Hi everyone. I drink a few cups of coffee per day. Will the Zone fat loss lifestyle work for me if I continue drinking coffee? Thank you

Hi Kevin, The breakdown products of caffeine will tend to increase insulin levels and thus drive you out of the zone.

If I can't stop coffee altogether is the Zone still able to work? I am the only cook for me and two children and for me to stay in the zone and keep them eating healthy will take some effort . Does anyone still drink caffeine and get worthwhile results on the Zone diet? How about caffeinated tea? Any difference?

Hi Kevin,

I'm not a "to the T" zone follower, so I apologize for contradicting what those zone dieters would say. But, I have followed the Zone diet loosely for about a year and lost 70 pounds. I didn't cut down on my caffeine until really recently. I agree is may take you out of the Zone, but if it doesn't change your eating habits, I don't think it would impact your weight loss.

Since I have cut down to 1 diet soda a day (and probably 0-1 cups of coffee a day), I have continued to lose weight. I feel better about myself, because I'm drinking more water. But, I don't know that it's affected my progress.

Hi Kevin:

How about decaf? I switched to decaf years ago doing what was yet another in a string of diets and just stuck with it. My favorite is hazelnut.

Good luck!

Marsha

The Zone is designed to be flexible. Some people work really well by being absolutely diligent about what's "allowed" and what isn't. Others (like me) will just end up sabatoging myself if I feel like I "can't" have something. Be moderate and try to compensate for the effect of the caffeine by drinking extra water. You may find eventually that you don't need it... or don't need it as much. Experiment and listen to your body. If you're concerned about the caffeine, give it up and see what happens. If you're concerned that giving up the caffeine will lead to over-tired and deprived... that will likely make you turn to food which will take you out of the Zone anyway.

I personally drink about 16 oz of coffee per day (one large travel mug). I even add flavoured cappaccino to it (*gasp*! all those unfavourable carbs!). It typically lasts me all morning. I still feel great. I don't feel I use it for the caffeine, but more as a beverage treat. I've been Zoning for almost a year now and have lost 25 lbs.

Hi Kevin,

I still have caffeine, but I suspect it is keeping me from experiencing the full benefits of the Zone. However, as I eat more Zone-favorably, exercise regularly (a few times per week) and get enough sleep (at least 7 hours), I find I drink far fewer caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

At first I tried to quit cold-turkey, and I was physically ill -- headaches, mentally unfocused -- I do better weaning off.

Laurie

Oh no!! Well I'm on Day 1 and I am not giving up my coffee sorry! Let's hope it works for us!

My experience with caffeine is that IF there is an effect at all on insulin, it seems to be minimal (at least for me). I know everyone will have their own personal experience with I have found that moderate consumption of caffeine does not affect my experience in the Zone. And, it has been studied that coffee is beneficial for diabetics for insulin and blood sugar control--which contradicts the thought that caffeine would significantly raise insulin levels. I looked at this several months ago and posted some interesting findings, and a search of the forums may help to dig up the details if you are looking for it. I had even received an email response from Barry Sears on the subject, which I had posted at that time.

I appreciate all of your interesting responses. At this point I will be moderate with coffee consumption and see how it goes. So far I have been able to stay in the zone most of the time with this way of eating. The best thing about it is that it has greatly reduced cravings for sweets and feelings of hunger. I've been on this diet for three weeks and have lost 4 pounds so far. I'm 5-10 and 202lbs. My doctor told me about the zone. Allison- congratulations on losing 70 pounds. You are an inspiration and have also helped me greatly in my decision about coffee.

What about green tea which contains caffeine as well. Will that impact being in the zone as well or is it okay to drink? Besides water what do people drink - both hot and cold?

Hi, American coffee has about 100 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce cup (most people drink much more than that in a cup) while green tea has 30 mg, white tea 20, and herbal tea has none. I had to give up caffeine because I had become very sensitive to it. I drink a lot of water, some sparkling water, and some herbal tea. Occasionally (rarely) I drink hot milk.

My preworkout supplement has 100mg of caffeine and that's all I take most any day, 200g tops. My weight loss seems enchanced as it helps me stay more active all day and intense at the gym lately