For many around the world, a cup of ‘Joe in the morning is a near-religious ritual. However, depending on how you — or the barista at your favourite cafe — makes this caffeinated concoction, you could either hit your fitness goals or ‘mysteriously’ miss them over time. We sat down with nutritionist and gut-health coach Payal Kothari to get her input on which coffee orders (or at-home brews) add to a healthy lifestyle.
Even the most seasoned caffeine enthusiasts find themselves fumbling over the sheer number of options plastered across coffee shop menus and shops — light to dark roast, pour over to the French press. The most popular of the lot are indulgent and sweet — complete, with sugar, whipped cream, full-fat milk, or even seasonal additions (think candy canes on Christmas and hearts made of chocolate on Valentine’s Day). And while these are delicious (and Pinterest-worthy), if you’ve got a fitness or health goal in mind, they’re bound to set you back. The reason?
Calories! — which increase exponentially with each ingredient added to the mix. We turned to gut health coach and integrative nutritionist Payal Kothari for a solution. She revealed that she enjoys her cuppa in ways that support wellness, “My preference is black coffee infused with a hint of cinnamon and MCT oil” — she added, noting that there were several other healthy options that one could go for without feeling guilty. We round up five that you should order at your next caffeine outing or make at home. After all, its allure is undeniably strong (pun intended)
Payal Kothari’s healthy coffee picks for your caffeine fix
Black Coffee with Cinnamon
As with most other things in life, a good bet with coffee is to keep things as simple as possible. Brew it black — via French press, drip coffee machine, or anything you prefer — and sprinkle in some ground cinnamon after. Or, ask your barista for this combination. The spice adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that cuts through the bitterness of the coffee. “Black coffee is low in calories and rich in antioxidants. Adding cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar levels, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits,” Kothari adds.
Cold Brew Coffee with Almond Milk
Known for its low acidity and rich flavour — cold brew is a delicious, healthy choice. However, if you’re used to having your coffee with milk or prefer a sweeter sip, almond milk is a good bet. “Cold brew is less acidic than traditional coffee, making it gentler on the stomach. Almond milk adds creaminess and healthy fats, supporting energy levels,” Kothari notes.
Bulletproof Coffee
Popular amongst those following a keto diet — this one’s interestingly believed to be healthy despite being high in fat and calories. It’s prepared by fusing black coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil (some versions go with coconut oil). “It provides sustained energy, supports brain function, and aids in fat metabolism,” Kothari explains.
Matcha Coffee Latte
Although not the most popular combination — matcha and coffee go quite well together. You could either ask for a shot of espresso in your matcha latte (skip the sugar!) or add matcha to your brewed black coffee. The payoff is a unique flavour that helps keep you going through the day. “This is a double boost of antioxidants,” Kothari states, adding, “Matcha provides a more stable caffeine release and is packed with chlorophyll and L-theanine for calm alertness.”
Mushroom Coffee
Coffee with a touch of umami? Sign us up! This combination fuses ground coffee with ground medicinal mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga. More specifically, the latter’s bioactive compounds are extracted and then added to coffee. The result is a nutty sip that keeps you going for long. “It enhances focus, boosts immunity, and supports gut health while reducing coffee’s acidity,” Kothari reveals.
What’s your next cuppa going to be?
Hero and featured images: Lood Goosen/Pexels
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black coffee is believed to be the healthiest.
Black coffee (coffee grounds and hot water) is the healthiest type of coffee. You could add a couple of spices to the mix or unsweetened almond milk to add flavour.
