Love Coffee? Try This Protein-Rich Coffee Smoothie for Breakfast

How to make a healthy smoothie

I love to start my day with coffee, and as a registered dietitian, I’m happy to report that a daily coffee ritual is good for you, both mentally and physically. There are healthy ways to incorporate coffee into your day—and not just as a drink.

One of my favorite tips is to transform your morning cup of Joe into a meal. I have a healthy breakfast recipe to share, but first, it’s important to understand the nutrients and health benefits that coffee delivers.

Health benefits of coffee

In a JAMA Internal Medicine study of more than 50,000 women, researchers found that depression risk decreased as caffeinated coffee consumption increased. Women who drank two to three cups of coffee every day had a lower risk of depression than those who drank one or fewer cups per week.

Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant abundant in coffee, has been shown to reduce inflammation and may play a key role in protection against chronic diseases, including obesity.

A 2018 study published in Nutrition Reviews that analyzed 30 previously published studies found that coffee intake is inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This is likely due to java’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and its positive impact on the content and diversity of beneficial gut microbes, or gut bacteria.

Other research has found that coffee may aid heart health, enhance your focus, and boost your recovery post-workout. Adding protein powder to your coffee may give an extra boost for workout recovery.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even decaf coffee has been shown to offer similar health benefits to its fully leaded counterpart.

How to reap the health benefits of coffee

The two keys to reaping coffee’s rewards are to enjoy it in moderation, and incorporate it healthfully—in other words, don’t load it up with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other inflammatory additives.

This healthy breakfast recipe from my dietitian colleague, Megan Byrd, RD of The Oregon Dietitian, combines cold brew with protein, fiber, healthy fat, fruit, and a range of key nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and nourished all morning long.

Protein Coffee Smoothie Recipe

Courtesy Megan Byrd

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cold brew or chilled brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 3-4 ice cubes

Instructions:

Put all ingredients except the protein powder in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the scoop of protein powder and pulse 4 or 5 times until mixed well. Pour into a glass and get your morning going!

Note:

If this smoothie is not sweet enough for you, add 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup. It doesn’t taste like maple syrup at all, and sweetens it just enough.

For other ways to incorporate coffee into breakfast, use it as the liquid in oatmeal, overnight oats, or an açai bowl. Or opt for instant, like Mount Hagen organic freeze dried crystals ($17 per two jars).

You can add them to energy balls, chia pudding, a yogurt, fruit, and nut parfait, or fold into nut butter along with vanilla and cinnamon and slather onto fresh fruit. Get creative, combine coffee with other whole foods, and jump-start your day in more ways than one.

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