The keto diet has become incredibly popular recently. But if you are just starting this high-fat diet, you may wonder: do you have to cut out your favorite morning drink?
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about coffee and keto diets. You don’t have to give up that delicious cup of coffee, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. So keep reading to learn if you can drink coffee on a keto diet!
What’s the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is all about replacing carbohydrates with fats. The diet involves eating only high-fat, low-carb foods, with a moderate amount of protein. This puts your body into a state of ketosis, where you burn fat instead of carbohydrates. Carbs are easier for your body to metabolize into energy, so removing them from your diet forces your body to use fat instead.
The health benefits of keto diets haven’t been fully researched, but some studies show that along with helping you lose weight, this diet can help fight cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. You might also see a drop in blood sugar and insulin levels.
What’s in a cup of coffee?
Coffee, like tea, offers quite a few health benefits but very minimal nutritional value. When you brew coffee, the water pulls antioxidants and oils from the beans. If you use paper filters, most of those oils don’t make it into your cup, but either way, a cup of coffee only contains about five calories and no carbohydrates. This makes plain black coffee a good source of stimulating caffeine and a beverage that won’t make a big impact on your diet.
So can you drink coffee on a keto diet?
The good news: yes, you can drink coffee on a keto diet! Coffee contains almost no calories (about 5 per cup) and no sugar or carbohydrates. Therefore, a cup of black coffee won’t mess up a keto diet. Even better, you can incorporate your coffee into your keto diet by adding high-fat mixers like heavy cream, whole milk, coconut oil, or butter. Sugar is a sweet form of carbohydrate, so you’ll need to avoid adding white sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup to a keto cup of coffee.
Coffee creamer is a popular addition to coffee for those who prefer a smoother and creamier taste. It is a non-dairy alternative to milk or cream and comes in various flavors, including vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel. It’s an excellent option for people who have lactose intolerance or prefer a vegan lifestyle. Some creamers have added health benefits, such as collagen and MCTs, such as Barista Blend Collagen Creamer & MCTs. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a tasty way to start your day, coffee creamer is a must-try!
Coffee & Keto Diets: The Bottom Line
As long as you avoid adding sugar, your morning cup of coffee can be a part of your keto diet. Add heavy cream or whole milk to your black coffee to keep the fat levels high and the carbohydrates low. And you do not have to stick to plain cups of coffee! Why not whip up a keto pumpkin spice latte or iced coffee?
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Featured Image Credit: Alex Lvrs, Unsplash
