Good & Bad Effects of Coffee for Teenagers

Teens are drinking less soda, according to a 2014 study published in Pediatrics, but seem to be replacing it with more coffee. While coffee does offer some health benefits, it is a source of caffeine, which can have a negative effect on teen health. If you think your teen is drinking too much coffee, talk to your family doctor or pediatrician.

Benefits from Antioxidants

• While the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that teens not consume coffee, it's not all bad. Coffee is a natural source of antioxidants. These are substances that protect the body's cells against damage from free radicals and may help prevent or delay chronic illness. Teens may not be thinking much about their health as an adult, but including more antioxidant-rich foods like coffee may offer some benefit to their future health.

  There's also some evidence that coffee may reduce risk of diabetes, gallstones and Parkinson's disease, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. More research is necessary to confirm these benefits, however.

Effects of Too Much Caffeine

• One cup of brewed coffee contains 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that stimulant-containing beverages, including coffee, have no place in a teen's diet. High intakes of caffeine may increase a teen's heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine may also lead to hyperactivity and anxiety.

  Caffeine intake also seems to affect teen girls and boys differently, according to a 2014 study published in Pediatrics. This study noted changes in heart rate and blood pressure during different phases of a girl's menstrual cycle. The researchers recommend more studies to further evaluate the effect of caffeine on heart health in teens.

Too Many Extra Calories

• Teens are drinking less soda, but they may not be consuming less sugar. Many coffee drinks are loaded with calories from sugar and fat. In fact, these drinks may be higher in calories and fat than a can of soda.

  For example, a mocha coffee drink at a trendy coffeehouse may have as much as 400 calories, 11 grams of fat and 61 grams of carbs in a 12-ounce serving. While a can of cola does not make a healthier option, it's much lower in calories with about 150 per 12-ounce serving, and cola is fat-free as well.

Healthier Alternatives

• When it comes to drinks for teens, water and milk are the best choices, says KidsHealth. Water makes a good calorie-free thirst quencher, while milk helps ensure your teen gets more calcium in her diet.

  Teens need 3 cups of fat-free milk a day and at least 8 cups of water daily.

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How to Lose Belly Fat Fast for Teenagers

Dieting and exercise are key to losing weight. More young people are struggling with weight loss than ever before in history. Many teenagers struggle with weight in the midsection. This area can be hard to lose weight from, but with a lot of hard work, it can be accomplished. The best way to lose the weight quickly and efficiently is to create a plan and stick to it. This plan can work for teenagers and adults alike. 

Tips For You

1. Create a weight loss plan. In your plan, outline the time frame, total amount of weight to lose, a daily workout regimen and meal plans. More people succeed by writing their plans down instead of keeping them mentally. An alternative to setting a goal in pounds is to suggest a dress size that would be ideal to fit into. This type of goal is more appealing to a teenager.
2. Find a workout plan that works for you. There are many different options for exercising that places a focus on the midsection that include but are not limited to DVDs, classes and if you have ExerciseTV, you can follow along to the exercises in your living room. ExerciseTV also offers OnDemand exercise programs. Check your local listings and network provider to see if you have access to this channel. If your finances allow for it, you can join a local gym and work with a personal trainer.
3. Work out at least three times a week at a minimum to gain results. You should not exercise more than seven times a week as your muscles need recovery time. Pilates is an excellent workout that ensures results as it focuses on controlling the muscles in the body to allow for a more efficient exercise. The combination of cardio such as running, walking or biking and controlled focus on exercising the stomach muscles will bring results quickly.
4. Drink plenty of water. This is extremely important as you continue to exercise and sweat, your body needs to stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 64oz of water each day. One trick to make sure you are drinking enough water is to set an alarm on your watch or cell phone to beep every hour to remind you to drink one cup of water. This ensures your body is flushing out toxins from your organs and will assist you in losing weight quickly.
5. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and do not skip meals. Eating the majority of your calories in the beginning of the day at breakfast ensures that you will burn them throughout the day. Eggs (protein) along with complex carbohydrates (vegetables, nuts, whole grains) ensures your body will stay fuller longer and you will consume less calories throughout the rest of the day. Lunch and dinner should contain low fat protein such as fish or trimmed chicken breast and a complex carbohydrate such as vegetables or whole grain rice. Cut out all refined sugars, as consuming these will turn into belly fat and slow the progress of weight loss.
6. Stay on your plan and don't give up! This is essential to losing the desired amount of weight in the stomach area. Results will not be immediate but within two weeks at a minimum, you will see results. Have a positive support system to surround yourself with. People in your support system need to cheer you on and help you stay on track. This is especially important for teenagers as they tend to lead extremely busy lives.

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