Caffeine is frequently used as a method of boosting energy. Unfortunately it also creates in our bodies a mild dependency. While some people praise caffeine as a great way to lose weight and maintain energy, most agree this is not so.

Caffeine Enhances Weight Loss?

Some studies have shown caffeine to increase weight loss and energy. It is a mild appetite suppressant and increases your body’s ability to burn calories. However the level at which caffeine does so is very mild and doesn’t last long. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more frequently and lose water.

Negative Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine can easily over stimulate your body. It is known to raise blood pressure and heart rate and prevent the absorption of important vitamins and minerals into the body. It also causes nervousness and irritability. Women who drink an excess of caffeine may experience a loss in bone density, leading to osteoporosis.

Sources of Caffeine

Common sources of caffeine are coffee, soda and energy drinks. Coffee has been linked to positive health benefits, but should be carefully consumed. The best way to drink coffee is without any added cream, sugars or milk. If you’re in the habit of drinking lattes or mochas, the added calories and fat from milk, flavorings and whipped cream provide empty calories that are detrimental to a diet.

Soda is another source of empty sugar and calories. Even diet soda, which may have less sugar, still can be loaded with calories and carbohydrates, and can hurt your diet.

Energy drinks are the same. They provide excessive amounts of caffeine and sugars which cause a dramatic increase in energy immediately, but also provide excessive calories.

All that aside, caffeine is mildly addictive. It creates a physical dependency and has serious withdrawal side effects. Any regular caffeine drinker knows how terrible a caffeine headache can be, caused by a lack of caffeine. If you are used to drinking a cup or two first thing in the morning, and for some reason miss your daily dose, the headache that results is a painful thing.

Caffeine also creates a sort of emotional dependency. When we feel our energy waning in the early afternoon, most people search out a soda or energy drink as a pick-me-up. After doing this once or twice, this becomes habitual. And, while it does provide a jolt of energy, the energy is short lived. Sodas and energy drinks do give you a temporary buzz, but wane out just as quickly.

Caffeine Alternatives

Instead of turning to caffeine, consider some healthy alternatives. If you like a warm drink in the morning, try decaffeinated teas. If you feel an energy slump in the mid-afternoon, have a little snack of fresh fruit or veggies and some cheese and crackers. Fruits and vegetables boost your energy while the protein and carbohydrates from the cheese and crackers will keep you full.

Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.

Sources:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nutrition/facts/lifestylemanagement/caffeine.htm
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/pros-and-cons-caffeine-craze