Black Coffee Diet

Black Coffee Diet
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The phrase "black coffee diet" can refer to a number of different "crash diets" that advocate drinking large amounts of black coffee while limiting caloric intake to lose weight quickly. While black coffee does have health benefits, crash diets are not recommended by health professionals. Learn more about incorporating black coffee into a healthy, balanced diet for an effective weight loss plan. Do not begin any weight loss regimen without consulting with your doctor.

Black Coffee Diet

Black coffee diets advocate drinking large amounts of the beverage while severely limiting food intake for speedy, dramatic weight loss. Besides being ineffective over the long term, trendy diets like these can lead to nutrient deficiency, organ failure and death. Any diet that advocates drinking more than four cups of coffee per day poses a threat to your health. Excessive coffee can cause anxiety, degenerative bone disease and heartbeat disturbances and can impair your sleeping schedule.

Benefits of Black Coffee

Black coffee contains antioxidants, substances that may help protect your body against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that may contribute to heart disease and cancer, for example. Moderate amounts of black coffee, about two cups per day for adult men and women, can help prevent liver disease and aid the body's natural detoxification system. In most people, coffee boosts mood and increases focus and alertness. Its effects last up to six hours.

Black Coffee and Weight Loss

Black coffee can be a healthy part of an overall weight loss plan that includes a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins and grains, as well as physical exercise. When ordering coffee, avoid adding full-fat dairy products and sugar, which contribute empty calories and fat, cause a spike in blood sugar and decrease the health advantages of your drink. Instead, drink coffee with nonfat milk or soy milk, accompanied by a whole-grain bagel with a natural fruit or nut spread, for a satisfying treat with nutritional value.

Healthy Weight Loss

To lose weight in a sustainable, healthy manner you must commit to changing in your lifestyle. Beverages such as coffee can contribute one piece to the beverage equation; water, fresh vegetable juice and soy or nonfat dairy products are also important, contributing different essential vitamins, minerals and protein. Follow the United States Department of Agriculture's MyPlate system or the guidelines provided by respected health professionals such as those at the Mayo Clinic to design a plan that includes well-balanced meals and exercise to help you lose weight and keep it off over the long term.

References

Article reviewed by joyce sexton Last updated on: Aug 25, 2011

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