Coffee blended with protein is the wellness shortcut endorsed by Mel Robbins - yet how nutritious is it truly?
In the world of health and wellness, a new trend has emerged: protein coffee. This concoction, a blend of chocolate protein powder, ice, milk, and a double espresso, is gaining popularity among some influential figures. But is it a worthy addition to your morning routine?
According to functional hormone nutritionist Pippa Campbell, the cortisol stimulation caused by caffeine in coffee can lead to exaggerated stress responses. She advises against consuming coffee in the first 60 to 90 minutes of the day due to the cortisol spike it causes. This spike is crucial to our circadian rhythm, helping regulate alertness, metabolism, and stress response, as Campbell explains.
However, for those who prioritize their daily coffee and seek to increase their protein intake, protein coffee might seem like an efficient solution. Mel Robbins, a podcaster and advocate of the drink, finds it "so cool" and appreciates the chocolate milk taste. Robbins, who uses habit stacking to help cement new patterns, adds protein powder to her morning coffee as a small change to boost her protein intake first thing.
Exercise physiologist Stacey Sims, who was consulted by Robbins, considers protein coffee a good way to jumpstart the morning and get 30g of protein. This number, especially for women in mid-life, is a much-talked-about target due to higher protein demands and muscle mass loss.
But achieving this 30g target isn't without its challenges. Most protein powders, including Truvani and Momentous, have 20g of protein per serving. To reach 30g in the protein coffee, more than the recommended dose would be needed, making it chalky and hard to swallow.
Interestingly, the manufacturers of protein-rich coffee preparations include Nestlé, the main producer of Caro coffee, a protein-rich lupine coffee variant. Another favoured protein powder among perimenopausal women is Innermost Strong Protein, which also contains 3g of creatine.
Sarah-Jane Corfield Smith, the beauty director, is a convert to protein coffee. She finds it efficient for getting enough protein, especially for someone who prioritizes having a daily coffee but feels they never have enough time. On the other hand, Victoria Woodhall, the GTG Editorial Director, prefers green tea over protein coffee and avoids consuming it in the first 90 minutes of the day.
In conclusion, while protein coffee offers a unique way to combine caffeine and protein, it's important to consider the potential cortisol spike and the challenges in achieving the desired protein content. As always, it's essential to listen to your body and make choices that suit your lifestyle and health goals.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan