Hey friends! Are you morning coffee drinker? If so, it might be time to level up your morning cup of coffee with a couple of healthy minor adjustments!
Over the past few years I’ve made some easy changes to my morning cup of joe. First, I stopped using cow’s milk and switched over to almond milk after I experienced digestive issues. Then, after hearing the health benefits of regular collagen use, I started to add a scoop to it as well. Finally, as I began to use intermittent fasting and the Keto diet, I added a small amount of coconut oil, or sometimes butter to my coffee. (I don’t add this final step on a regular basis, only when following the Keto diet plan.)
All of these changes were small and spread out over months or even years, however I think they have added key nutritional ingredients to my coffee that I otherwise won’t get. The collagen is a no-brainer because it is clear and tasteless, but it packs a powerful nutritional punch! I’m giving a brief description of the benefits of these below.
My Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
2 shots of coffee (I’ve linked some good ones below.)
1 scoop of collagen/protein powder
1/2 cup to 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Brew coffee
- Mix in collagen
- Froth almond milk
- Add almond milk to coffee
All of the coffees I’m linking here are whole bean style because we have a coffee maker that accommodates it. However, in the end, all you really need is a cup of your favorite coffee!
Here are a few of our current favorites
Coffee Bros Espresso Roast whole bean Coffee Bros Coasta Rica Medium Roast whole bean Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hangers Espresso medium roastWhy level up your coffee?
The benefits of collagen to level up your morning cup of coffee.
There are so many potential benefits of using collagen on a regular basis. It is a great way to level up your morning coffee!
First, it may improve skin complexion. Given that your body produces less collagen as you age, skin elasticity and hydration are affected, potentially leading to increased wrinkles.
Next, it may improve joint pain. Some studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement may improve symptoms of joint pain caused by arthritis.
Finally, it may prevent bone loss with aging. Your bones are also made up of collagen protein fibers. As collagen production declines with age, bone mass slowly decreases, potentially leading to bone diseases like osteoporosis. Some research has shown that collagen supplements may help prevent bone breakdown and associated diseases.
Personally, I have seen the most benefits from the daily use of collage. However, not all collagens are the same. It’s really important to do your research and read the labels to make sure there are no hidden sugars or added ingredients.
Here are a few of my favorites
Ancient Nutrition Collagen and Protein Powder This one is my favorite due to the quality of their ingredients,it is organic, and manufactured in the US. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Alaya Multi Collagen PowderUsing an oat milk or almond milk instead of regular milk to level up your morning coffee.
If you are one of those people who suffer from dairy intolerance, or are simply trying to limit your dairy intake, there are many healthy substitutions that can be make. One of my favorites is almond milk. At first I tasted a ‘woodiness’ with the almond milk, but now I don’t even notice it and I won’t use anything else in my coffee!
There are lots of nutritional benefits to using almond milk as well! For example, it is naturally high in vitamin E, which benefits your skin and immune system by reducing UV damage to the skin and helping your body fight off bacteria and viruses. It might also reduce your risk of chronic disease by going after disease-causing free radicals.
It’s also worth mentioning, that I use the unsweetened version. Added sugars are on my list of things to cut back on. Make sure to read the labels before purchasing!
Another super popular milk substitute is oat milk. Oat milk is most like cow’s milk. It has a thicker and creamier texture than almond milk, and is easy to froth for your coffee. It does have about twice the calories as almond milk, but it also is higher in protein, fiber, and carbs.
In the end, both are great choices, you simply have to decide which one is best for your needs.
If you’re not sure which of these two is the best fit for you, hop on over to The Truth about Oat Milk VS Almond Milk, According to Nutritionist.
Adding butter or coconut oil to level up your morning coffee.
If you are interested in ‘bullet proofing’ your coffee, you might consider adding a bit of butter or coconut oil to it. Generally, the reason for adding this ‘high-fat’ option is two fold. Usually it is done as a way to feel fuller and have more energy after your morning coffee. Secondly, it is used to replace breakfast as a part of intermittent fasting. This method is mostly popular among people who are following the Keto diet.
NOTE: You might want to opt-out if you have high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes seeing as it is high in saturated fat.
A few cute coffee cups to level up your morning cup of coffee.
Because coffee just tastes better in a cute cup, I’ve linked a few of my favorites!
Want more great warm drink recipes? Check out 3 Warm and Healthy Drinks for the Winter Season.
As always, I hope you’ve found this post valuable. I’d love to hear your thoughts about it, or ideas for future posts! Comment below!
Have a great Wednesday.
XOXO,
Cindyh
