... everyone says it's no good for you ....

So what? And who is everyone? And ask them WHY?

Why is coffee no good for you?
Why should you go as hard as you can on the treadmill?
Why are you doing what you are doing?

If you can't answer these questions, or the person giving you the advice can't answer them, then it may be time to reconsider your course of action.

I met with a client this morning who is trying to shed some extra kilos. She has all the support in the world from her family, but she told me they are all missing coffee and getting cross because she is feeling hungry all the time. When I asked her why she had given up coffee she said that she had been told she should because it dehydrates the body and is no good for you. (This was advice from friends).

Well, I say that most things, if they have a natural source, are good for you in moderation. And as a huge fan of a nice strong espresso or long black in the morning, I reckon I'd be pretty miserable if someone took my coffee away too. Coffee, made from freshly ground beans, espresso style, percolated or plunged has virtually no calories. It is a great stimulant for the body and the mind and in moderation - ie 1 cup a day - can have a very positive effect on metabolism and weight management. Coffee becomes detrimental when you add the flavours and the sugars or the artificial sweeteners that you can get added at some of the coffee chain suppliers, and when you have more than 1 cup a day. Anything in excess is not good for you.

As for the dehydrating effect of coffee, certainly it is a diuretic, which means your body will lose water from drinking coffee rather than gain, however you can simply have a glass of water when you have your coffee and you should be ok, provided your normal water intake is sufficient for your body's needs. Dehydration is more likely to result from insufficient water intake throughout the day. It is far more important to drink your 3 or so litres of water every day, especially here in the tropics, for good hydration, than to eliminate a single cup of coffee.

If you are trying to lose weight and improve your health and fitness here are some simple guidelines:
1. Eat natural products - fruit, veges, eggs, meat, fish, chicken, nuts, honey (sweet), avocado (fats)
2. Enjoy your food - find combinations of healthy foods that you like and enjoy so you look forward to meals and snacks
3. Eliminate processed and packaged foods, especially if you don't know what the ingredients are.
4. Learn to read the labels on your food and eliminate anything that has artificial sweeteners. These send a dangerous message to your brain that can cause you to crave sweets, as they send a message to the brain that can be 50 - 200 times stronger than it receives from sugar. This means next time you want something sweet it's going to take more to satisfy your cravings.
5. Hydrate regularly, aiming to consume at least 3 litres of filtered water daily. This helps the body eliminate toxins, and helps you absorb the micronutrients from the food you eat.

In other words, keep it simple. If you're not sure why you're doing something ask someone that knows, and if you receive unsolicited advice about your health and fitness, ask the person giving the advice "WHY?". Do your own research from sources that are reputable and knowledgeable.

Knowledge is power, and the right knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to healthy living and eating.

Embrace a healthy lifestyle and enjoy your coffee!!!