The healthiest ways to drink coffee:
- Measure your milk or creamer before adding it- It’s easy to overdo it with the half and half or creamer and registered dietitian Maryann Walsh warns you may end up using two to five times more than one serving. So she advises measuring out a serving before adding it so you know exactly how much you’re getting.
- Same goes for sugar- Or any sweetener you like in your coffee. Moderation is key, so measure to know how much you’re actually adding.
- Swap sugary flavorings for natural ones- Instead of your go-to creamer with a list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, try real flavors in your coffee. If you’re a fan of vanilla, opt for pure vanilla extract. And you can use natural honey, maple syrup or stevia to sweeten it up.
- Add flavor to grounds before brewing- Registered dietitian Kelsey Lloyd suggests boosting flavor without extra calories by sprinkling cinnamon, nutmeg or other spices to your coffee grounds before brewing.
- Try dairy-free creamers- Plant-based creamers made with coconut or almond milk come in all kinds of fun flavors and they’re often lower in calories and fat.
- Don’t drink it on an empty stomach- Listen up, breakfast skippers:research has found that the bitterness in coffee can signal the body to produce more stomach acid. Sometimes the acidity of coffee can upset your stomach when there’s nothing else in there, Lloyd explains. So try to drink your coffee with or after breakfast.
- Ask for fewer pumps of syrup- The flavorings in your favorite coffee shop lattes and frappuccinos are often high in sugar and the recipe may call for multiple pumps of syrup. Ask for less of the sweet stuff and you may find your drink tastes just as good plus, it’s healthier.
Source:Eat This, Not That