What's a better way to start your day than with a hot cup of coffee? Whether it is a special occasion or just a routine day where you are getting ready for your office, coffee is an integral part of our lives that cannot be replaced. But no matter how prominent it has become, that doesn't change the fact that practising moderation and mindfulness while consuming coffee is very important.
Coffee, as good as it is for improving reaction time, making you feel active, and its amazing taste, shouldn't be overconsumed as it could cause stomach burns, acidity, or make you feel jittery. Therefore, it is essential to make sure to drink your coffee wisely. Here are some tips for you to enjoy your coffee without any side effects.
Practise Moderation
When it comes to coffee, you should be careful of your consumption levels. Keep your coffee intake to a maximum of 2 cups per day. People have varying levels of sensitivity to caffeine. Some individuals may be more sensitive to its effects, experiencing jitteriness, an increased heart rate, or trouble sleeping even with small amounts of caffeine.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep. Consuming coffee, especially in the afternoon or evening, may lead to difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns. Caffeine can temporarily raise the heart rate and blood pressure. While this effect is generally mild for most people, excessive consumption can lead to more pronounced cardiovascular effects. Thus, it is best to consume coffee in moderation.
Know Your Body
It is important that you know your body type when it comes to metabolism. There are people who have a great metabolism, but there are also people who have a slow metabolism, and if you fall into the latter category, then it is time to rethink your coffee consumption.
Slow metabolizers tend to struggle if they consume a lot of coffee, as their bodies cannot process caffeine effectively. Unlike the general guideline, people with slow metabolisms should limit their coffee intake to just a cup a day.
Pre-Workout Tip
If you are like most gymgoers, then you most likely consume coffee as a pre-workout drink to boost your workouts with improved alertness and energy. It is advised to drink your coffee (preferably without milk) an hour before you start your workout. You will feel the best results after an hour and see visible changes after half an hour. Don't consume it right before your workout, as it could go to waste while making you feel full and heavy.
Look For Additives
If you are someone who enjoys his cup of Joe, then stick to black coffee with no or little sugar to avoid the weight gain that comes from the calorie-laden add-ons. Optimal coffee consumption involves enjoying it in its pure form without additives like sugar, cream, milk, and more. These additions serve as taste enhancers but offer little to no nutritional benefits while contributing to calorie intake.
Don't Consume Coffee With Meals
Caffeinated beverages aren't supposed to be consumed with complete meals, as they may hinder the absorption of nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Consume them after an hour or two after your meal so that you get the full benefits of your meals.
Drink Coffee When You Need It
This is important, as many tend to just consume coffee because of either addiction or because they simply feel like having something. But this is a bad habit. Only drink coffee when you need it, like early in the morning, before a workout, or when you have to stay up late for a night shift. Unnecessary consumption should be avoided.
Have Snacks With Coffee
As mentioned above, you should avoid coffee with your full-fledged meals, but that doesn't mean you have to drink it on an empty stomach. Have some snacks, such as nuts, cookies, bread, or anything else that you prefer, with your coffee, as drinking the beverage without anything could lead to a burning sensation in the stomach or maybe acidity.