Caffeine

ThePinkPachyderm
ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
in Motivation and Support
So I recently "quit" caffeine, at least in liquid form. Hadn't consumed any since Christmas, so around 5 months. Without caffeine I actually gained a fair amount of weight, had a hard time staying motivated, was hungry all the time. Studies I had read all said the exact opposite should happen, but it turns out my body is just completely backwards .. probably explains why I am always talking out of my *kitten*.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone else has this reaction to caffeine? I know it is in a lot of weight loss products and used to be considered beneficial to weight loss, then some expert said that all those people were wrong, so I really have no idea what to believe anymore. So I am using my life line and asking you, because at least 5 of you claim you know more that the science-y guys that do actual tests on stuff for a living.

I actually slipped up this weekend and had a few diet cokes, so really I am just looking for people to tell me that it is all okay and that caffeine can actually help with weight loss, so if your opinion differs from this please refrain from posting, or post in a white font. Thank you.
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Replies

  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,179 Member
    …so if your opinion differs from this please refrain from posting, or post in a white font. Thank you.
    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • ThePinkPachyderm
    ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
    Sweet, I love dead threads .... hellooooooooo ... ooo ....ooo ....oooo. Fine if nobody is here I am just going to get undressed and do the naked dougy ... objections? Sweet . none at all .... Dougy Dougy Dougy all day .. yeah yeah yeah ... weeeeeeeeeeee ...
  • SMarie10
    SMarie10 Posts: 956 Member
    I am not a caffeine expert, but I play one on T.V. All the scientific stuff that I have read in People Magazine indicates that while an overload of caffeine will do bad things to your blood pressure, a moderate amount of caffeine (like 1-2 cups of coffee) can actually benefit you in terms of metabolism and weight loss. All the products I've ever look at for weight loss contain a healthy dose of caffeine. So if anything, you can be a wide awake and enjoy your snickers.
  • ThePinkPachyderm
    ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
    Ooops .. I was just ... I had spilled something on my clothes ... and then their were some mosquitoes ... so I was trying to .. and there was nobody .. but then .. umm ... look over there, it's Fred Savage............
  • treetop57
    treetop57 Posts: 1,578 Member
    Whenever I've given up coffee and tea for any length of time, I become so sensitive to caffeine that a piece of chocolate or chocolate cake in the evening will keep me awake. Since I love my sleep and I love my chocolate, I have to drink coffee just to keep my tolerance level up!

    Nothing to do with your particular question . . . but any bump helps!
  • wackyfunster
    wackyfunster Posts: 944 Member
    Caffeine is a CNS stimulant, which means it increases metabolic rate and decreases appetite. So yes, it can be helpful for weight loss. Also, coffee is the nectar of the gods. In general, recent studies have shown positive health effects at reasonable intake levels. It is also 0 net calorie (if consumed black, as is proper).

    A coworker bought me a bumper sticker that says:
    "Death before dishonor, but neither before coffee."
    That pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Caffeine is a CNS stimulant, which means it increases metabolic rate and decreases appetite. So yes, it can be helpful for weight loss. Also, coffee is the nectar of the gods. In general, recent studies have shown positive health effects at reasonable intake levels. It is also 0 net calorie (if consumed black, as is proper).

    I second his sentiments!
  • Karalopolous
    Karalopolous Posts: 574
    If it helps you, why stop it? I believe the world will continue spinning if you do. I drink lotsa coffee and it didn't make me gain, it's just when ppl add excess calories thru the sugar and cream.
    BUT this is just my opinion....
  • jbella99
    jbella99 Posts: 596 Member
    "Death before dishonor, but neither before coffee."

    i AGREE WITH THIS.......

    The worst part of coffee is all the crap you put into it. Sugar, sweetener, cream, flavor shots.
  • nkziv
    nkziv Posts: 161 Member
    I say drink it. But not so much to make your teeth yellow, and don't add too much sugar and you'll be fine. I would ditch the diet coke if I were you, though. I'm pretty sure they're using that substance to melt down scrap metal it's so corrosive. Green tea is also a good option!
  • notnormallyacaloriecounter
    notnormallyacaloriecounter Posts: 71 Member
    honestly, i'm a self proclaimed caffeine addict, but since i started trying to lose weight i've cut down, i have my morning coffee (1 or 2 cups) and maybe a small soda or coffee later on if i want. from what i've read, caffeine in moderation won't hurt you, it's the stuff in it like cream and sugar that make it not so healthy. i also read somewhere that men who drink one cup of coffee a day have a lesser chance of getting prostate cancer, but who knows if that's true. lol
  • Debi907
    Debi907 Posts: 69 Member
    My blood type is actually coffee - I wouldn't lie. A little caffeine when my energy level is running low is the best thing for me personally. Can't imagine giving it up. Btw, yours is the funniest post I've read ever! Thanks for the laugh - helped me burn a few calories. xo
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    My personal preference: Coffee is a daily requirement. Not because of the typical addiction (thankfully I can go two days without the withdrawals).

    Caffeine needs to come from natural sources, not in the common prepackaged/bottled products that are available. In fact, too many food related sensitivities and allergies require us to keep things natural as possible.

    I believe the only time a person should not drink coffee/caffeinated beverages are those who are medically advised by their healthcare providers due to medical conditions, unfavorable reactions with prescription medications, etc....

    Coffee is my cup of food porn... I have her often! LOL!
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    You've probably replaced caffeinated drinks with non-caffeinated ones like juice which are high in sugar and calories. Caffeine in itself doesn't make one gain weight so I'm not sure why you gave it up?
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    "It is all okay and caffeine can actually help with weight loss."

    Use it as a pre-workout stimulant as well.
  • christinehetz80
    christinehetz80 Posts: 490 Member
    Well I can't say one way or the other, because for every study about it being bad I see one that says its fine. I personally drink espresso every morning. Thats it though...no starbucks triple double fat sugar syrup laden mochaccinos..or whatever they are called. I also drink green tea thru the day and I really don't feel I want to give it up. I like both. If it becomes an issue down the pike I'll have to address that but long story short do what you feel is good for your body. I personally don't drink soda, but not because of the caffeine, but its your journey...you have to decide what you should do for you. :)
  • ThePinkPachyderm
    ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
    You've probably replaced caffeinated drinks with non-caffeinated ones like juice which are high in sugar and calories. Caffeine in itself doesn't make one gain weight so I'm not sure why you gave it up?

    Actually I replaced all beverages, was trying to just drink water. Yes, I failed in that, and did have some juice here and there, but I was giving it up because I am not a coffee drinker. I hate coffee. So for me caffeine meant diet pop, aspartame etc, which also brings with it the long list of evils.

    There are lots of studies out there that say caffeine screws with your insulin levels, and that essentially it will make you gain weight. There are also studies that say people that wear plaid are happier than people that don't, but I am not running out and buying a kilt any time soon. My point is that I don't put a lot of faith in studies, I try to listen to my body, and my body likes caffeine... and butter
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    I like my coffee. I feel like it does boost my metabolism. For some this will make them eat more. I drink about 1 cup per day and I drink it really slowly. Maybe that makes a difference? I also do not add sugar or cream so there are no hidden calories.
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    You've probably replaced caffeinated drinks with non-caffeinated ones like juice which are high in sugar and calories. Caffeine in itself doesn't make one gain weight so I'm not sure why you gave it up?

    Actually I replaced all beverages, was trying to just drink water. Yes, I failed in that, and did have some juice here and there, but I was giving it up because I am not a coffee drinker. I hate coffee. So for me caffeine meant diet pop, aspartame etc, which also brings with it the long list of evils.

    There are lots of studies out there that say caffeine screws with your insulin levels, and that essentially it will make you gain weight. There are also studies that say people that wear plaid are happier than people that don't, but I am not running out and buying a kilt any time soon. My point is that I don't put a lot of faith in studies, I try to listen to my body, and my body likes caffeine... and butter
    Rather than dismiss science altogether, post the studies you're referring to.
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    You've probably replaced caffeinated drinks with non-caffeinated ones like juice which are high in sugar and calories. Caffeine in itself doesn't make one gain weight so I'm not sure why you gave it up?

    Actually I replaced all beverages, was trying to just drink water. Yes, I failed in that, and did have some juice here and there, but I was giving it up because I am not a coffee drinker. I hate coffee. So for me caffeine meant diet pop, aspartame etc, which also brings with it the long list of evils.

    There are lots of studies out there that say caffeine screws with your insulin levels, and that essentially it will make you gain weight. There are also studies that say people that wear plaid are happier than people that don't, but I am not running out and buying a kilt any time soon. My point is that I don't put a lot of faith in studies, I try to listen to my body, and my body likes caffeine... and butter

    I have heard the insulin thing too... does anyone know more about that?
  • ThePinkPachyderm
    ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
    Rather than dismiss science altogether, post the studies you're referring to.

    That certainly seems like WAY more work than blanket dismissal .. but if you insist:

    Here is a fancy pants article with lots of jargon and wordiness.. so it is probably all true:

    http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/2/399.full

    And here is a livestrong article ... the words are smaller .. so it doesn't sound near as science-y ...

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/306817-caffeine-insulin-resistance/
  • candlegal
    candlegal Posts: 220 Member
    Okay here is my experience . . . .. I quite diet cherry coke about 2-3 months ago, I have done this before with good luck. So it has been a few months and yes it has helped. I use to drink about 5 to 6 cans of diet cherry coke A DAY!!! I truly believe that there is something in the diet coke that increases my appetite. Not the caffeine but the actual diet part of the coke. When I quit the diet coke I don't have that need, feeling of wanting to eat. I do however still drink coffee. I use the K-cups for my Keurig Coffee maker, the cafe mochas with international delights coffee creamers 35 cal. I try to limit those to only in the morning and 1 or 2 per day.
    I do believe you are doing the right thing to either eliminate the diet soda or at least cut back. Try to drink more water- we are 2/3 water and our cells need more water to regenerate and keep us healthy and feeling well! You will feel so much better if you increase your water intake! I drink 12 to 16 glasses of water a day- NO diet cherry coke anymore, I feel so much better and have lost weight at a much quicker pace:) Good luck to you!!
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    Rather than dismiss science altogether, post the studies you're referring to.

    That certainly seems like WAY more work than blanket dismissal .. but if you insist:

    Here is a fancy pants article with lots of jargon and wordiness.. so it is probably all true:

    http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/2/399.full

    And here is a livestrong article ... the words are smaller .. so it doesn't sound near as science-y ...

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/306817-caffeine-insulin-resistance/
    I don't see how either of those articles are relevant to your concerns of caffeine aiding in weight gain. Also, insulin resistance is usually a good thing while dieting.
  • VMarkV
    VMarkV Posts: 522 Member
    Caffeine slightly increases BMR but I always take caffeine because it is also proven to increase cognition...who doesn't want to be smarter?
  • ThePinkPachyderm
    ThePinkPachyderm Posts: 140 Member
    I don't see how either of those articles are relevant to your concerns of caffeine aiding in weight gain. Also, insulin resistance is usually a good thing while dieting.

    The articles aren't relevant to anything, that's the point, the are just a bunch of gobblety gook about caffeine and insulin. There are lots of posts on the internet that directly relate these finding to weight loss, but they are much less sciency and much more "some lady with a blog trying to sound like a caffeine expert". So I didn't post those, because.. why? You own a googler, you are welcome to sift through the 1000's of articles on the subject.. but not this guy, I like the easy route, that is why I am here asking people that have already done all that work to quickly summarize all the data in the universe on the subject and tell it back to me in a few easy to digest sentences .. it just works better for me that way
  • Sunpoet
    Sunpoet Posts: 65 Member
    I love coffee, if I could I'd go around with a IV drip of the stuff going 24/7. However, since I know too much caffeine can be a bad thing, I limit myself to 2 cups a day. I add just a hint of flavored creamer to take the edge of the bitterness.
  • wackyfunster
    wackyfunster Posts: 944 Member
    Rather than dismiss science altogether, post the studies you're referring to.

    That certainly seems like WAY more work than blanket dismissal .. but if you insist:

    Here is a fancy pants article with lots of jargon and wordiness.. so it is probably all true:

    http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/2/399.full

    And here is a livestrong article ... the words are smaller .. so it doesn't sound near as science-y ...

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/306817-caffeine-insulin-resistance/
    Insulin resistance is actually GOOD for weight loss. It signals to your body that you have a huge surplus of food, to the point where it is starting to adversely affect your health, and that your body needs to stop storing fat. This is one of the factors that allow the obese to lose 1 or more pounds of fat per day without substantial muscle loss, while a "healthy" weight person can manage maybe one pound per week with some muscle loss.
  • Glucocorticoid
    Glucocorticoid Posts: 867 Member
    I don't see how either of those articles are relevant to your concerns of caffeine aiding in weight gain. Also, insulin resistance is usually a good thing while dieting.

    The articles aren't relevant to anything, that's the point, the are just a bunch of gobblety gook about caffeine and insulin. There are lots of posts on the internet that directly relate these finding to weight loss, but they are much less sciency and much more "some lady with a blog trying to sound like a caffeine expert". So I didn't post those, because.. why? You own a googler, you are welcome to sift through the 1000's of articles on the subject.. but not this guy, I like the easy route, that is why I am here asking people that have already done all that work to quickly summarize all the data in the universe on the subject and tell it back to me in a few easy to digest sentences .. it just works better for me that way
    Here's a good summary sort of thing you are looking for (although a bit longer than a few sentences).
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/coffee-diabetes-and-weight-control-research-review.html
  • starcatcher1975
    starcatcher1975 Posts: 292 Member
    I've been off of it since January (in liquid form) and also had some this weekend. I've gained weight this weekend but I'm not sure if it's the caffeine or if it was something else. I am just super sensitive to caffeine, even when it's in food so I've been trying to avoid it. But now that you mention it, I have had a really hard time losing weight. Maybe I'm just not dedicated or hard core enough or maybe there really is something to caffeine helping a person lose weight. Hope that made sense, I've been up for almost 2 days now and I'm really just ready for bed
  • CoachDave2012
    CoachDave2012 Posts: 34 Member
    ^ That was posted in white.

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