At Ruey, we know the importance of a good cup of joe to kickstart our day. However there are SO many conflicting opinions about the best time of day to drink coffee – after doing some research we learned that the timing of coffee consumption can have an impact on our body's cortisol levels, which can in turn affect any weight loss efforts.
What is Cortisol (we also didn’t know much): Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the body in response to stress, but it can also be affected by caffeine intake. Cortisol plays a complex role in the regulation of weight and metabolism
Short-term increases in cortisol levels can cause an increase in appetite and the consumption of high-calorie foods, which can lead to weight gain. In addition, cortisol can cause the body to store more fat, particularly in the abdominal area. This type of fat is known as visceral fat, and it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
So here are some tips for when to drink coffee to support your weight loss goals while keep those cortisol levels in check:
- Avoid drinking coffee first thing in the morning: Cortisol levels are naturally high in the morning, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach can further increase cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have been linked to increased appetite, cravings for sugary and high-fat foods, and weight gain. Instead, wait at least an hour after waking up before having your first cup of coffee.
- Drink coffee mid-morning: Mid-morning is a good time to have your first cup of coffee because cortisol levels tend to naturally decrease at this time. This can help offset any cortisol-raising effects of caffeine and help keep cortisol levels in check.
- Avoid drinking coffee in the afternoon and evening: Caffeine can stay in your system for several hours, and drinking coffee later in the day can interfere with sleep quality, which can in turn affect cortisol levels. Poor sleep quality has been linked to higher cortisol levels and increased appetite, which can make it harder to lose weight. P.S also this means beauty sleep is a real thing!
- Limit your caffeine intake: Drinking too much coffee or other caffeinated beverages can increase cortisol levels and interfere with weight loss efforts. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day (about 4 cups of coffee).
By being mindful of when and how much coffee you drink, you can help keep cortisol levels in check and support your weight loss goals.
DISCLAIMER: Coffee is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving and maintaining your goal weight. A combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits are also essential!
