The Coffee Diet

To some people the coffee diet seems like the answer to their prayers - eat what you want, and fill up on frappuccinos or lattes all day long.

Although it is a simple plan, the coffee diet is not quite a simple as that. They theory behind the coffee diet is based on the effect of caffeine on the metabolism - it can increase your body's metabolic rate by up to 10%, thus allowing you to burn hundreds more calories per day.

How To Follow the Coffee Diet

Following the coffee diet is simple. Drink five cups per day, as follows:

• Cup 1: After breakfast
• Cup 2: After lunch
• Cup 3: Around 3-4 pm
• Cup 4: After Dinner
• Cup 5: Around 9 pm

Is That Really It?

So here's the caveat. This is Java 'straight up'. As soon as you start loading it up with milk and sugar, the plan goes out the window.

What Side Effects / Drawbacks?

Other considerations would be:

• Dehydration
• Discoloured teeth
• Bad breath
• Loss of sleep
• Increased anxiety

Brushing your teeth after meals and drinking plenty of water will take care of the first three, and as for the others, individual reactions to caffeine vary, so it's really going to vary how much five cups of java per day will effect you.

Our Thoughts on The Coffee Plan

The bottom line is that while this is not a miracle weight loss programme, as a part of a sensible plan of eating and exercise it could make a difference - if you can take the increased alertness and the constant toilet breaks!.