Plus, my secret trick for making it super healthy!
I have a very on again, off again relationship with coffee. That steamy, creamy mug of joe just lights up my insides and makes me ready to face a busy day ahead with a smile on my face and a zip in my step. But when it’s part of my daily routine for a little too long, next thing I know I’m like a junkie who can’t live without her fix. I’m more tired and grumpy in the mornings than I should be, and I find myself thinking that a second cup in the mid-afternoon really isn’t such a bad idea. My sleep starts being affected (even when I limit myself to one cup a day), and my stress and anxiety levels take a subtle but noticeable turn for the worse.
I’m sure you’ve seen the multitude of studies saying that caffeine is good for you. Teams of researchers have determined that coffee lowers your risk of many diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer’s, and even extends life expectancy. However, most of these results come from 3 or more cups of coffee a day. And why is so much research done on the benefits of coffee anyway? Maybe the scientists are a bit addicted themselves?
On the other hand, most health and wellness professionals, especially those with a holistic bent, would advise you to limit your intake, pointing to studies that show that caffeine intake can lead to cardiovascular problems, blood sugar swings, nutritional deficiencies, adrenal exhaustion, low sex drive, skin problems and overall low energy.
I do love coffee, and although I give it up for long periods of time, I know I’ll never give it up completely. So when coffee is a regular part of my morning routine, I’ve found a few ways to make it a healthy habit instead of an overpowering addiction.
1 .I start each morning with a big glass of water and a probiotic supplement. Coffee dehydrates, so your body really needs water first before coffee.
2. I limit myself to 1 cup a day. Even when that afternoon slump hits hard and I crave it like nothing else, I make myself have another glass of water, an herbal tea, or a green tea instead.
3. I skip the milk and sugar that makes most people’s coffee an inflammatory, blood sugar spiking nightmare. Instead, I use coconut oil! It may sound revolting at first, but please don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid that boosts your immune system and increases your metabolism – especially important if you’re trying to lose weight. I add 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil to my morning cup, with a teaspoon of vanilla and a bit of honey or a dash of cinnamon for sweetness and spice, then blend it all up in the blender to make an AMAZING frothy latte-like drink, perfect for these cool autumn mornings. (You have to blend it to transform it. Be careful to only blend 1 cup at a time, or risk being sprayed with hot coffee!) This coconut oil and coffee combo keeps me satiated through the first half of my day and I know I’ve gotten my daily dose of a super healthy food. (I’ve actually tried this with a half tablespoon of grass-fed butter blended with my coffee, too, which tastes fantastic, but I prefer to keep my coffee dairy-free.) Give it a try and let me know what you think!
If you know that you’re addicted to coffee but quite can’t get off the caffeine train, let me help. Doing the Provenance Meals 7 Day Jumpstart Detox is a great way to reset your body, take a vacation from the addictive stuff, and return your body to peak performance without stimulants like caffeine and sugar ruling your cravings and food choices. Contact me for more details.