Hi all, I just started the firstline therapy healthy eating program (similar to the Meditteranean diet) and on the list of NO's was caffeine. I'm really struggling...and dealing with an awful headache.
As far as I can tell, no. There isn't any research to suggest that caffeine would have negative effects in regards to weight loss. But too much of something can be... Well too much. If you start to feel like you're having heart palpitations or trouble falling asleep then you should probably limit your intake. Otherwise, you'll be fine with a little bit of coffee.
That answer is going to change from member to member.
I'm not prone to calling much of anything "bad". So, is caffeine "bad"? From my point-of-view it's not.
I drink coffee at least a couple of times a week. I like it. I'm not going to give it up.
That being said, if the plan you want to follow suggests giving it up for a little while then it might be best to try it out for at least some time. You can always make adjustments as you go along and test what works, and what doesn't work, for you individually.
I suppose that depends on the individual, and the program that that individual has chosen. As for me, I love my Diet Coke, and you'll pry it from my clenched fingers, thank you very much.
Honestly, that part just sounds like a clean living thing than a losing weight thing.
You don't have to give up caffeine. But if you think you're consuming too much of it, try cutting back. I consume roughly 400 mg per day to no ill effect. I gave it up for a month to see if I could, and didn't feel particularly better for it by the end. It isn't dangerous for you like a nicotine or sugar addiction could be. Even if the plan you're following says give it up, at the end of the day we are all a little different and we need to tailor what we consume, regardless of the parameters of a prescribed diet, to meet our individual needs.
Whether or not you decide caffeine is for you or not, personally I would NOT give up caffeine AND make a huge change in diet at the same time. Do it one at a time.
I get headaches from carb withdrawal, I can not imagine compounding it with caffeine withdrawal at the same time.
I agree with many of the posts. I would not and never will give up my caffeine. I have a few cups of coffee every morning at breakfast. Again, I wouldn't suggest going crazy with the caffeine but, altering your diet and exercise AND caffeine is a lot! I think a moderate consumption will be alright for you.
I take it since you are already getting caffeine headaches that you are a regular drinker. I like to use the extra boost the caffeine gives me and work extra hard at the gym. In this way, I can convince myself that caffeine is actually a positive contributor to weight loss (again though, not in excess).
When I was in grad school I had a friend who was in a really bad place: at least 100lb overweight, addicted to painkillers, addicted to alcohol. He hit rock bottom and lost a bunch of weight, quit the alcohol and drugs, quit smoking and gave up caffeine (all in rehab). In the end, the coffee was the only addiction he couldn't give up--he went back to drinking coffee almost immediately. I always found this rather funny.
I like my coffee. I drink it black and it doesn't mess with my sleep. I have no intention of giving it up. There's no need to feel that you must (unless you want to.)
The latest article I read about caffeine cited evidence that it reduces the risk of several types of cancer. I lost 50 pounds drinking 3+ cups of coffee per day, which I continue to do as I maintain my weight. IMO, there's no need to give up caffeine if you don't want to.
Thanks for posting this !! I've been struggling with this the past few days LOL I soooooo don't want to give up coffee !! It makes me happy~ I drink one a day !
Do I really have to give up caffeine too?
