Do you like coffee but are worried about your waist line? Learn the truth about counting calories in coffee. The impact on your diet program may be less than you think.
Where the Coffee Calories Come From
Given the number of coffee drinkers that trying to control their weight, it's natural that many are watching their coffee calories. However, there's nothing to be alarmed about. Plain black coffee contains very few calories. According to the USDA nutrient database, there are only two calories in an eight ounce cup of coffee. I'm sure you would agree that it's really nothing to worry about, diet or no diet.
So what's the big beef about calories in coffee? The problem starts when people begin adding milk and sugar to their plain, black and low-calorie coffee. Brace yourself as we explore the true extent of the problem.
One small package of tasty sugar adds a whole bunch of calories. One teaspoon of white sugar, that's 0.1 ounces, equals 16 calories. In reality, most people put two or more teaspoons into every cup of coffee. Some people try cutting back by using brown sugar, but that will only save you five calories. A total of eleven calories is contained in one teaspoon of unpacked brown sugar.
Add milk to the equation, and things start getting real ugly, real fast. Two tablespoons of 3.25% milk has a whopping 18 calories. Substituting 2% milk can help reduce calories somewhat, since it contains 15 calories. Consider skim milk if you're thinking about reducing your calories. It is definitely the least costly, calorie-wise, with only 11 calories. No guarantee you'll like the taste though.
Cutting Back on Coffee Calories
Wondering what you can do about it? By far the least troubling thing to do is just drink a smaller cup of coffee. The taste will stay the same, you'll just have less of it, and less calories as well. If you absolutely need to add milk to your coffee, then use skim milk. It has the fewest calories. Not adding sugar would be a wise move. Otherwise use brown sugar and make sure you avoid packing it, so you don't increase your calorie count.
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