Liquid calories count just as much as solid calories and must be taken into consideration when dieting. While black coffee has very few calories, as little as two per cup according to the Mayo Clinic, the sugar and other condiments in specialty coffee drinks can make the calorie count soar.
Additions
Whipped cream can add as many as 52 calories to a coffee drink. One teaspoon of sugar adds close to 49 calories, and half and half servings add as many as 20 calories. Artificial sweeteners used in place of sugar can help to drastically reduce the number of calories in coffee drinks.
Effects
Caffeine is a diuretic and a stimulant to the central nervous system. It does not accumulate in the body, but instead passes out in the urine, according to Medline Plus. Caffeine occurs naturally in a number of plants including coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans and kola nuts. It is used to treat migraine headaches and to stave off hunger, making it an ideal additive for diet drinks.
Warning
Caffeine is addicting and can cause sudden withdrawal effects within 24 hours. Severe headaches eventually subside within a couple days. Medline Plus warns that excessive coffee drinking can lead to rapid heart rate, nausea, insomnia, anxiety and excessive urination. A strict coffee and sugar diet is extremely unhealthy. Three 8-oz. cups of coffee is considered moderate consumption, while more than 10 cups per day is excessive and can lead to negative physical consequences.
Features
The Federal Trade Commission recommends avoiding diets such as those that allow only coffee and sugar. Claims made by marketers of most fad diets are false, but unless they make patently false medical claims they cannot be prevented. Instead, the FTC warns consumers to remain skeptical of get thin quick ads and marketing ploys that sound too good to be true. There is only one way to effectively and healthily lose weight -- take in fewer calories than you consume and maintain a balance of the major food groups.
Expert Insight
Added sugar in the diet can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood sugar levels, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Unlike complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, the simple carbs that make up sugar are empty calories that actually increase the odds of reducing your energy levels and causing weight gain.
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