Coffee Addicts Unite!

tommygirl15
tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
edited September 21 in Food and Nutrition
So, I've had a major caffeine addiction since I was 18, when I put that sweet hot cuppa coffee to my lips during a very chilly morning while camping in the middle of no where on Vancouver Island. It was soothing, it was comforting - and it's been that way ever since. I've had days where I drink anywhere from 2-10 cups, possibly more.

My problem is that I don't enjoy drinking it black at all, I can stand to eliminate the sugar but it has to at least have milk in it (oh, how I miss my cream). These days I've limited it to 3 cups max, and on a good day I only drink one cup... but I never go without. I understand that there's nothing wrong with a cup a day, but I often wonder how many calories I would be saving by eliminating it altogether (essentially because of the milk and sugar). I know I could go with just non-fat milk in my coffee, but it would suck. It's a day-by-day process.

Anyone in the boat with me here? :)

Replies

  • katm427
    katm427 Posts: 227 Member
    I'm a complete coffee addict. If I can't deal with it black (though I usually do), I go with skim milk and Splenda. Less calories. By much.
  • PEGSTEPHENS
    PEGSTEPHENS Posts: 4
    I am so with you on this one! I love my coffee and I hate it black. I like things like Starbucks and all those sugary coffees that are the worst for you. I'm having a hard time giving those up! I just started 3 days ago but I'm already suffering. I need a good alternative.
  • dansdeb
    dansdeb Posts: 164
    I love my coffee - can't quite do it black, actually must have lots of cream. My husband says I like a little coffe with my cream. I went sugarless years ago. I thought I was doing good using fat free coffeemate creamer, then I read the calories. UGH! I am adding about 100 calories (easily) a day, probably more. So now I am switching to skim milk - oh the horror:sick: If any one has good alternatives please let us know
  • jeans4
    jeans4 Posts: 7
    I jokingly say i would give up breathing before coffee, and I drink it all day until around 4pm. i have gotten used to it with a sweet-n-low or an equal, and an ice cube. I splurged and bought a flavored coffee creamer last christmas, and it was like i was drinking a hot milk shake
  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    I know that everyone has their own personal opinions on the artificial sugar front, but I'm weary of those and I don't touch them. I guess that's what makes this so difficult. I'm like a little stubborn mule :)
  • Sonflower
    Sonflower Posts: 50
    I too love my coffee...I actually like the flavored coffee creamers and whoa the are full of calories...so about 6 weeks ago I bought my last bottle...I was drinking 4-6 cups a day and I loved it...

    I switched to the powdered creamer that my husband drinks, still trying to drink 4-6 cups..it tasted so nasty..so I finally got down to 1 cup and if I am really in the need of another on late in the day I will splurge. I only use 2tsp so that is not nearly what I was using of the flavored. I feel like I really have cut my calories by 3/4 by not drinking the flavored creamers..

    I am really glad I have given it up, I do splurge by having a Frappé once every 6 weeks...
  • stringcheeze
    stringcheeze Posts: 286
    Try one of the soy creamers? Silk's Original is 15cal/1g fat per tablespoon.

    Get a French press and a lighter roast coarse ground (instead of the autodrip ground). Coarse ground doesn't brew quite as bitter.

    Edit: as far as sweetners go, try Sun Crystals. 5 cals per packet. It's a mix of stevia (natural plant) and regular sugar.
  • Sonflower
    Sonflower Posts: 50
    I too love my coffee...I actually like the flavored coffee creamers and whoa the are full of calories...so about 6 weeks ago I bought my last bottle...I was drinking 4-6 cups a day and I loved it...

    I switched to the powdered creamer that my husband drinks, still trying to drink 4-6 cups..it tasted so nasty..so I finally got down to 1 cup and if I am really in the need of another on late in the day I will splurge. I only use 2tsp so that is not nearly what I was using of the flavored. I feel like I really have cut my calories by 3/4 by not drinking the flavored creamers..

    I am really glad I have given it up, I do splurge by having a Frappé once every 6 weeks...
  • KarenECunningham
    KarenECunningham Posts: 419 Member
    Every morning I have my cup of coffee with 1 oz of 1/2 and 1/2 (40 cals). I don't care for sugar in it but I refuse to give up that one little bit of pleasure. If I have Starbucks I get a tall nonfat latte and add one packet of Steevia and sprinkle cinnamon on top. If I have any more coffee I drink it black or if I am out and it is an after dinner coffee I will go ahead and count the calories and have 1/2 and 1/2.. I try and stick with one cup of coffee or one latte daily. I love coffee too and I believe I started drinking it at a very young age.:flowerforyou:
  • bjshooter
    bjshooter Posts: 1,174 Member
    Coffe is amazing, I couldnt get through a day without it. I just have a tiny bit of semi skimmed milk, should probably change to skimmed, but I dont think I have enough to make much of a difference.
  • CynthiaCollin
    CynthiaCollin Posts: 406 Member
    :wink: Milk and splenda all the way ! If you like sugar than splenda is a great alternative ! Milk is way healthier than cream.....So a large coffee with milk and three spleda would only cost you about 35 calories.
  • shell1205
    shell1205 Posts: 138
    I was drinking about 6-10 20 oz. cups per day (but black). I've cut down to 1-2 (very rarely anymore do I have a 3rd cup, but I still do occasionally). thing is, I like it black, so it's all good, except for the effects of too much caffeine!

    I will NEVER give up coffee... that would be like asking me to stop breathing!! but I've cut down... and I do occasionally like it with cream. I bought the fat free creamers, and they're usually more thsn sweet enough that I don't need sugar or splenda...

    But I TOTALLY feel ya!!
  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Try one of the soy creamers? Silk's Original is 15cal/1g fat per tablespoon.

    Get a French press and a lighter roast coarse ground (instead of the autodrip ground). Coarse ground doesn't brew quite as bitter.

    Edit: as far as sweetners go, try Sun Crystals. 5 cals per packet. It's a mix of stevia (natural plant) and regular sugar.


    ooooo, where would I find those? At a regular grocery store or do I have to check out the health store?
  • Kushiel32
    Kushiel32 Posts: 19
    Honestly I would rather drink coffee with fat free milk and no sugar than give it up. Fat free skim milk has only 86 calories per cup so I figure it is an okay indulgence.


    SW 220 07/2008
    CW 180 08/2010
    Goal 155
  • animatedbecca
    animatedbecca Posts: 203
    Maybe Im a recovering coffee addict??? LOL
    I use to run to the store every morning and grab a large cappuccino and a pack of smokes and a DP for later. Im 30 mn from the nearest Starbucks but you can bet I managed to go there fairly often and of course it had to be the Venti! I had heard that caffiene makes it harder to stop smoking and know that in my head the two "go together". So when I quit 3 weeks ago, I swore off convenience stores and Starbucks. Ive also managed to not brew any coffee at home...although as Im talking about it, its sounding rather good. After 3 weeks, I think I could handle a cup without craving a cigarette. Oh and my "old way" would be to add a shot of caramel syrup and a swoosh of whip cream to my "at home" coffee...thinking I should probably scrap that idea :)
  • countrymama08
    countrymama08 Posts: 92
    I was just looking at my food diary yesterday trying to figure out how to cut down on the coffee calories. I drink 1-3 cups a day with splenda, sugar free caramel syrup, and 4+ Tbsp half and half.

    I bought skim plus fat free half and half and tried it this morning. No dice...just not as tasty. I tried doing a little half and half and then topping off with the skim plus. Better but no better on the calorie front.

    I just decided that I will have to limit myself to one cup. I can have a second in the evening after the baby goes to bed if I have the calories left as a treat. Otherwise...it's one cup only. I would rather limit my cups and enjoy it than use fat free and not enjoy the taste as much.
  • Van3ssa_2468
    Van3ssa_2468 Posts: 76 Member
    I have coffeemate in my coffee. My husband has a sweet tooth and he uses sugar free flavored coffeemate.
    25 years ago I gave up the sugar in my coffee. It took a little getting used to, but now it would be too sweet for me.
    Also try flavored coffees. I belong to Gevalia and have found some wonderful flavors for my morning java addiction.
  • TheKitsune6
    TheKitsune6 Posts: 5,798 Member
    I've found that non-flavored powdered creamer has less calories than one would expect. Also, Splenda is a godsend! I have been drinking coffee since I was twelve so if I need to I will drink it black. I personally don't think there's anything wrong with coffee as long as you drink enough water to counteraction any dehydrating effects the caffeine may have.
  • Mamasota
    Mamasota Posts: 144
    I have one cup in the morning with hazelnut creamer and I enjoy it thoroughly. I count the calories and adjust accordingly. Depriving myself of my one good cup in the morning is not an option. I can lose weight without giving up everything I love. I can live without chips and cookies but I need that good cup of coffee in the morning to start my day. It's all about choices and portion control.
  • megamom
    megamom Posts: 920 Member
    I drink coffee all night when I work nights the and the darker the roast the better I like, black, no cream or sugar for me. But if you like creamers try Blue Diamond almond milk. Low calories and it gives you that flavored taste. I have never tried it but it might be good if you like flavored creamers.
  • abyt42
    abyt42 Posts: 1,358 Member
    I was just looking at my food diary yesterday trying to figure out how to cut down on the coffee calories. I drink 1-3 cups a day with splenda, sugar free caramel syrup, and 4+ Tbsp half and half.

    I bought skim plus fat free half and half and tried it this morning. No dice...just not as tasty. I tried doing a little half and half and then topping off with the skim plus. Better but no better on the calorie front.

    I just decided that I will have to limit myself to one cup. I can have a second in the evening after the baby goes to bed if I have the calories left as a treat. Otherwise...it's one cup only. I would rather limit my cups and enjoy it than use fat free and not enjoy the taste as much.

    I drink mine black, but one of the women I work with uses evaporated fat free milk (in the can). It's got the consistency of cream...
  • tn2010
    tn2010 Posts: 228 Member
    Joy Bauer on the Today Show mentioned enhanced skim milk as being thicker than other skim milks and therefore more up your alley (she said brands like Farmland Dairies’ Skim Plus, Over the Moon, and Smart Balance). There is also a fat free half and half.
  • tn2010
    tn2010 Posts: 228 Member
    I also have one of the hand held milk frothers and I will heat some milk in the bottom of my mug, froth it, and top it with coffee.
  • doodlbug
    doodlbug Posts: 21 Member
    It's funny that you should post this, because I was just thinking about how coffee drinks are my biggest problem. I can't drink it black and I dislike sugar free syrups. However my compromise has been to get nonfat milk and instead of getting a medium or large, I get the smaller sizes. That helps!
  • MzBug
    MzBug Posts: 2,173 Member
    I am a coffee snob too! Doc suggested I give it up.... not happening! I have cut down from a whole pot to 3 cups per day. Just can't do food first thing in the morning, coffee first! Some things in life you just can't compromise on, and real cream in my coffee is one. My first cup gets 2 tablespoons, I drink half and refill with coffee. After I empty that cup the next one gets 1 tablespoon of cream. If I have any more coffee during the day I drink it black with a meal or snack. Yes I log it every day. I used to love getting the mochas from the coffee shop but as I changed my food choices the mocha just got too sweet and I couldn't drink it.
  • bellinachuchina
    bellinachuchina Posts: 498 Member
    I use a little fat free french vanilla or fat free hazelnut w/ skim milk to stretch it! Love my coffee as well :)
  • stringcheeze
    stringcheeze Posts: 286
    Try one of the soy creamers? Silk's Original is 15cal/1g fat per tablespoon.

    Get a French press and a lighter roast coarse ground (instead of the autodrip ground). Coarse ground doesn't brew quite as bitter.

    Edit: as far as sweetners go, try Sun Crystals. 5 cals per packet. It's a mix of stevia (natural plant) and regular sugar.


    ooooo, where would I find those? At a regular grocery store or do I have to check out the health store?

    The Silk Creamer? Sometimes you can find it in where the soy milks are, other times if your grocery store has a separate natural food section, it'll be in there. If not, you can always ask if they'll stock it for you.
  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Try one of the soy creamers? Silk's Original is 15cal/1g fat per tablespoon.

    Get a French press and a lighter roast coarse ground (instead of the autodrip ground). Coarse ground doesn't brew quite as bitter.

    Edit: as far as sweetners go, try Sun Crystals. 5 cals per packet. It's a mix of stevia (natural plant) and regular sugar.


    ooooo, where would I find those? At a regular grocery store or do I have to check out the health store?

    The Silk Creamer? Sometimes you can find it in where the soy milks are, other times if your grocery store has a separate natural food section, it'll be in there. If not, you can always ask if they'll stock it for you.

    Aww I actually meant the Sun Crystals, lol :)
  • Kushiel32
    Kushiel32 Posts: 19
    I also have one of the hand held milk frothers and I will heat some milk in the bottom of my mug, froth it, and top it with coffee.


    I have never thought of frothing my milk where would I find one of those and what do they look like. I bet that it tastes really good
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