The evidence is insubstantial as to whether coffee consumption can lead to insulin insensitivity problems and thereby result in weight gain or difficulties with losing weight.

What is clear is that our dependence and affection for coffee is not about to stop. Therefore as caffeine increases in our diets we need to be aware of the effects it can have on our health.

Caffeine is a stimulant. Caffeine operates at many different levels in our bodies; one being that it stimulates the release of epinephrine (adrenalin) which helps us with the ‘fight or flight’ response. Constant demand for a ‘fight or flight’ response stresses and exhausts our body. Excessive use of caffeine can contribute to anxiety, sleeping problems, stomach ulcers and heart palpations.

Our lives are busier than ever before and bursting with things we ‘haven’t got to yet’. Grabbing another coffee is an easy way to keep going why the real issues take a back seat. Excessive coffee consumption used as an on-going coping strategy is incongruent with looking after your health.

A coffee every other day together with a good balanced diet, sufficient sleep, regular physical activity and plenty of water cannot be beaten. Addressing time management problems, delegating tasks and asking for help are positive ways to reduce our dependence on coping strategies that are ultimately not good for our health.

Good healthy low calorie alternatives to a cup of coffee include; camomile tea, peppermint tea, dandelion tea, de-caffeinated black and chai tea. But nothing beats being well hydrated with water.