The Best Time To Olive Oil Drink For Weight Loss
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy for more information.
![Olive oil being poured from a glass bottle into a small bowl, with olive branches and olives on a wooden surface.](https://yourweightlossnutritionist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/olive-oil.png)
Ever heard of people drinking olive oil like it’s a magic weight loss potion?
It might sound strange, but some people swear by drinking olive oil to lose weight.
But is there really a “best time” to gulp down this kitchen staple for slimming down?
Let’s dive into this topic and separate fact from fiction.
What is the Best Time To Drink Olive Oil For Weight Loss?
There isn’t really a “best time” to drink olive oil for weight loss because olive oil isn’t meant to be drunk on its own.
Olive oil is a cooking oil that’s used to prepare food, not a special weight loss drink.
Some people claim drinking olive oil helps them lose weight, but there’s no good scientific evidence to back up this claim.
In fact, drinking lots of olive oil could make you gain weight because it has a lot of calories.
Olive oil is healthy when used in normal amounts for cooking, but it’s not a magic weight loss solution.
Instead of trying to drink olive oil at certain times, it’s better to use it in small amounts when cooking healthy meals.
Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with regular exercise, is a much better way to manage your weight than drinking olive oil.
If you want to include olive oil in your diet, use it to make salad dressings or to cook vegetables, but don’t think of it as something that you should drink to lose weight.
Remember, there are no quick fixes or magic foods for losing weight – it’s about overall healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Also Read: The Best Time To Drink Bone Broth For Weight Loss
Potential Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil for Weight Loss
The following are some potential benefits of including olive oil in your weight loss diet.
Feeling fuller
Some people believe that taking a spoonful of olive oil before meals can help them feel more satisfied.
The idea is that the fat in olive oil slows down digestion, keeping you feeling full for longer.
This might lead to eating smaller portions or feeling less tempted by snacks between meals.
Boosting metabolism
There’s a theory that the healthy fats in olive oil might slightly increase your metabolic rate.
This means your body might burn calories a bit faster.
Some studies have shown that diets high in monounsaturated fats (like those in olive oil) might help people burn fat more efficiently.
However the effect is likely small, and more research is needed to confirm this.
Replacing unhealthy fats
If you use olive oil instead of less healthy fats (like those found in processed foods or some animal products), it could help improve your overall diet quality.
A healthier diet can support weight loss efforts and overall health.
For example, using olive oil in a salad dressing instead of a creamy, high-calorie dressing could help reduce your overall calorie intake while still providing flavor and nutrients.
Hormone balance
I have read claims that the fats in olive oil might help balance hormones related to hunger and fat storage.
For example, they say it might help control levels of hormones like leptin, which affects how full you feel, or insulin, which plays a role in how your body stores fat.
However, there’s not much solid scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Also Read: Why Low-Fat Diets Dont Work For Weight Loss
Downsides of Drinking Olive Oil for Weight Loss
Let’s go over the downsides of directly drinking olive oil for weight loss.
High-calorie content
Olive oil is very calorie-dense. As per the USDA, one tablespoon contains about 119 calories.
If you’re drinking several tablespoons a day, you’re adding hundreds of extra calories to your diet.
This can easily offset any calorie deficit you’re trying to create for weight loss.
Even if olive oil has health benefits, consuming too many calories from any source is not what you want when trying to lose weight.
Lack of scientific evidence
While olive oil is healthy when used in cooking, there’s no solid scientific research showing that drinking it leads to weight loss.
Most health benefits associated with olive oil come from studies where it’s used as part of a balanced diet, not consumed as a drink.
Misconceptions about fat-burning
There are claims that drinking olive oil will directly burn body fat or significantly boost metabolism.
This isn’t accurate.
While healthy fats are important for overall health, simply drinking oil doesn’t cause your body to burn more fat.
Risk of overconsumption
It’s easy to drink more olive oil than you realize. Unlike when you use it in cooking, where you can measure it carefully, drinking it straight makes it hard to control portions.
This can lead to consuming far more calories than intended.
Potential weight gain
If you’re adding olive oil to your diet without reducing calories elsewhere, you’re likely to gain weight rather than lose it.
Like I said, each tablespoon of olive oil adds 119 calories, which can quickly add up if you’re drinking it regularly.
Also Read: The Worst Habits For Weight Loss
Conclusion
There is no “best time” to drink olive oil for weight loss because drinking olive oil isn’t a recommended weight loss strategy in the first place.
You can use olive oil as a healthy fat when cooking and as part of a balanced diet.
But drinking it for weight loss purposes can lead to more harm than good.
Instead of focusing on when to drink olive oil, it’s better to concentrate on overall healthy eating habits, portion control, and regular exercise.
Keep in mind, that sustainable weight loss comes from long-term lifestyle changes, not quick fixes or trendy practices like drinking oil.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy for more information.
Rahul is a professional nutritionist certified by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and a personal trainer certified through the American Council of Exercise (ACE). He has a special interest in the science of nutrition and how it can impact the body.