Timing can make a difference in how coffee affects you. The article suggests waiting around 60 to 90 minutes after waking before having your first cup, allowing the body’s natural waking process to take place first. Moderate consumption is also important, since excessive caffeine—particularly above about 400 mg per day—may contribute to restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
What you put in your coffee matters too. Black coffee is naturally low in calories, while large amounts of sugary syrups and heavy creamers can significantly increase calories and sugar. Drinking water before coffee and having it with a light meal or snack may also help people who experience stomach discomfort when drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
Finally, caffeine can remain in the body for hours, so drinking coffee late in the day may interfere with sleep. Cutting it off by mid-afternoon can help some people protect their nighttime rest. Overall, the article recommends enjoying coffee mindfully by paying attention to the amount you drink, when you drink it, and what you add to each cup.
