Our Registered Dietitian friend, Aimée explains what drinks can boost metabolism.

Buyer-beware when it comes to weight loss or detox “teas.” Ingredient lists may include several different forms of caffeine, herbal stimulants such as guarana, laxatives, and even more harmful chemical additives. Pumped with potential excessive levels of caffeine and other stimulants, these products rev you, and your heart, up for explosive workouts. High levels of these additives can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and excessive fluid excretion causing dehydration and increasing the risk for electrolyte imbalances. Dehydration can show up as perceived weight loss on the scale, but with continued use, these teas can be problematic to your health. There are beverages, however, that may help you to better reach your ideal body weight without the scary side effects. 

Caffeine-containing beverages can lead to increased fatty acid mobilization while fat loss occurs, especially during aerobic workouts. Fatty acids are relocated from their “storage facilities” and moved in to the mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, where they are used for energy, thus promoting fat loss. 

Protein-rich drinks such as ultra-filtered milk, ready-to-drink protein shakes, and high-protein smoothies using Greek yogurt or a protein powder help to fill us up and keep us fuller longer. Providing up to 20g protein or more per serving, these beverages are a no-brainer when it comes to providing fast-acting satiety. Protein-containing beverages (and foods) have the greatest TEF (thermic effect of food). Compared to foods abundant in fat and carbohydrates, protein sources seem to use more energy and increase heat production by the body during digestion, thus burning more calories in the process, and ultimately leading to greater weight loss. 

The fat in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) appears to be more readily used as fuel and less likely to be stored as fat by the body compared to other types of fats. Other benefits include a slight increase in metabolism and quicker satiety. With easy blending and added richness, MCT oil in a daily cup of coffee, or two, has been a trend that will likely hang around. Beverages containing MCT oil are exploding in the market but may have unnecessary added sugars that can be counterproductive when weight loss is your goal. ICONIC’s Keto Collagen Coffee powder checks these boxes and more with it's moderate caffeine content, MCT oil, zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and when mixed with your liquid of choice every ounce counts toward your daily fluid intake. 

Proper hydration is paramount when trying to shed some pounds. All forms of water including fruit-infused, electrolyte-enhanced, and herb-scented help to work towards our recommended daily fluid intake. Sparkling water has the added bonus of belly-filling bubbles which help to increase the feeling of fullness. Swapping sparkling water in lieu of juice, sweet tea, or coffee house dessert drinks whenever possible is sure to contribute to weight loss. 

It is critical to steer clear of added sugar as much as possible when watching your weight. It is well documented that sugar-sweetened beverages, like soft drinks and many coffee beverages, have a direct correlation to weight gain. Artificially sweetened beverages, such as diet soft drinks and diet teas, also top the list of things to avoid as they may increase the desire for sweets, could affect the integrity of our gut microbiome, and may even increase the likelihood of weight gain, thus raising the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Keep in mind that the right beverage choices are part of an overall healthy diet when trying to tip the scale in the right direction. 

Aimée Plauché, RD, LDN

Nutritional Wellness Consulting

Read about the correlation between protein and metabolism here!