question about coffee

Hi Everyone,

I plan on starting my diet tomorrow (1200 calores :( ) and i'm not a big fan of black coffee. is Splenda not a good idea? any suggestions for other ways to sweeten my coffee?

Replies

  • smarieallen85
    smarieallen85 Posts: 535 Member
    I'm on 1200/day and I still use cream and sugar in my coffee! I think splenda is gross and chemically nasty. I use 2 packets of sugar in the raw (down from 3) and put like 80 calories of cream in it...which I could get down or switch to milk but f*(k it.
  • reachrenhere
    reachrenhere Posts: 30 Member
    my buddy uses almond milk in his coffee, you could use sweetened vanilla almond or something if you wanted to. he was using sweetener but i talked him out of it and now he just uses 1 tsp of sugar. stevia is also a good option but some brands can be an acquired taste. hope this helps.
  • I love love love black coffee, but if I want a little treat with some healthy fat Ill add a little coconut milk and whip it up in the blender. Its awesome! Trying honey is an option too.
  • There aren't that many calories in a packet of sugar - it might be worth considering if the mental (that is, psychological) boost that 30 calories from sugar would do in your coffee would be worth the tradeoff for you :)

    Just beware of the calories in cream, if you add that - that's where a lot of the calories can add up quickly (to my everlasting disappointment). Good luck!
  • VanessaVegana
    VanessaVegana Posts: 36 Member
    I use stevia in the raw in my coffee. It doesn't have any calories and it comes from a plant. Much better than splenda in my opinion :)
  • 1. The obsession with the 1200 calories benchmark is a little unfortunate. If that is the number you've come up with based on your height, weight, and activity level, then that's great. Otherwise, you're doing yourself a disservice.

    2. Most sweeteners should be fine as long as you use them in moderation. This includes sucralose and aspartame. The whole scare around both of those sweeteners is generally badly disguised marketing for "natural" supplements.

    3. If you don't like the taste, there is nothing wrong with sugar. Its not THAT many calories and if you just prioritize properly, it shouldn't impact your goal.

    4. Caffeine is slightly thermogenic but a bit of a diuretic too. Make sure you stay hydrated or you're going to get the dreaded caffeine migraine.
  • JackieO524
    JackieO524 Posts: 25 Member
    I use stevia and creamer. Some people don't like stevia, but I think it's wonderful
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,861 Member
    Welcome to MyFitnessPal. Splenda is a brand name for a sucralose-based artificial sweetener derived from sugar. It has been tested and approved as safe again and again. You will still find that it is widely condemned by most people on MFP. I use it anyway, but only in my coffee.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    Hi Everyone,

    I plan on starting my diet tomorrow (1200 calores :( ) and i'm not a big fan of black coffee. is Splenda not a good idea? any suggestions for other ways to sweeten my coffee?
    I'd take a second look at that 1200 calorie thing if I were you.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    I used to just pour the creamer and sweetener until there was almost no coffee left. Then I started measuring, which was a wake-up call. I cut back gradually until I can take it with one sweetener. Now I get better quality coffee instead of drowning the cheap one with fake cream.
  • hearthwood
    hearthwood Posts: 794 Member
    I have used Splenda for years in my coffee. So yes go to diet drinks, use Splenda for a sweetener.
  • If you want to lose weight, then lose the splenda & sugar.



    Try coffee, agave nectar, and Silk for coffee (original, not the vanilla kind).



    Agave nectar comes from the agave plant and is naturally sweet. The benefit of agave over sugar is that it does not spike your blood sugar levels, thus your insulin levels do not spike and you don't gain weight.

    Also, sugar is addictive and causes you to crave other sugary junk foods which causes more weight gain, so there's another reason to switch from sugar to agave.

    Although non-organic soy is not the very best option, it's better than cream. Use your discretion.

    Hope this helps,
    xx Maddie
  • Whiskey2206
    Whiskey2206 Posts: 189 Member
    I buy flavored coffee and add 2% milk. Don't use splenda...if anything, use Stevia.
  • Railr0aderTony
    Railr0aderTony Posts: 6,803 Member
    If you want to lose weight, then lose the splenda & sugar.

    splenda has 0 calories, can not keep you from losing weight, Sugar is not evil.





    Agave nectar comes from the agave plant and is naturally sweet. The benefit of agave over sugar is that it does not spike your blood sugar levels, thus your insulin levels do not spike and you don't gain weight.

    Sugar is made from plants as well, sugar cane and beets, Agave nectar is just a different form of sugar. as far as effect of blood sugar lets see some studies? links?
  • tashfashion
    tashfashion Posts: 6 Member
    that's what MFP suggested based on my height and weight in order to lose around 2 lbs per week. Is it not safe? I weigh 163 right now and i'm 5'8.
  • tashfashion
    tashfashion Posts: 6 Member
    Hi Everyone,

    I plan on starting my diet tomorrow (1200 calores :( ) and i'm not a big fan of black coffee. is Splenda not a good idea? any suggestions for other ways to sweeten my coffee?
    I'd take a second look at that 1200 calorie thing if I were you.

    that's what MFP suggested based on my height and weight in order to lose around 2 lbs per week. Is it not safe? I weigh 163 right now and i'm 5'8
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    that's what MFP suggested based on my height and weight in order to lose around 2 lbs per week. Is it not safe? I weigh 163 right now and i'm 5'8.
    I doubt you have that much weight to lose. You just want to lose it faster.
    faster doesn't mean better / healthier
    change the goal to .5lb or 1lb per week and go from there.
  • Veil5577
    Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
    I won't give up my sugar and cream in my coffee. At home I use teeny little cups that belonged to my grandmother, so I can use a small teaspoon of sugar and a tiny dollop of cream, and at most I'll have 4 cups. AT MOST.

    At work I have an oversized cup and I do use at least 5 teaspoons of sugar and at least 3 of creamer, but I try to fit it into my daily calorie limit.

    I started out at 1200 too, and it just wasn't working. I increased my calorie limit and am much happier now, even though it will take longer to lose the weight, I know I'll keep the weight off that way.
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    Hi Everyone,

    I plan on starting my diet tomorrow (1200 calores :( ) and i'm not a big fan of black coffee. is Splenda not a good idea? any suggestions for other ways to sweeten my coffee?

    I use Stevia....it works for the IF plan I am on....it doesn't trigger insulin spikes.
  • Fatandfifty3
    Fatandfifty3 Posts: 419 Member
    There's a lot of hype about sweetners. Find one that suits your ethics/diet/taste. Avoid white sugar it's empty calories... unless thats what makes you happy. If so work it into your diet plan and don't use it as a big stick to beat yourelf. the same with milk. I use skim and allow myself the 70 cals of 200mls a day. Almond milk is lower and acceptable but a bit of a faff.
    2lbs a week is do able but rather a high loss rate. Could you accept a lower rate of loss and give yourself more cals to play with? Are you planning on eating back your calories from exercise? Weigh all these things up and then play with what you want over what you can do.
    Good luck.
    :smile:
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
    Given that the changes I made/make are for the long run, I was not willing to give up coffee nor change it. 'My Coffee' was my first recipe that I logged on MFP. I do not personally do the sugar substitutes thing and would not suggest it to anyone else.

    I do limit the amount of 'My Coffee' that I have and if later in the day I want coffee I usually have it black, it just won't do for my daily morning coffee.

    I think you need to have some things in your diet that work for you without substitutes :smile:
  • mikeyrs
    mikeyrs Posts: 176 Member
    I was never much of a fan of sugar in my coffee. I like vanilla-flavored Almond milk and Cinnamon in my coffee. This combination is just really tasty. I even prefer it more than half & half or whole milk in my coffee. I drink two 12-ounce cups every morning. It's a great starter for the day.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    1. The obsession with the 1200 calories benchmark is a little unfortunate. If that is the number you've come up with based on your height, weight, and activity level, then that's great. Otherwise, you're doing yourself a disservice.

    This. Fo' sho'.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    Oh and my coffee consists of a packet of hot cocoa powder, half n half, flavored creamer, THEN coffee. Trust me, you can make anything work.
  • Deena_Bean
    Deena_Bean Posts: 906 Member
    1. The obsession with the 1200 calories benchmark is a little unfortunate. If that is the number you've come up with based on your height, weight, and activity level, then that's great. Otherwise, you're doing yourself a disservice.

    2. Most sweeteners should be fine as long as you use them in moderation. This includes sucralose and aspartame. The whole scare around both of those sweeteners is generally badly disguised marketing for "natural" supplements.

    3. If you don't like the taste, there is nothing wrong with sugar. Its not THAT many calories and if you just prioritize properly, it shouldn't impact your goal.

    4. Caffeine is slightly thermogenic but a bit of a diuretic too. Make sure you stay hydrated or you're going to get the dreaded caffeine migraine.

    ^ thanks for saving me some typing.
    add: I've used splenda, stevia and truvia - I prefer the truvia to all of them, but if you're on the go you'll most often find splenda. It works if you can't handle the bite of black coffee. And it isn't going to kill you despite what many may think. It's fine. Everything in moderation, that's the most important thing to take away from "dieting."
  • nicailyzee
    nicailyzee Posts: 183 Member
    Agave nectar I am almost certain has more sugar than sugar in the raw which is what I use two tsp with about 5 tbsp of carnation evaporated milk (there are low fat and fat free versions if you like). I get the creamy flavor and it satisfies me. I just have about 3/4 of a cup and I am good.

    If you must have your coffee have it but it is best to try out different things and see what works for you. I don't really drink coffee as much as I used to because it was not healthy for me the way I had it extremely light and super sweet. I still have it now and then the way I want it. I do not feel deprived. I have switched to tea flavors like chai, honey chamomile, mint so I can change up. Try everything to see what works for you at the end of the day you have to be satisfied.

    Artificial, natural, whatever it may be do what pleases you and your palate!
  • I've found cinnamon is a great replacement for a sweetener in my coffee. If you need the sweet taste, even just a little almond milk or 2% along with the cinnamon is a good alternative.
  • thegreatcanook
    thegreatcanook Posts: 2,419 Member
    Drink your coffee black, the way the Good Lord intended!