If you’re looking for fun ways to spruce up your morning cup of joe, I’ve got you covered! My day doesn’t get started until I have a warm cup of coffee in hand. Not because I need the caffeine to get me going (although it is a nice perk), but because I love the ritual surrounding this routine I’ve thoughtfully created.
One of the many reasons why I love my morning coffee is because this is the time I am able to sit quietly with myself, write in my daily journal, pull out my planner to see what I have going on for the day, and cuddle up with my dogs. It’s true comfort, an act of self-love, and a non-negotiable in my life.
I also love this time because I genuinely enjoy the coffee I have mindfully created, which is the real reason why I’m writing this post. I want to share some ways you can enhance your cup of coffee (or tea) so that you can feel mentally and physically nourished each morning, just like I do.
For starters, I use both a combination of my Keurig(because convenience) and a French Press. Either way, I always choose an organic, fair trade coffee. This is what I believe to be best for both your physical health and for the health and well-being of the environment. They have organic and fair-trade options at most grocery stores and even Target. A good medium roast is my favorite.
Now lets talk about cream and sugar. It took me a few years to wean myself off of having creamer in my coffee but I am here to tell you that it is possible. Start off slow, by cutting your creamer portions in half. I am of the belief that starting your day with processed sugars in conjunction with caffeine is a blood sugar roller coaster waiting to happen. So if you’re looking to avoid the blood sugar swings, minimize the amount of sugar (and sugar from creamer) you put in your coffee. This will be key to managing your cravings, hormones and mood. Yes, they are all connected. If you do choose to add in sweetener, stick to natural forms of sugar like honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. As for dairy, many individuals are very sensitive or even intolerant to conventional dairy (and don’t always know it). My advice to those who are wishing to keep cream in their coffee would be to use an organic, grass-fed, full-fat heavy whipping cream. A little goes a long way, so be mindful of your pour.
If you’re looking to make the switch to a non-dairy based creamer, here are my recommendations:
* All of these options are Whole30 compliant & Paleo.
I love to add extracts to my coffee because it enhances the flavor, provides a touch of sweetness, and allows for a versatile cup of coffee. I usually stick to vanilla extract and add about ½ tsp into each cup. Peppermint and almond extracts could be good additions if you’re into those types of flavors. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin pie spicefor a comforting, fall-inspired beverage – or enjoy this year round, if you’re anything like me.
Optional add-ins:Coconut or MCT oil, ghee, grass-fed butter (Kerrygold brand), cacao butterwould be beneficial to those looking to add a little fat into the mornings to help with energy and mental clarity, & Intermittent Fasting. Maca powder is great for balancing hormones and adds a little nutty, caramel flavor to your coffee. You can add in hemp hearts for added fiber but make sure you blend it together at the end. Collagen, an essential part of my every day coffee, is completely tasteless and odorless, dissolves right into your coffee and adds up to 15g of protein per cup. Collagenalso aids in gut healing, reducing inflammation in your joints and ligaments and promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.
And last but not least, the Holy Grail that ties the whole cup together: A milk frother. I love this little battery-powered gadget and I don’t know how I lived without it. This tool takes your coffee from “Plain Jane” to a frothy latte in about 5 seconds. It is completely portable and easy to take with you to the office or on vacation. This frother is key if you’re adding the mix-ins that I mentioned previously. You can also put all your ingredients in a blender or Magic Bullet to blend, but the frother creates zero dishes and I’m all about saving time.
If you want to take your hot beverage game even further, get yourself a Yeti mugwith a lid. Life changing! My coffee stays warm for hours and is perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle and traveling. If you’re not into hot coffee, my favorite cold brew coffee is from Chameleon’s Cold Brew (available at most grocery stores and Target).
Not into coffee? I’ve got you covered! My favorite caffeine alternatives are mushroom coffeeor Traditional Medicinal’stea (my favorite is the liver detox). Both are healing beverages, taste great, provide comfort and nourish your mind and body in the process.
Happy sipping!
