With zero calories and the perk of caffeine, coffee just might be a perfect beverage, especially in the morning. Coffee lovers can’t wait to get a hot mug in their hands. With baristas turning out creative coffee concoctions on every corner, one might think coffee can’t get much cooler. But, wait! Of course it can. Make coffee so cool it’s frosty! Blend it into a powerful protein smoothie that will satisfy your taste buds and add zip to your workouts and recovery.
The combination of coffee and protein in a smoothie can give you a one-two punch of health benefits. Coffee isn’t an essential food group like protein. However, coffee can provide some protection to your liver, boost brain function, help stabilize blood sugar levels, and more. Protein is essential for cellular repair throughout your body, making it a necessity. Protein can also help you feel full and might help you avoid mindless snacking.
Breakfast Coffee Protein Smoothie
(It’s Soo Good!)
This basic recipe by Feel Good Foodie can be made with day old coffee or fresh brew. Other than vanilla protein powder, it calls for ingredients that you’re likely to already have on your shelves; banana, oats, cacao powder and cinnamon.
The sweetness of this smoothie comes from the banana and honey as opposed to refined sugar. This means your glycemic level is less likely to spike. Bananas are a decent source of magnesium, potassium and other vitamins that can boost your workouts and your recovery. Among many benefits, cinnamon acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral. Cinnamon can make you feel more alert. Cacao also gives your brain a boost in addition to providing iron, antioxidants, calcium and other nutrients.
Play around with the basic recipe. If you’d like a frostier version of the shake, lose the oats and toss in a frozen banana and a few ice cubes. If you feel adventurous, add coconut milk or almond milk. Sprinkle some nutmeg on the top and/or add in a spoonful of seeds (like flax, chia or hemp) for texture, bulk, and even more nutrients. If you’re not a fan of honey, use agave, stevia or another favorite sweetener.
Plug in your blender and let the coffee and protein powder mingle. Is that a smile peeking out from under your smoothie mustache?
