Words by Kylee Ryers
Coffee and intermittent fasting is a dream combo
The average Australian consumes in the region of 1.92 kilograms of coffee per year! That puts us in forty-second place globally for coffee consumption. While many people reach for a cup of coffee on a the reg, some diets don’t allow for it. If you’re doing intermittent fasting, however, coffee consumption can boost your weight loss efforts in more ways than one. Woo hoo!
Coffee can give you an energy boost
Intermittent fasting is easy – when you get used to it. But while it’s still new, you might feel a bit mentally and physically tired, because it takes time for your body adjust. Having coffee during fasting times can give you a much-needed energy boost. It can also help you be more focused and alert. This energy boost can be especially beneficial if you tend to work out in the morning before your first meal of the day. Just remember that while caffeine can boost your physical and mental performance, it’s important to not consume more than recommended. The daily recommended allowance of 400mg equates to roughly 4 cups of brewed coffee.
You can find happiness in a cup of coffee
Many people battling the bulge also find themselves battling anxiety and depression. Having coffee while fasting could help you become happier and less prone to spells of anxiety. Although the sheer deliciousness of a perfect cappuccino is often enough to lift your mood, there is some science to support coffee-induced happiness too. Coffee consumption stimulates dopamine production in your brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for euphoria. That’s the awesome feeling which you often associate with a good drop of java. The good news is, this feeling of elation can also help your weight-loss efforts significantly! Dopamine is also known as the reward chemical, so its presence will give you greater confidence. And, ultimately, it’ll also make it easier for you to stick to your diet.
Coffee equals willpower
According to research, a lot of people who start a diet fail within the first 7 days. This is due to a number of reasons, the most prevalent of which is: lack of willpower. Regardless of what you set out to do, if you don’t have the adequate motivation to do it, you may find it hard to succeed. But if you’ve got a coffee in one hand, you can count it as a willpower booster too. Because when your appetite is under control, your energy levels are stable, and you’re in a good mood, it’s naturally a lot easier to stick to your fasting schedule. (And to attack that exercise routine, should you feel so inclined!)
The other thing that research says is critical for successful weight loss is support. On average, people who take part in supportive, group based weight loss tend to lose an extra 3.5 kg than those who go it alone. That’s why support, motivation and accountability is a huge part of the SuperFastDiet program. But back to the coffee!
Which coffee for intermittent fasting?
Be sure to only buy quality coffee, as any added additives could hinder your weight loss efforts. One cool way to make sure that you always have an interesting variety of coffee at your disposal is to sign up for a subscription box. These boxes deliver quality brews right to your doorstep. #SoEasy. We’ve also previously written about barista made coffees and which coffee options are best for intermittent fasting days, for those days when you find yourself at the local coffee shop.
What about bulletproof coffee?
Interested in learning more about bulletproof coffee? We tested out bulletproof coffee on our fasting days and reported the results.
Basically, coffee isn’t just enjoyable but it can form part of a healthy lifestyle too. As long as you don’t consume too much caffeine, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits that healthy coffee consumption offers.
Want to give intermittent fasting a shot? Join the Super Squad now!
This content was originally published here.
