Proffee = Protein + Coffee
Maybe you’re familiar with that little equation above. Maybe this is your first time seeing it, and I’ve revolutionized your life. Proffee, a drink that combines protein powder and coffee, has gained a lot of attention as of late. Fitness influencers have sworn by this, saying that it increases metabolism and keeps you full longer, but does it really? At this point you should know the internet often lies, especially when it comes to fitness. Let’s take a look at some science that reveals the truth about this trend.
According to Michael Matthews on the Legion website, proffee can play a slight role in weight loss, but it’s smaller than you think. “The caffeine may slightly boost your metabolism and fat burning, while the protein may help you feel fuller and cause your body to burn slightly more calories during digestion,” Matthews writes. However, he says that you won’t see results from drinking this alone. For more significant results, combine proffee with exercise and a calorie controlled diet.
Coffee benefits
Caffeine has the ability to increase metabolic rate, helping you burn fat. Matthews cites a meta-analysis which found that when people doubled their daily caffeine intake, they experienced a 22%, 17%, and 28% greater reduction in body weight, BMI, and body fat. However, these results are relative, showing that if you lost 1 pound in a week, doubling your caffeine intake would only help you lose 1.22 pounds. Other research shows that caffeine might curb hunger, but the effect of this is so small that it doesn’t really matter.
Protein benefits
Looking at protein, Matthews writes, “studies show that people who eat more protein while dieting lose more fat than those who eat less, even if the high-protein diet provides more calories overall.” Some studies show that those who increase their daily protein intake lose weight, despite eating more calories than usual. Matthews writes that while researchers don’t know why protein increases weight loss, they’ve theorized that this is because it costs more calories to process carbs than fats. While eating protein does burn fat, Matthews mentions that the effect is small, and it’s a slow process that won’t have a notable change on your appearance.
Those who’ve participated in the “proffee” trend have also believed that protein can suppress your appetite. Another study shows that while it can reduce hunger and increase fullness at times, it fades over time as your body gets used to the higher protein intake. Matthews writes that drinking proffee won’t make much of a difference on appetite unless you’re eating other large protein portions throughout the day. Even if you do this, the effect isn’t lasting, so solely relying on protein isn’t a good long-term solution for hunger.
Overall, there is no harm in adding proffee to your diet. However, be aware that it’s not a replacement for healthy eating and exercise. Proffee alone won’t help you shed pounds. Try focusing on long-term health, eating whole foods and exercising around 3-5 times a week. Work with a trainer if you need help on where to get started, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
