How To Like Coffee Without Sugar
No one’s asking you to switch to black coffee overnight — but it is possible to wean yourself off the sweet stuff. (Photo: Getty Images)
The sugar levels in coffee drinks have risen to ridiculous levels. With all the syrupy, choco-laden, sugary, whipped options on the market, your morning pick-me-up can easily morph into dessert. Even simple sugar in your coffee can lead to extra, unnecessary calories.
WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE THE CHANGE
Research suggests that coffee in and of itself (sans the sugar) could have some benefits. Studies show it may protect against conditions like obesity and lower levels of abnormal enzymes in the liver.
On the other hand, additional research has shown adding sugar to your coffee may cause heart rate to spike in some people. And let’s face it: Going overboard with the sweet stuff won’t do much for your waistline or overall health.
HOW TO DO IT
If you can’t stand the taste of strong coffee, or if making a jump from sweet java to plain black seems like too big a leap, start with a gradual reduction in sugar, says Lori Chong, RD, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
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“If you are accustomed to putting two packets of sugar in your coffee, today put in one-and-a-half packets — even one-and-three-quarters packets,” she tells Yahoo Health. “The point is just to add less. Do this for a week or so, or until your taste buds adapt.”
Chong says to continue reducing the amount in small increments, little by little. “Gradually, you will get to the point where you feel it is not worth the effort to put in a half-packet or quarter-packet,” she says.
It doesn’t matter how long this process takes, either, as long as you are working on it. Eventually, it’ll lead to a forever-change in your daily coffee habits. “It’s okay if this a two- or three-month project, Chong says. “You are looking for progress, and the effort is worth it. When we get used to less added sugar in beverages and foods, then the natural sweetness of fruits and even some vegetables will start to be noticeable to us.”
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Before long, you’ll naturally begin to get satisfaction from a black cup of joe and a banana instead of a caloric flavored latte and a slice of banana-chocolate chip bread. On top of that, Chong cites scientific evidence that links reducing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and related conditions.
So, take your sweet time eradicating your morning sugar fix. (Just do take the time!)
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