7 hacks to give your morning coffee a nutritious makeover
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t really get started until you’ve had that first cup of coffee. And while coffee is already pretty great, it’s not always good foryou — we’ve all been guilty of dumping sugary syrups and creamy additives into our caffeine fix. That doesn’t mean you have to bid goodbye to coffee (we’d never suggest that); instead, we’ve rounded up super solid tips for making your coffee more healthful.
Because that way you can drink your favorite daily beverage while also knowing that you’re getting added benefits (and if you’re consuming something every day, you might as well make it as good for you as possible, right?).
So without further ado, here are seven easy ways to make your morning coffee better for your health.
1. Add some cinnamon.
For a burst of flavor, try sprinkling some cinnamon into your morning cup. Besides being a tasty and unique addition to your favorite drink, cinnamon has been proven to lower cholesterol and blood glucose, making it the perfect way to start the day.
2. Go organic.
While the significance of the organic label on your food is still a hotly debated issue, it’s safe to say that grabbing organic coffee is a good move indeed. Traditional coffee is sprayed with a whole host of pesticides, which is not what we’re looking for in a restorative cup of joe.
3. Skip the artificial sweeteners.
It might seem obvious, but all those sickly sweet syrups and additives you throw into your Starbucks order aren’t actually good for you; they can pack on a ton of extra calories and leave you consuming way more sugar than you intended. If you just can’t abide black coffee, try adding stevia and a dash of cocoa to your concoction. It gives a dash of sweetness, is way healthier than the usual stuff you dump in your drink, and will make you feel like you’re sipping hot chocolate — what’s not to love?
4. Drink water between each cup.
And no, we’re not talking about the water in your coffee. Chug a big glass of water first thing in the morning, ideally before you even grab your much-needed coffee. Why? Well, odds are you’re dehydrated after spending the night sleeping, and the fresh water will jump-start your system. Additionally, coffee is a diuretic, which means it can leave you feeling even more dehydrated. Your best bet is to offset every cup of coffee with a big glass of fresh water. You’ll feel energized, focused, and ready to take on the day.
5. Embrace coconut oil.
Mixing some coconut oil into your coffee is a fantastic idea for a number of reasons. It’s chock-full of healthy fats that are essential to keeping your body in top condition (like the fats found in avocados and nuts). The added fats also keep you feeling full longer, so you’re less likely to snack on junk food later in the day.
6. Try some butter
Love the whole coconut oil idea but not a big fan of coconut? You can always opt for blending in some grass-fed butter instead. Known as bulletproof coffee, this trend has been linked to boosted energy, fewer hunger pangs, and even healthy weight loss. Plus, it’s a protein-rich (and weirdly delicious) way to enjoy your morning coffee.
7. Pick a cut-off time.
Some of us are guilty of drinking coffee nonstop all day and even into the evening. While this might keep you going, it can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle. Nobody likes to feel tense and jittery when they’re getting ready for bed — and the morning after is even worse. To save your much-needed sleep, stop drinking coffee (or indeed any caffeinated beverages) in the early afternoon. You’ll still be energized, but you won’t have nearly as hard a time drifting off at the end of the day.
Happy sipping!
