Common Habits That Are Making Your Daily Cup Of Coffee Unhealthy
If you drink coffee every day, you've likely built certain habits surrounding your cup (or more) of joe. Maybe you like to have a latte every morning, or you only take your coffee with a splash of creamer, or perhaps you're one of those people who drink iced coffee even when it's cold out. Regardless of where you fall on the caffeine spectrum, it's possible that some common habits are making your daily cup of coffee unhealthy without you even realizing it.
Do you typically use coffee as a meal replacement in the morning, or do you frequently drink coffee on an empty stomach? These habits can have a negative impact your health. "When you drink coffee on an empty stomach, the sugar in it hits your bloodstream faster and aggravates its effects on your body," says Amelia Brown, a registered dietician (via Eat This, Not That!).
Adding too much sugar is another culprit when it comes to accidentally making your daily cup of coffee unhealthy. But it's not the only one.
Adding too much creamer can make your coffee unhealthy
Creamers are a staple in many coffee drinkers' refrigerator, as these sweetened additives help cut the bitterness of black coffee. While it's okay to use a small splash of all-natural creamer in your morning brew, it's best to avoid using too much creamer, and even better to stay away from artificial creamers entirely. According to Healthline, non-fat and artificial creamers tend to contain processed ingredients and have a higher sugar and calorie content than healthier alternatives. If you're using more than the recommended serving size listed on the label, you're likely consuming too much creamer and experiencing a boost of sugar that you could do without.
Instead of relying on creamers to jazz up your daily cup of coffee, use non-dairy options that are better for you and your overall health. Coconut milk, oat milk, and soy milk are great alternatives, especially since many of these are available in flavored options (via Insider). Non-dairy beverages often contain less sugar and fat, and fewer calories, while still adding a touch of creaminess to your coffee. Even a small amount of half & half is better for you than an artificial creamer.
Using too much sugar is a common habit among coffee drinkers
It's important to avoid consuming too much sugar when you drink your caffeinated beverage each day. One of the most common habits that can make your daily cup unhealthy is the addition of too much sugar. The easiest way to combat this is to cut down on the number of teaspoons of sugar you add to your coffee, or to supplement the sweetness with a better alternative, such as stevia in the raw (per Women's Health).
If you like a flavored latte, your barista is adding syrup to your beverage to achieve the desired taste. While this is okay in small quantities, the amount of added syrup in your coffee adds to the amount of sugar you're consuming every day. A large flavored latte can contain up to 30 grams of sugar, which far exceeds the recommended daily intake (per Eat This, Not That!). Instead of adding syrups and sugars to your coffee, use natural ingredients like vanilla extract, coconut extract, unsweetened cocoa, and cinnamon for a touch of flavor and sweetness (per Insider).
These ingredients are much better for you and they still cut the acidity and bitterness of brewed coffee and espresso if you don't like the taste of those alone.
Toppings such as whipped cream, sprinkles, and sauces are best in small quantities
Rounding out the unhealthy coffee habits is the addition of too many toppings. Whipped cream, sprinkles, and sauces are okay in moderation, but you really shouldn't be having them every day. "Many coffee shops add toppings to their coffee drinks, like sprinkles, whipped cream, syrups, and sauces, which even further ups the calories, sugar, and fat content of a seemingly innocent cup of coffee," says Laura Burak, a registered dietician (per Eat This, Not That!).
Instead of getting every topping available, opt for one that you enjoy more than others. A small dollop of whipped cream, or a light drizzle of caramel syrup, add a touch of sweetness and specialty without going overboard on the sugar. If you're ordering your beverage ahead on the Starbucks app, you can request fewer pumps of syrup as well as control the number of toppings added to your drink.
You don't need to cut these things out of your diet entirely, but it's better to have them every once in a while instead of having them every day. That way, you can still enjoy your preferred sweetened beverages without worrying about what the daily intake is doing to your body.