When it comes to losing weight, most people desire quick fixes and social media is full of promising and effortless weight-loss ideas. From healthy meal prep hacks and the 2-2-2 technique to the diabetes drug Ozempic and the oat-zempic trend, the internet is overflowing with promising but often unhealthy, quick-fix diet fads. Now, a new trend called the 7-second coffee loophole is on the block. Social media is abuzz with a unique coffee trick that promises visible results for losing weight.
Wondering what the 7-second coffee loophole is? The idea is to drink black coffee with additives like cinnamon or lemon within seven seconds when you feel hungry to curb the feeling and reduce appetite. However, it is this technique really helpful for losing weight?
Dietician Veena V, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore, explained that the principle behind the 7-second loophole is based on how caffeine triggers the release of hunger hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine. When an individual drinks black coffee, it stimulates the release of hunger hormones, suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism, which later results in effective fat burning, reported the Indian Express.
However, this trend can be a double-edged sword for weight loss and foster an unhealthy eating habit. While caffeine does have some appetite-suppressing properties, regularly relying on coffee to suppress hunger can be extremely unhealthy too. This can disrupt your sleep cycle and contribute to anxiety.
The 7-second coffee loophole distracts one from having a balanced diet and healthy eating habits while ignoring the body’s natural hunger pangs. With the passing of time, this trend could lead to unhealthy eating habits in the long run.
However, remember that there is no magic bullet. You need to make sure that you consume a healthy diet, do proper exercise and achieve sustainable weight loss. Here’s how it actually works:
- Fuel your body right:Avoid unhealthy food and focus on whole, unprocessed foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. These foods keep you feeling satisfied and invigorated because of their high vitamin content.
- Portion control is important: Pay attention to serving sizes and slow down while eating to allow your body to record fullness signals.
- Hydration is the key: The most important thing to note is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It keeps you feeling full and helps your body function optimally.
- Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for weight management. It boosts your metabolism, burns calories and strengthens muscle.