Starbucks versus Dunkin Donuts, which is your favorite coffee stop? Personally I am a Starbucks fan, I love their dark roast. Unfortunately a large majority of coffee drinkers are adding to their waistlines by drinking versions of coffee that are loaded with sugar and extra calories. 54% of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee daily. Consider drinking a healthier version of coffee if you are one of them.

If you cannot resist a trip to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or any other popular coffee store, learn how to make that cup work for you instead of against you. 70% of people in the United States are overweight and 30% are obese. These tips to make your coffee healthier may help you shed unwanted pounds. Consuming coffee properly can shrink your waistline.

A chai latte found at a popular coffee store has 15 more grams of sugar than a Snickers bar. Versions of sweetened coffee may be packed with artificial sweetener or extra sugar. A salted caramel mocha has 56 grams of sugar. The World Health Organization recommends adults consume 25 grams or less of sugar daily. Drinking one daily unhealthy choice of coffee adds up to 5 or 10 extra pounds in a month of two. What about the popular Frappuccino, now available at Mickey D’s has a whopping 66 grams of sugar. Drinking your coffee black is a simple way to avoid all that sugar.

If you cannot tolerate black coffee try adding a little stevia, its not perfect but most certainly a better choice than consuming artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. Coconut sugar, raw sugar, or organic maple syrup are options, but whatever you choose, the key is to add a small amount.

Artificial creamers are packed with an array of things you don’t want to put in your body daily. Many of them are made with corn syrup solids and hydrogenated oils(trans fats). Add real cream which is organic or grass fed, available at all major health food stores, these creams also have the added benefit of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Full fat creams have a nice amount of vitamin K2. Adequate intake of vitamin K2 has been linked with lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and weight loss.

Coffee is 99% water and the quality of that water is important, use filtered water. When it comes to pesticides, coffee is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world. You should really consider using organic coffee beans, they costs more but your health is worth it. Are you aware that coffee is high in antioxidants? To add even more antioxidants and control your blood sugar add a pinch of cinnamon to your coffee. Cinnamon has a long history of being a spice and a medicine.

Among the numerous health benefits of cinnamon is the fact it lowers blood glucose levels after a meal. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes cinnamon lowers glucose levels and improves lipid profiles. Munch on a small snack during your morning cup of coffee, or eat right before your first cup. Drinking coffee without food lowers your energy levels. Your body releases insulin in response to caffeine which causes a drop in blood sugar, leaving you feeling tired and depleted.

Collagen , prevalent in bone broth, makes a fine addition to coffee. It is rich in the amino acid glycine and helps to reduce joint pain. Another benefit of collagen is it decreases inflammation and aids in healthy tissue repair.

This may sound weird but add some grass fed butter to your coffee, it will give you a nice brain boosting buzz as well as all the health benefits of grass fed butter. To prevent globs of butter on top of your coffee, blend it with a handheld blender or latte frother.

Coconut oil is loaded wit healthy fats and improved weight loss. Additionally it is beneficial to your brain health. Studies have shown a link in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, as well a UCLA study showed a reduction in Alzheimer’s disease rate with daily ingestion of coconut oil. I have tried it and actually enjoy the taste of coconut oil in coffee.

Add a small teaspoon of organic unsweetened cocoa to your coffee, it will make you think of delicious hot chocolate. Cocoa lowers the risk of heart disease and cancer, just a few of its health benefits. Heathy coffee does not have to be boring, you can still enjoy your morning Joe without hidden sugars and artificial ingredients. Your body will appreciate it!

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings