I, like most Americans, am slightly addicted to coffee. I know for me it’s about 99% ritual, and 1 % caffeine. I have tried my best to upgrade my coffee to herbal tea, or even green tea, but to be totally transparent and honest- they are just NOT the same. And… most of my clients admit to this same addiction that has them stumbling to the coffee pot each morning before getting the day started. As a nutritionist who is always striving for balance I have recently been experimenting with a variety of coffee upgrades so that I can be healthy AND still enjoy my morning latte.
What I came up with is absolutely AMAZING and I think you’ll love it!
Instead of adding cream, sugar, and other chemical laden add-ins, I suggest these coffee upgrades instead:
12 oz fresh pressed organic coffee
Whisk, blend or froth together the following ingredients:
2 tablespoons raw whole milk or homemade almond milk
1 tablespoon of grass-fed butter (I use Kerry Gold)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil or MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil
1 tablespoon beef collagen
1 tsp raw organic honey
Top with 1 dash of cinnamon (which will help stabilize blood sugar) and 1 dash of cardamom (which helps mitigate the acidic effects of coffee.)
You can simply stir the ingredients all together if you don’t have the magic milk frother, or you can also use a magic bullet or blender. The result is a perfectly creamy, frothed drink.
This method is a better alternative, not only because are you avoiding processed, refined products, but you are giving your body a boost of healthy fats that many of us lack for proper nutrition. Grass fed butter, and MCT oil will give your mind and body a refreshing surge of energy, and regular intake along with a proper diet will help provide a solid foundation for a healthy life. It will also help to stabalize the stress response in the body, giving your adrenals a little buffer from the caffeine.
Just as the quality of healthy fats is important (grass-fed butter versus generic), so is the quality of your coffee. What matters the most is that you are using a high quality, organic coffee that you trust, and you will be able to maximize the benefits of coffee.
I have recently feel head over heels in love with my Aero Coffee press. It makes just one cup at a time (which I think is amazing since you don’t have a full French press or coffee pot tempting you. I also love it because once you pour the water into the coffee grounds, you only let it sit 10 seconds, then you press it through and create your amazingly delicious cup of coffee. This is much less acidic than having drip coffee or even French press coffee that has been sitting out the counter for a while. You can pick one up here.
Here are my favorite health benefits from these coffee upgrades – so enjoy your morning ritual and drink up!
Boosts your mood and mental function
Improves and supports energy levels
Improves and supports mental clarity and alertness
Improves and supports mood
Lowers risk of depression
Boosts physical energy and performance
Improves and supports energy levels
Speeds up metabolism
A cup of coffee before a workout increases fat burn
Rich in antioxidants and a source of essential nutrients
A source of:
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Manganese and Potassium
Magnesium and Niacin (B3)
Studies have shown that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants for Americans but it’s important to make sure you are always, always always buying organic coffee. Organic of course means it hasn’t been treated with harsh chemicals. We are also a big fan of buying Fair Trade whenever possible!
With love,
