To Drink or NOT to Drink Coffee……..

• Many clients are surprised when I tell them that they can still drink their coffee. Personally, I have never liked the taste. I remember craving it all but once in the past, but other than that, I have never had the urge or need to try.
  This of course doesn’t mean I will tell all others to avoid it.
  There is a stigma attached to it’s consumption, and like most other foods criticized for their role in disease, including dairy, meat and carbohydrates, all the bad press should probably be blamed on their quality, rather than their inerrant traits.
  Moreover, mounting research is showing that the consumption of coffee could hold many benefits for those who cling to it on a regular basis. Let’s weigh the good and bad….
  Why would someone NOT want to drink coffee?
  1)It’s any easy way to gain some quick energy in our high stress and compromised recovery (nutrition and sleep) world.
  

  • Relying on it for energy may not be the best thing in the long run if we are burning the candle at both ends.

  2)For some people it replaces breakfast and suppresses appetite, which might not be a great thing if your goal is fat loss and/or performance.
  

  • Starvation can lead to fat loss, but an under consumption of nutrition is not optimal for performance and cognition, especially in healthy individuals.

  3)Because it causes increases in stress hormones, it may lead to high blood sugar levels, when consumed with other carbohydrates.
  

  • This may be problematic for those with blood sugar issues, including diabetics.

  4)Conventional coffee can be a high source of pesticides, which are thought to be responsible for many of its side effects.
  5)Some people are slow metabolizers of coffee and as a result, it stays in their system longer and may effect sleep or the ability to calm down.
  Why would someone WANT to drink coffee?
  1)For those who eat poorly, coffee may be the highest source of antioxidants in their diet.
  2)Coffee has been shown to have a protective effect on the pancreas and liver
  3)Coffee can help enhance detoxification
  4)Coffee can stimulate the growth of neurons in the brain and improve cognition through energy restoration.
  5)A healthier alternative to most pre-workout formulas that are full of chemicals and sugar, if you want your body to favour fat as a source for fuel during exercise.
  As far as I am concerned, if you are addicted to coffee you should try to reduce your intake, especially during times of detoxification and cleansing. Too much of anything can easily lead to negative side effects; In the case of coffee, food intolerance may just be one side effect.
  For lots of Stoy Fitness’ followers, this would be during lent. But as we have already alluded to in past articles, make sure you are taking in nutrient dense foods with enough quality protein. Furthermore, there are many other things to get rid of before coffee (ie, processed foods), so don’t get ahead of yourself. Taking steps that are compatible with your current situation.
  Nevertheless, if you enjoy the taste of coffee in the morning, try to make sure it’s organic, sugar free (you can use some cream if you like) and does NOT take the place of your breakfast (as it might restrict appetite).
  So in conclusion, coffee is not going to be the worst thing for you and might even help you with your goals. You have to look at your nutrition as a whole and ask yourself, “where is it lacking and what can I do to make up for the holes in it?” If adding or increasing coffee consumption looks like it might help, give it a try. However, if you find yourself relying on coffee at the expense of a colourful plate then you might want to rethink things!
  Either way, make steady, solid changes that will last.