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9 Tasty ways to ditch the calories in your coffee habit
I’m not ashamed to say that I am a coffee fanatic. If my day doesn’t start with a big mug of that brown goodness, it’s just not as bright.
But, a while back, I found myself completely and totally addicted to Starbuck’s and I’m not talking about a simple cup of black coffee… I’m talking about those sugar and calorie-laden drinks that are just so darn tasty.
And, along with my Starbuck’s habit, I ended up with an extra five pounds packed onto my hips and thighs. Not really what I was going for when I pointed my car toward that coffee nirvana.
So, when I saw what my Starbucks addiction was doing to the scale, I knew that I had to find a better way. I didn’t want to give up the flavors that I loved so much, but I certainly didn’t want to keep gaining weight either.
That’s when I came up with these better ways to make my morning coffee taste just as great. Now, I’m going to share them with you so that you can make your coffee habit less damaging to your waistline as well…
#1 – Cinnamon
I’ve found that just by adding a dash of cinnamon to my morning cup of Joe, I can take it from boring to yum! And, guess what else?
My colleague, Joyce Hollman, came across a study from the University of Michigan’s Life Sciences Institute that shows cinnamon is a fat-burning spice. It turns out that cinnamaldehyde, a chemical component of cinnamon, actually triggers our fat-storing cells to initiate thermogenesis, or fat-burning.
#2 – Coconut oil
You bulletproof coffee drinkers out there may already be on to this one but for anyone who has never tried it, it’s time to give it a shot.
Coconut oil not only adds a silkier texture to your coffee, it gives it a really nice subtle flavor while delivering heart healthy oils. But it’s also exciting to know that the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil are reported to increase metabolism, help curb your appetite and promote fat loss.
#3 – Cocoa powder
One of my biggest downfalls was always those chocolate flavored coffee shop offerings. While they taste great, when you add up the calories from a squirt of the chocolate along with the cocoa nibs on top, you could end up with more from your coffee than your lunch and breakfast combined.
So, now when I’m craving that chocolate boost, I just add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to my coffee. It has very few calories and tastes wonderful. Just make sure to buy the unsweetened variety.
#4 – Peppermint oil extract
While we’re on the subject of chocolate-flavored coffee drinks, I can’t forget to mention my personal favorite – the peppermint mocha.
But, did you know that you can get that same great taste by using the cocoa powder I mentioned above along with a few drops of peppermint oil extract? Try it out.
#5 – Butter
Another option discovered by bulletproof coffee fanatics is to try adding butter to your coffee instead of milk or creamer. Just remember that it’s best to stick with the grass-fed, non-salted option.
You might also consider butter’s better cousin, ghee. It’s reported to help decrease appetite and promote weight loss.
#6 – Vanilla extract
For a flavored coffee treat, use vanilla extract in your next cup. It turns your standard black coffee into an enjoyable coffee shop-like experience without packing on the pounds.
#7 – Agave
If you just don’t want to give up the high level of sweetness found in your favorite coffeehouse order, try switching to agave syrup. It’s sweeter than sugar, so you can use far less of it.
#8 – Dates
I got this tip from my dad and thought he was crazy until I tried it for myself. You just soak dried dates in water for about an hour and then drop in the blender with one to two tablespoons more of water to make a paste. Add the date paste to your java and enjoy. And, since dates offer a good boost of fiber and iron, you get a great bonus as well.
#9 – Collagen
Okay, I get it. This one sounds weird.
But, I’ve found that if I put a scoop of collagen powder in my coffee, it makes my coffee creamy and helps my joints all at the same time.
Don’t let your trips through your favorite coffee shop drive-thru show up in the number on the scale. Try the healthy, low calorie options above to get that tasty coffee shop flavor at home.
Source:
- 5 ways cinnamon can keep you slim and healthy — Easy Health Options