you from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
7. Coffee appears to have protective effects on the liver
8. Coffee can fight depressive moods and make you happy
9. Coffee is the biggest source of antioxidants in the western diet

 

Of course too much coffee can make you jittery and potentially cause high blood pressure and increase heart rates. Drinking more than 4 coffees a day is not recommended. However I would be more worried for my bank account if I was consuming 4 coffees a day more than the effect it would have on my overall health.

So be reasonable. If you feel like a coffee HAVE ONE. If you have already had 3 and crave another… ask yourself do you really need it or are you bored/hungry/tired. Sometimes when you crave a coffee or something sweet your body just needs a little fresh air or a break. Take 5 minutes away from your desk, get some sunshine, go for a walk or drink a large glass of water. If you still crave the coffee… have it!!

On that note… I’m off to GET ME A COFFEE FROM MY FAVE REMEDY LSR KINGSTON!!

K