Can You Drink Coffee on Bright Line Eating?

This week, I decided to give up drinking coffee. Again. Does this mean I think everyone doing Bright Line Eating™ should give it up, too? My answer to that question has been shifting lately. Watch the vlog to hear all about it.

Comments

  1. Kate

    Can I put Half and Half in my coffee? And if so, how much and what does it count as. I only drink 1/2 cup in the morning, but I really like H&H and not plain milk

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  2. Twi

    Coffee actually makes me hungry and always had it growing up with dessert…risky for me for sure!

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  3. Emily Robertson

    Yes, matcha is a great substitute if you love coffee but know it’s not working!

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  4. Fiona

    I have been a coffee addict for decades. Often wonder how much I have thinned out my dopamine receptors because of that. I don’t abuse it like I used to but I am definitely hooked and can’t imagine trying to give it up. I do drink organic and half caff but there is still the neurological factor to be considered.

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  5. Stephanie

    It helps with Asthma. I is a good bronchodilator.
    I seldom waste time when drinking my mug in the morning. I take the dog out, exercise, and drink my coffee.

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  6. Meaghan

    Ari from the Energy Blueprint has a great module on coffee within his course. He breaks down how it can suck energy from you, but offers a way to continue drinking it after detoxing for a few weeks if needed .

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  7. Kathy W

    How people react to coffee is genetic. There are slow metabolizers and fast metabolizers. There are people who are energized by coffee and those who are calmed. I I never drank coffee most of my life and I am a jittery insomniac. I began to drink coffee because it was supposedly healthy. I found that it calmed me. If I need a nap, I drink a coffee. The last few years, after toxic chemotherapy, my heart began to disturb me so badly that I could barely stand up and I would tremble. I had testing done and I have harmless arrhythmias that aren’t dangerous, just disruptive. Then I took a genetic health test. I found out that I am a slow coffee metabolizer, meaning that over two cups a day makes my heart beat out of rhythm. So, It is extremely individual. Some people, like me, cannot metabolize coffee correctly and it is actually dangerous to have more than two cups a day for us. As for stained teeth. My teeth are very good and they don’t stain. Coffee also does effect blood sugar, individually, and since giving up flour and sugar is all about controlling blood sugar, bottom line, then giving it up might be a factor in helping you keep your blood sugar steady. So, all studies point to coffee being very healthy but it does have some down sides, especially for some people. I now limit myself to two cups a day. I could give it up for lemon water but I find coffee still relaxes me when I keep to the two cups of caffeinated a day. The antioxidants in coffee are not assimilated well if you use milk or cream in it but adding milk might help with leveling the blood sugar. I lived just fine without coffee before and I might just go back to that eventually.

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  8. Christy

    i can follow bright lines perfectly, but if i drink coffee, i don’t lose weight…..for some people, it messes with their hormones and therefore prevents weight loss. so, think it really depends on the person and how strong their adrenals are:-)))

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  9. Patricia

    The health benefits attributed to coffee might be because it is the #1 source of antioxidants in the American diet (and possibly the diets in other industrialized countries). So people who don’t drink coffee might have lower dietary antioxidants. We don’t know If people with ultra-healthy, antioxidant-rich diets (lots of whole plant foods) actually have an increased benefit from drinking coffee or not. So no one should start drinking coffee for the health benefits—better to eat more fruits and vegetables. Caffeine is still a drug. Though I don’t blame anyone who chooses to continue drinking it, since I fall into that category myself!

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  10. Nancy Goss

    I am a one cup coffee drinker. I use goat milk in it with MCT oil. I never really liked the taste of coffee until I was well into my 40’s. If I don’t have the coffee for a day, I do get a headache. I am low on the susceptibility scale.

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  11. Kevel

    Coffee should be drunk black to taste the beautiful nuances and flavor. I don’t really notice a buzz from drinking coffee and if I forget my morning joe, I do not feel tired or get any negative response. It is not an issue for me.

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  12. Jane

    Two more things individuals might want to consider when deciding how to handle their own coffee question – –

    There is actually a genetic picture that helps determine how well we each metabolize coffee. So each person’s experience is influenced not only by their susceptibility score and their personal experience, but also by their genes. Some people can digest coffee efficiently, and others can’t, and this isn’t something you can change by “getting used to it.”

    For me (and likely for some others here) there is also the question of cortisol. I know that morning coffee (especially on an empty stomach) can create an undesirable kick to the adrenals, whereas afternoon coffee is less likely to do so. Anyone who has had adrenal exhaustion or related hormonal issues may find that a morning cup of coffee interferes with weight loss, but an afternoon cup does not – – which seems mysterious if you haven’t thought of the adrenal connection.

    Thanks, Susan. You are a peach. I think you made it abundantly clear that you aren’t bossing us on this issue. 🙂

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  13. Pingback: Morning Joe - Fit and Svelte
  14. Amelia

    Thank you! I’m a coffee drinker with measured cream added at breakfast or as “dessert” at dinner, black at other times of the day. I appreciate your invitation to be aware of all the ways coffee can distract, but it is a comfort and has helped me stay bright. The idea of finding what works for us as individuals is very precious.

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    1. Bright Line Eating

      Yes! We are all on our own journeys! Thanks for sharing Amelia!

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  15. Ariann

    I only drink coffee when I have a headache or when I travel and need to stay awake for an extended period of time. Coffee is addictive. Good for those who coffee works and it doesn’t affect them adversely. I know how coffee affect me and it doesn’t work for me. I don’t even drink black tea. Green tea is OK in moderation. I mostly drink water. Thank you Susan.

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  16. Margaret Rose

    Cat, I’m so with you on this. It’s not the cup of (delicious) coffee…..it’s ‘what shall I have with it? ‘ ..especially at Caffè Nero or Costa Coffee ( in the UK). I think this is what raised me to a 7 on the susceptibility scale. I’m working on it as I relaunch myself into BLE. So much to think about. The Vlogs and comments are helpful.

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  17. Cat

    Susan I’m from Scotland, and was raised on tea, it holds a lot of memories for me with my mother as she always had tea and biscuits, at the ready when I came home from school or if her friends dropped by. Both my sister and I inherited this trait/habit. When we emigrated to Canada tea was my drink of choice, no milk, due to allergies, but sugar, now sweetener. I was very thin naturally until my 30s, then the weight yo, yo’d. I’m now in my late 60s. Recently I’ve been finding that having a cup of tea, does 2 things to me. I find I’m mindlessly drinking it, not fully aware of the pleasure, and secondly that I automatically start to think, “what can I have with this” I think it’s so ingrained in my subconscious that tea and biscuits go together, that I didn’t realize the impact on my diet/bright lines. So I’m giving it up. Like you stated it doesn’t serve me. For the people who commented on how hard it would be to only drink water, I drink mine with lemon, and if my husband and I are going out to eat, or if family and friends come over, and are drinking wine, I have a Perrier with lemon and lime slices in a lovely crystal glass. I definitely think that my tea addiction is tied to strong memories, but I’m realizing those memories will be there no matter what.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Thanks for sharing this Cat. Love your thoughts about your memories with your mom continuing, regardless of whether or not you continue drinking tea. That’s a really interesting thought to consider.

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  18. Briana

    I love the “self responsibility”! Every body and mind are travelling a different road. BLE is a guideline and then science behind it is amazing, however everyone is learning or knows what is best for their own body (mind).

    I gave up caffine back in September 2018 with my dad after he had a quadruple bypass. I drink it once a week (which keeps me goin for days lol) and stick to decaf the rest of the time. I am however weaning off the coffee as soon as the weather warms up, as I am noticing my stained teeth and I use a touch cream in it.

    But to each thier own! Good luck BLEers.

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  19. Cathy Johnson

    Susan – Thank you for not saying anything I can’t live with! Love this answer!!!!

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  20. Angela Janecke

    You are spot on. Some of us can indulge in coffee without any second thoughts, including me, except decaf after lunchtime. You are very inclusive. But I appreciate this insight. This was a timely blog for me.

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  21. Elizabeth Ernst

    I’ve been drinking coffee everyday since I was 12 and I definitely fall into the “over my dead body” group. My lines are bright with coffee and I feel good about them. It would be interesting to give it up for a month or a week to see how that impacts my program. I have 102 bight days today! On an interesting side note, caffeine does not impact my bright lines but, Nicotine rocks me! I smoked a few cigarettes over the weekend when I was out dancing with friends. I really threw me off! My brain switched into “wanting more mode”. It took awhile to flip the switch back.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      This is a great example of “knowing oneself” Elizabeth. Good job on your 102 Bright days! <3

      Reply ·
  22. Sarah Boyle

    I love the freedom you give us, Susan, around the issues of coffee. It always comes back to how it serves us and how it affects us and you have given us many tools to work around these issues.
    I personally drink one good cup of coffee in the morning, served black always and by doing this it helps me not suffer from headaches on a daily basis. I watched the Ari Whitton Energy Blueprint last year and took the no coffee challenge he proposed in terms of finding my normal energy level and while I did find that helpful in terms of regaining my energy I also developed daily headaches which I found disappeared when I went back to drinking one cup a day.
    Thank you for this vlog and I wish you all the best in your coffee free days😊

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  23. Karen

    Strange this topic came up this week. I have been telling my husband that I no longer enjoy my coffee without my sweetener .. It just tastes bitter to me now. I thought after 30 days things would change and my taste buds would learn to love it…. NOT SO, so I’m going to green tea.

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  24. Maureen Baird

    I think Susan has great information. I wish she would say what she had to say and not repeat herself and drag it out. It has taken her 20 minutes to tell us why she doesn’t want to drink coffee. Great information, but who has 20 minutes.

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  25. Debbie Abshire

    I enjoyed the blog, It really wasn’t about coffee at all, but as you said about self responsibility. Thank you Susan for not being afraid to tackle any subject.
    P.S. LOVE the color of your lipstick…

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    1. Kima

      Exactly! Coffee is the excuse, the blog is about self responsibility, and very useful, as always…

      Reply ·
  26. Bette Pollex

    I quit coffee last summer. I can’t make coffee good enough at home to drink without sugar/creamer. Now I drink no-caffeine herbal tea all day, hot now, cold in the summer.

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  27. Zorina

    When I started BLE Bootcamp, I thought I might expire without coffee. I have drank coffee since childhood and I am in my mid-sixties:) I am still here! I couldn’t stomach it without cream and agave, so I just quit. The amazing thing is I can barely even smell it now. My pulse is in the 60s, down from the 70s and 80s and I am thrilled about that. My teeth look much better and I can’t think of a good reason to start back. There are many other health behaviors that can replace whatever benefit coffee provides.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Glad you’ve found an approach that brings you peace Zorina!

      Reply ·
  28. Sara Sohn

    I really loved this blog, thank you. I find myself that coffee leads me to make excuses with creamer and then almond milk and then I started matcha with a collagen protein powder etc…it never goes well and I think it’s a big part of why I have lost a lot of weight but still have a lot of food thoughts between meals. I needed to hear this and I’m appreciative.

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  29. Dee

    What about TEA???? It is such an excellent hot drink and there are so many varieties. I have Matcha once a day, EArl Grey, Russian Caravan, ginger and lemon, fruit teas, etc,etc, If you fancy milk in black tea then just measure in a teaspoon worth, that works on the tannins. It’s much better for you, less addictive than coffee. Give it a go!!!!

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  30. Elaine

    My doctor told me many years ago that you never add milk to coffee. I honestly don’t remember why – if he told me – so I have drunk black coffee ever since. I gave my Capuchino maker away and drank black coffee. Then I had a food sensitivity test run and coffee was in the red (high) zone. The never drink again zone. I looked at that test and said, “I’ll read it again in the morning with my morning cup of coffee!” I ended up giving up coffee for about 8 months but I really enjoyed coffee and the caffeine never seemed to bother me – I could fall asleep drinking a cup of coffee. I decided after 8 months to have a cup and see what happened. Oh my was it good! I have 1 cup on Wednesday and 1 cup on Saturday and I really enjoy it. I haven’t seen any side effects from it and 2 cups/week keep me from craving it and makes me feel like I am having a real treat. I use Organic cold brewed coffee – same as what I was drinking when I gave it up. Really makes me wonder if the food sensitivity test was really the coffee or maybe they ran it on Starbucks coffee or one that had mold or pesticides in it.

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  31. Lucy

    Susan ,
    Excuse me, , but those are YOUR issues!!

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    1. Claire

      Did you listen to the entire thing? Am not sure why this is a problem for you-as she is very up front about bringing in the whole picture–some people have no trouble with it and some do…and if you are having “issues” that you can’t quite pin-point…it MAY be the coffee.

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  32. Fiona S

    Just when I started dancing with coffee again… up pops just the vlog I need at just this time to reinforce what I already know; coffee is a slippery slope for 10+ me! Grrrrrr I love it so but it doesn’t love me back! Actually, you know what???; …… I only love it about once every few weeks when I hit a truly great coffee that hits my bliss point…. every other coffee in between is just like feeding quarters into the pokie machine …. waiting for the winner to come around and keeping me struggling. Aaaaarrgh! Thank you Susan.

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  33. Hollie Duvall

    Sometimes I wonder if this is starting to become a “cult”. Where the leader tells (suggests) the followers what they need to do next. I have lost 100+lb. on BLE and truly appreciate the sharing of information to be able to do this. But……I really think this over steps it. I’m concerned because there are those on this journey that are blindly leading and following everything SPT says because they have found success with her but at the same time are still not able to make good decisions on their own yet. This kind of topic tips the scale for me. Dangerously close to being too controlling. Just my opinion.

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    1. Kathy

      How do you get “controlling” from “decide for yourself” if coffee is good or bad for your program?

      Reply ·
    2. Bright Line Eating

      Thanks for your comment Hollie! All perspectives are welcome! Susan’s message is to choose for yourself what works and is sharing what is currently working for her. We encourage you to do what works best for you too! <3

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    3. Angela Janecke

      It is so good that you shared your thoughts. This is a safe place. My takeaway was different. It was that we each need to evaluate the items in our daily routines that work for us, or work against us. I enjoy my coffee, and it is not an issue at all, but I have other areas that I need to monitor. I am so stoked to learn about how my brain is working in daily choices. Once again, I so appreciate that this is a safe place to openly discuss the impacts of this program. I started with weight loss in mind, but my focus has shifted on to larger life issues. Thank you Susan for your openness, and for your thoughtful responses and insights into living life fully.

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  34. Zita Robinson

    I’ve never done coffee. So if coffee is medicinal and ok, what about cacao? It doesn’t contain sugar. Cacao is a powerful antioxidant.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Cacao fits under the ‘all things chocolate” category in BLE and is not recommended. 😉

      Reply ·
      1. Zita Robinson

        That’s why I ask. Coffee is ok and cacao, which doesn’t contain sugar, isn’t confuses me.

        Reply ·
        1. Bright Line Eating

          Hi Zita! One of our coaches was able to take a look at your question! Here’s the reply: “It’s not about the caffeine but a close genetic relationship to chocolate/cocoa (Susan says one of THE MOST addictive foods on the planet) that makes cacao tres tres “unfriendly” when doing the BLEing food plan. If you want to use cacao you could apply the 4 Questions along with being mindful of where you land on the Susceptibility Scale. The higher you are on the SS the more difficulty you may have with the food item. Hope that helps! <3

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  35. Lynne

    same consistency as flour and sugar….I guess I can see the relationship to addiction…. my weight is not going up, its either the same of a few pounds down depending on the week. I’m not where I want to be but I am so happy to be going down as opposed to going up. I guess I’ll try to pull my lines in tighter to see if coffee is a reason for weight stability on the week I am the same. Good topic to ponder…I would have never considered coffee being a saboteur .

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  36. Ann

    I drink two cups of coffee daily, each with 1 oz whole milk. I do subtract the value from another protein. I find a cup of coffee fills me up when I might be thinking of food & eating. Serves me well! 🙂

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  37. babs levedahl

    For me caffeine is a migraine cause, as well as a cure. I get(sometimes), migraines caused by some combination of low barometer, dehydration, hormone fluctuations,and low caffeine(caffeine withdrawl). It took years to parse all of this out, and I’ve gone on/off caffeine many times. In the last 10 years or so, have been free of caffeinated coffee, which allows me to use 2 Excedrin(aspirin250 mg., acetaminophen250mg., and caffeine60mg each) as a cure for the migraine…meaning that every month or two, I have 120 mg of caffeine. Other than that, I enjoy black, organic decaf, and simply am able to have it when I wish, and don’t have to bother with it at all in summer…in other words, I am happy and free of caffeine addiction.

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  38. Linden Morris Delrio

    I love SPT’s commentary on how we are all different and the more nuanced response around the coffee question. I’m a “weeny and a wouse” when it comes to fully caffeinated coffee. My system can’t handle the adrenalin surge that happens with it. Because of that I have been virtually caffeine free since my early twenties (when I was drinking about 20 cups a day and started having panic attacks) Today I can handle about a 1/4 cup and I’m about jangling of of the ceiling. Lol. Recently, I have been known to splash a tablespoon or two of my beloveds freshly brewed coffee into my decaf Earl Grey tea or Decaf coffee. On those mornings when I just can’t pick my eyelids off of the floor…that little bit actually helps! To each their own. Find out what works best for you and follow your “highest selfs” commentary. You can’t go wrong. We are all here to hold you up and help!!! xxx

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  39. Sam DuBois

    Thanks for the THOROUGH overview! I’ve “quit” coffee somewhat like you: not every day, so that – when I need a boost – the boost is there! (Sort of “having my coffee and drinking it, too”!)

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  40. Petra

    This week I have started to drink decaf, because I noticed that I was getting addicted to real coffee, even though I don’t even really like it. I am weaning myself from it, right now. Just because I do not want to serve my addictive brain. I am doing well with my bright lines. No problem there, but just keeping myself from creating another addiction…

    Reply ·
  41. Karen Predmore

    I decided from the very beginning that I would continue to drink coffee. I weigh it out every single morning with my creamer in it and count it as part of my morning protein. I have always felt completely at peace about it – and I do love it – and I really enjoy it! It would bring me less peace to try and drop it than it does to keep it. I questioned it early on when it came up in my FB house – but once I broke it down it was an easy decision to keep it. I was losing weight consistently, I drank it intentionally (I write it down too with all my other food), and it didn’t bring me a single bit of inner turmoil. I actually use my feelings about keeping coffee with creamer in it as a gauge around other items that could be triggers for me that I sometimes question – do I feel as peaceful and natural around them as I do my coffee? Yes – I can keep / No – has to go!

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Sounds like you’ve got a great routine going and have found what works for you Karen! <3

      Reply ·
    2. Lisa Pardue

      I use heavy cream in my coffee. Would that be a protein?

      Reply ·
      1. Bright Line Eating

        Hi Lisa! 1 ounce of heavy cream is considered a fat serving. 😉

        Reply ·
  42. Erika

    Coffee is addictive just like sugar and flour. People have to have it everyday or they have symptoms? Are those withdrawal symptoms? 😉
    So for me I choose to stay away. I don’t want to be back to square one with any substance that gets to where I “ have “ to have it. More free and having no food or drink control me. And for many that have food freedom… if they can’t give up coffee…. maybe they’re not as free as they think… 🙂

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  43. Stephany

    Hi Susan, thanks for this vlog. I think you msy need a part2 if you please. I too sit on the 10++ & sonetimes dance in the middle of coffee but more so Im with the folks who say “out of my dead hands” Im aware of the need for organic everything but dont stress much w/coffee as I , in my own quest for answes /direction, came across an article on how some folks actuallly benefit w /a rise of dopamine as they are actually low. These folks tend to be anxious/depressed. There are times but for me , my stress is more from some work I do walking dogs that are most often hyper. At that time of day , the cup brings me to “center” if that makes sense. I do not like anthing other than a small splash of coconut milk so Im good about not making it partt of a meal.

    I sorta feel body & soiritual psche is what is getting folks to be able to do bright line eating even w/coffee . Of course to a point ( limited consumption) . Curious of your thoghts . Thank you!

    Reply ·
    1. Stephany

      PS apologies for typing errors – I have a very cracked screen. & I am waiting for my new phone to get delivered

      Reply ·
  44. Tina Guida

    Black coffee is only healthy if it’s organic. Then boo-ya very very healthy!! I am in a right size body BLE for 2+ years and I really don’t want to give up my coffee. I gave up sugar, I gave up flour, I gave up chocolate – happily and I have gained so much more than I lost. But yes, over my cold dead body out of my bloody hands will you take my coffee away from me!! Love you – you go girl!!

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      lol! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tina! Sounds like you’ve figured out what works for you!

      Reply ·
    2. Helen Spingola

      I’m with you!! As one coffee-junky to another, nothing, no one, can even hint to me about giving up my coffee!! Drink
      it black, always have. So here’s looking at you, Kid. We’ll always have “coffee” – Cheers!!!

      Reply ·
  45. Jeanette Tranberg

    I gave up coffe last week. I switched to Matcha! Really recommend it – good for the tummy bacteria too! I drink it for breafast, with a 50/50 water and coconut milk, so I guess it’s kind of a mathca latte.

    Reply ·
    1. Angela

      Just watch what you do. You will figure out the best path for you.

      Reply ·
  46. Pamela J Auwaerter

    What’s left to drink but water? I d

    rink decaf coffee with a little 1/2&1/2. I had breast cancer 3 yrs ago. I can’t have anything with soy in it. I don’t use artificial sweeteners. So that leaves water. I thought brightline eating included decaf coffee.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Hi Pamela! Susan isn’t saying you can’t drink coffee in Bright Line Eating! However, she is encouraging you to take a look at how it’s serving you. There are many in BLE that do drink only water, but rest assured that isn’t a requirement. <3

      Reply ·
    2. Jane Cole-Stitt

      I love water, but it has to be spring water for me if it’s plain. There are things you can do with water to change it up. Add lemon and ginger, drop in a few sliced cucumbers, put in a sprig of your favorite spice. I’m not a bright liner but I follow Susan so you might want to check with your tribe for any cautionary words on what I’ve said.

      Reply ·
    3. Carolyn

      BLE includes caf or decaf coffee.

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    4. Becky L

      Herbal teas are a good choice. Maybe I wasn’t at first, but now I’m happy to drink Dandelion Root tea instead of coffee or black tea most every day.

      Reply ·
    5. Beverly Alexander

      I just saw your post…almost 2 years ago!

      Check out nutritionfacts.org and search for soy and cancer. Soy is a PHYTO-estrogen (plant based), not the same as estrogen, and can actually protect against breast cancer. This is why breast cancer is rare in Asian women, who eat lots of soy. Of course, you will need to evaluate the information for yourself and see if it makes sense to you.

      Reply ·
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