Healthy Morning Coffee Smoothies
Though coffee can be enjoyed any time of day, it is certainly a tradition for many people in the morning.
Though coffee can be enjoyed any time of day, it is certainly a tradition for many people in the morning. Along with the caffeine, rich aroma and bold taste, coffee is packed with antioxidants, which can benefit your body and immune system, according to Lene Frost Anderson and his team of researchers at the University of Oslo and the University of Minnesota. If you prefer to drink your coffee in the form of an icy smoothie, you can combine your breakfast and wake-up drink in one. Simply place all of your ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth.
The Coffee
Even when you are blending the coffee with other ingredients in a smoothie, the quality and taste of the coffee itself remains important. The coffee will likely be the dominant flavor in the drink, so you'll want to buy high quality coffee beans, preferably from a coffee shop that has roasted the beans within the last few days or so. If possibly, grind the beans yourself just before using them. Alternatively, have the coffee shop custom grind the beans for your machine and then store the grounds in an airtight container. Most coffee shops also sell decaffeinated beans for those who like the taste of coffee but not the caffeine.
Protein
Protein is used in almost every cell in your body and it can help to provide you with physical energy and mental focus. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories from protein, and breakfast is an ideal place to start. Milk gives coffee smoothies a creamy taste and can provide you with approximately eight grams of protein per cup, depending on the variety. Alternatively, one cup of yogurt or soy milk can be used in the place of milk.
Sweetener
Most coffee smoothies bought in coffee shops are loaded with sugar. While they may taste delicious, the calories can end up as fat on your hips or butt. Keep your morning smoothie healthy by using only a moderate amount of sugar. You can also use honey or a sugar substitute to sweeten the taste.
Fresh fruit
Another way to sweeten your coffee smoothie, while also adding fiber, vitamins, minerals and natural flavor, is to include fresh fruit. Cut up strawberries, raspberries, cherries and blueberries and add them to the blender with the other smoothie ingredients.
Ice
Ice is an essential part of any smoothie and can be added in a number of different ways: Use regular ice cubes, frozen berries instead of fresh or pour your coffee into ice trays the night before and allow them to freeze in time for your morning meal.