Aaaahhhh, it’s that time of the year again! Time to start a resolution. Most people admit that a new, or somewhat improved diet, is their #1 New Year resolution. But what defines a new or improved diet varies greatly for each person. We all know that there are crazy diets out there: big breakfast diet, cookie diet (Dr. Siegal's), yogurt diet, raw food diet, wine diet, chocolate diet, French diet, martini diet…..and the list goes on and on and….on.
So in the spirit of a new year and a new resolution, here’s a new diet: The Coffee Diet. Yes, the coffee diet, which unlike what it sounds, may actually be a lot healthier than many diets out there. What is the coffee diet? No it’s not about starving yourself with nothing but coffee, nor is it about ordering Skinny Peppermint Mocha or Skinny Latte each time you go to Starbucks.
Instead, coffee diet is a lifestyle change that implements portion control and calorie restriction through coffee drinking. Here are the simple rules:
- Three meals a day. These meals could consist of anything, but of course, healthful meals are encouraged.
- No second helpings.
- A cup of black coffee or espresso at the end of each meal. Sugar and cream could be added, but in moderation. Lattes are not encouraged and sweet, calorie-laden Mocha drinks are out of the picture (unless you’re looking for another type of diet).
- No eating between the meals. If you get very hungry, you may drink more coffee. But don’t go overboard or instead of extra pounds, you’ll be dealing with insomnia and heart palpitation.
Why coffee at the end of (or in between) meals? Because coffee is rich in flavor but miniscule in calories. Because it has zero fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate and sugar, but still provides energy and stamina. But most importantly, because it takes time to sip coffee. So it gives the dieter a chance to sip and relax after a meal, instead of going for seconds (or nibbling on snacks). This, dear reader, could become part of a lifestyle change that lasts more than most diets do. So go ahead and sip your coffee ever so s…l….o….w….l….y. It will only give your stomach time to digest and send your brain the signal that the kitchen is officially closed till the next meal.
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