I know I’m not alone in saying that the one thing I look forward to the most after waking up each morning is that first cup of coffee. I came into my joe drinking habit later in life at age 30….after having my first kid.
I was never a fan of it growing up despite being around the typical Cuban cafe con leche since birth. I had a few cappuccinos in Milan with friends as a way to socialize and people watch in my 20s….(and to be honest, drinking coffee in Italy is an art form and spiritual practice. Fight me on that.) Other than that….I was just not a fan.
My go to hot drink prior to becoming a worshipper at the alter of the coffee bean was hot milky tea. I was obsessed with the stuff from my time spent living in Asia. Unfortunately, once baby numero uno arrived and sleep deprivation became the new normal, I needed something stronger.
Not that coffee is the answer to extreme parental exhaustion…but it helps. I also find the ritual of making it and the aroma in my house really comforting….and comfort is something you crave in the parent-hood with all of its ups, downs, and madness. Also the teens years have me thinking I might need whisky first thing in the morning instead of coffee…but I’m not sure that’s the best idea. Give me another 6 months and I’ll let you know.
So…coffee. Some studies say it’s great for you with high antioxidant counts and can help improve various brain function leading to better mood regulation, cognitive function, and energy levels. In one cup of coffee you also get a small amount of manganese, as well as several B vitamins. Not too shabby, right?
Add in the studies that have shown that coffee can reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and protect your liver from cirrhosis (which is great because kids can make a parent drink…..lord have mercy)….and that morning mug starts to sound and taste even better!
The problem is that there are also studies that make you look at your bag of Colombia’s best with a little suspicion. Coffee can lead to anxiety and sleeplessness (well, duh), and it can increase your LDL cholesterol levels if unfiltered. Coffee can be rather acidic and cause acid reflux and heartburn symptoms as well as exacerbate IBS symptoms, and it can elevate your blood pressure. That said, these negatives tend to affect people who are either intolerant of coffee or simply drink too much.
I personally stick to one mug per day. A LARGE one….but just one. So….I like to think that this container of warmth and happiness is adding to my health routine rather than detracting from it. It also allows me not to turn into a complete raging maniac after reminding my kids for the 50th time to put their damn shoes on every morning.
Now, since you know I like to rewire as much stuff as I can to make it even more beneficial….I started adding things to my coffee over the years to make it something of a health potion. There are many days when I can’t break my fast and a mug of coffee is all I have time for before donning my cape and tights and battling the dark overlords of adulthood. So if that’s all the fuel I’m getting then it better be ramped up, right?
So…what exactly do I throw into my daily cup of coffee? Here you go…..
-Cinnamon: This is basically a super spice with anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties also known to help lower blood sugar and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. It’s also a prebiotic which aids in gut function, and is also an anti-inflammatory. Good, good, good stuff.
-Turmeric: Also an anti-inflammatory that can help improve skin health, improves digestion, is an anti-carcinogen, detoxifies the liver, helps regulate cholesterol levels, and supports immune function. All about this stuff.
-Mushroom Powder: I use a product that combines Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake and Turkey Tail. Mushrooms are potent immune system supporters that also contain B vitamins, selenium, and protein. Their naturally occurring adaptogens and antioxidants like glutathione and ergothioneine can help with cognitive function as well as slow the signs of aging due to stress. Lord knows I need all that.
-Collagen: A high quality collagen can do amazing things for your hair, skin, and nails as well as also support your immune system and keep joints supple and bones stronger. We can all use this as we slowly crawl towards senior citizenship, right?
-Raw Unfiltered Honey: Sweet stuff that is potently anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and also high in antioxidants. Naturally occurring compounds in honey can help with triglycerides and support heart health and improve digestion. I don’t love too much sweet, but half a teaspoon in my cup is perfect.
I also throw in a splash of cream (not creamer or anything flavored) and sometimes I’ll shoot some whipped cream on top because life is about having the fun stuff too (and you can find organic, non sugary whip which you know is what I prefer!).
I did try the Bulletproof method for a minute with the coconut oil and grassfed butter, but you moms already know that you NEVER EVER get to drink your cup fast enough so all that oil would just float back up to the top and…yeah. Not for me.
So, folks, this is how I rewired my coffee. I’m sure there’s more I can do or add but for now this has been working great for me…and to be honest, I don’t think I can handle any extra steps in the A.M. Coffee is NOT bad for you…and can actually be soooo much better with a few dashes of this and that.
That said, I’m ready for a glass of red wine and will look forward to my super charged-let mama survive another day-cup of bean water tomorrow morning!
Cheers!
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