Since originally writing this, I have become aware of the effects of coffee consumption. Our society is known for not being able to function without our hot bean water by the rest of the world. My understanding now is that you should not need coffee to “wake up” in the morning. You should be waking up well-rested and able to enjoy coffee as a treat because you like the taste or if you are trying to have more “pitta” energy and really need a fast digestive fire to get something done it can be used temporarily. Another way to achieve this energy is by eating spicy foods and garlic.
Coffee is not good a good way to start your day, biologically speaking. Your stomach does not want to be woken up with a blast of acidity. It prematurely dumps stomach contents, inhibits mineral absorption, and stresses the adrenals.
That said, I also love hot bean water, so I like to add adaptogens or other herbs to my coffee so that it has health benefits!
Let’s talk about that COFFEE. I was in a coffee shop in Rocky Mountain House this week for work and while I was waiting for my coffee I noticed this poster on the wall that made me realize how big the world of coffee is. (Click to zoom in)
Another thing that’s really important that can’t be ignored is the kind of grind you’re using for which coffee machine.
If you are using a Keurig, you can use the reusable K-Cups and filling them with your own ground coffee. The plastic waste associated with Keurigs is irresponsible. Even the ones with the paper bottom have plastic lids.
I used drip coffee for years because it was $2 and I was in college. I now use the french press, the moka pot, an espresso machine, and an Aeropress… and I have daydreams about owning a siphon.
| Grind Size | Ideal Brewing Method |
| COARSE |
|
| MEDIUM |
|
| FINE |
|
| EXTRA FINE |
|
| TURKISH |
|
Chart from Here. The siphon isn’t on the list but it should be a medium-coarse grind.
How to Steam Coffee Without a Steam Wand
Put your desired amount of milk in a mason jar and shake vigorously. Remove lid and microwave for 30 seconds. You don’t want to shake it after it’s already hot because it will literally explode. Use a spoon to hold back your froth as you pour it into the cup and then spoon the froth on top.
Know Your Milk
I’m just gonna go ahead and say DON’T DRINK SKIM MILK. If you are going to drink dairy milk it should be full-fat. The higher fat content will be also higher in calories but if your health regime revolves around counting calories we have a bigger problem.
I don’t use dairy milk at home personally, I use coconut milk and soy milk. When buying your milk alternatives, make sure to buy unsweetened. Check ingredient lists on other mylks because they contain unnecessary additives in most brands. Avoid canola oil, carrageenan, and “flavour”, to name a few. The best way to know exactly what is in your milk is to make it yourself. Because of the bee crisis and what they are doing with American bees to have higher almond yields in California, I would recommend not making almond milk your every-day beverage. Source sustainable almonds and make your own. I also love organic canned coconut milk. 🙂
DIY
Making your own mylks! It’s very easy to do. A nut bag works better than cheesecloth.
Soak 1 cup of almond or cashews in water for 1-24 hours. The longer the better. Raw, organic, and unsalted with no oil. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Blend with 4 cups of filtered water for about a minute. Drain! You can sweeten it with unrefined stevia or maple syrup or dates if you prefer.
You can do the same with oats, and it’s even easier because they don’t need to be soaked. Make sure to use rolled oats. Quick oats will not work and steel-cut oats will be slimy.
Stevia?
Stevia rebaudiana is a very sweet-leafed plant native to Paraguay and Brazil. Always read the ingredients on stevia labels. Many of them are actually erythritol with some stevia. Most others are stevia leaf extract added to another fiber. This year I am growing my own stevia plants because a true stevia extract is very difficult to source. I don’t mind it at all, but some people find it has a distinctly unpleasant taste.
So What’s Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof is just a brand name. They make coffee beans and different medium-chain triglycerides and collagen. People on the high-fat train like to blend fats in with their coffee to have a slower energy release in hopes of achieving mental clarity. Bulletproof recommends blending grass-fed butter or ghee with your coffee. I use the brain octane oil with coconut oil when I blend it. It has to be blended otherwise the fat will sit on top. Some coffee shops will blend a fat in your coffee if you ask for it. It does give it a more creamy texture which is nice if you usually just drink it black.
