Good morning! Chances are, you’re sitting here reading this with your morning cup of coffee warm in your hands. That or you already finished it! I’ve been kind of back and forth on the coffee train for the last year (alternating and discovering some pretty incredible teas and the wonders they offer the body). But, despite what tea offers you, it delivers a flavor sensation that’s entirely different than coffee. And, at the end of the day there’s no arguing this: coffee is pretty bloody delicious. The caffeine buzz and boost of antioxidants aren’t bad either.
Pair a good cup of coffee that delivers a strong caffeine buzz with a good long morning run and you’ll be dancing a happy dance.
Personally, as soon as the weather warms up a little, I’m ditching my hot tea and coffee and craving the coffee that comes in and icy, frosty, cold form. Add a little creaminess and some slight sweetness and I really won’t complain. But, let’s talk for a minute about some of the different varieties of coffee that are blowing up right now.
Cold Brew Craze
Cold brew is exactly what it sounds like – you brew your coffee using cold water rather than hot. In order to do this you soak coarse coffee grounds in water (preferably filtered) over night. In the morning strain your grounds and, voila, a delicious iced coffee with an arguably smoother, fruitier, and a more pleasant and delicious taste (I’m actually saying skip the milk and sugar!).
So what makes it taste better? It all comes down to the chemistry. When you expose coffee to heat, it releases acidic compounds and oils, which are not released when soaked in cold water.
Beyond taste I’m a big promoter of cold brew. You’re going to get slightly less caffeine (but enough to give you a buzz), and MUCH less acid, meaning it’s far easier on the digestive system and those who suffer heartburn.
The Buzz Around BulletProof
Beyond cold brew, the other coffee buzz you’ve likely been hearing about, and perhaps even concocting and enjoying is “bulletproof” coffee – coffee mixed with 1 tablespoon of either coconut oil or butter (preferably clarified), or both. You’re probably thinking “eek, that’s a lot of fat!” and yes, yes it is. And that’s exactly the theory behind this combo.
By adding fat to your coffee you’re not only getting a rich and creamy taste but you’re also giving yourself a more satiating and filling way to start your morning. If you’re typically a coffee-for-breakfast type of person this might be the perfect option for you.
As a runner, consider combining the following before a run.
- 230mL cold brew coffee (can warm after brew)
- 1 Tbs coconut oil
- 1 tsp cacao powder
- Almond milk
- Honey optional for sweetness
The coconut will allow the body to burn fat, keeping your blood sugar stable. The caffeine will give you the energy you’re looking for mid run. And the cacao will give you a nice boost of iron and magnesium.
Think Outside the Cup
Lastly, don’t be afraid to think outside the cup. Lately i’ve been loving pairing my coffee with my protein powder. It’s all the deliciousness a frozen mocha frappuccino from your favorite coffee shop offers minus the overload of sugar and guilt that often times follows. To make your own protein boosting frap combine:
- 1 scoop chocolate (or mocha!) protein powder
- 1/2 cup strong brewed ice coffee
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ – 1 frozen banana ice.
- Blend and sip in sweet, sweet bliss.
