Starting the day without coffee is unthinkable for most people, and the first cup of coffee in the morning is a personal moment of peace before your new workday begins.
In addition to all of this, the effect of coffee on your body depends on many details, such as how you drink it, at what time, and whether you listen to your body's needs.
If consumed on an empty stomach, in a hurry, and under stress, coffee can increase irritability and fatigue, while at a more leisurely pace, with or after breakfast, it often has the opposite effect, supporting concentration and mood.
Coffee in the late afternoon can cost you the quality sleep you really need. However, if you are tired in the afternoon, it is recommended to drink a cup of coffee around 14:00 or 15:00 PM, and not after that.
A cup of coffee right after waking up is not a good idea, because consuming caffeine as soon as you open your eyes can interfere with the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating your circadian rhythm, which affects your energy levels for the rest of the day. Instead, experts advise drinking your first cup of coffee 60 to 90 minutes after waking up, and until then, drink water, get exposed to natural light, and incorporate light exercise so your body wakes up naturally, writes Health.
Many people often feel hungry and tired, so after drinking a cup of coffee, you feel like you've temporarily "cheated" your hunger and gained more energy, but this effect is usually short-lived. When coffee is used as a meal replacement, the body is left without fuel in the long run, and fatigue is only postponed rather than resolved.
"Instead of coffee, choose a snack that contains protein and fiber, as they provide real energy and help stabilize blood glucose levels," said dietitian Carry Glesman.
It's not necessary to completely eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet, but it's a good idea to control your intake. A cup of coffee with two or three tablespoons of sugar a few times a day will increase your daily sugar intake without you even noticing, which is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Instead, it's recommended that you drink coffee without additives or sweeten it with a minimal amount of natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or maple syrup.
