The Perfect Cup of Joe: Savoring Coffee on Your Keto Lifestyle
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Good news for all the coffee lovers out there! If you’re following the keto diet but can’t imagine giving up your daily cup of joe, you don’t have to.
If you’re familiar with the low-carb or the keto diet, you may know that it is a high-fat, low-carb diet designed to promote weight loss and various health benefits. But if you’re a coffee lover, you might wonder if your morning coffee cup fits into this dietary plan.
The Ketogenic Diet
Before diving into the coffee aspect, let’s briefly review the ketogenic lifestyle and how it works. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb eating plan. The body enters a ketosis metabolic state by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption. During ketosis, the body relies on fat as its primary energy source, leading to weight loss and other benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced cognitive function, and increased ketone production.
Plain Black Coffee
If you’re following a ketogenic diet, plain black coffee is your best friend. Coffee beans are naturally low in carbohydrates. Black coffee is an excellent option for keto dieters without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Bulletproof Coffee
One popular choice among keto enthusiasts is Bulletproof coffee, a keto-friendly coffee drink that boosts energy and helps you stay in ketosis. Combine black coffee with grass-fed butter or MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) to make Bulletproof coffee. MCT oil is a type of healthy fat that the body can quickly convert into ketones, promoting fat burning and providing an energy boost. Grass-fed butter adds richness to the coffee and offers additional healthy fats.
Milks
If you prefer creamier coffee, heavy cream and coconut milk are excellent alternatives to regular dairy milk. Heavy cream is high in fat and low in carbs, making it a keto-friendly option to enhance the flavor of your morning coffee. Similarly, coconut milk is a great way to add a tropical twist to your brew while keeping your carb intake low.
Goodbye Sugar, Hello Sugar-Free Sweeteners
Traditional sweeteners like sugar are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a keto. However, you can use keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit or stevia to add a touch of sweetness without spiking your blood sugar levels. Flavored sugar-free coffee sweeteners are also an excellent way to add flavor and sweetness while keeping your coffee zero carbs.
Protein Powder and Collagen
Consider adding collagen and protein powder to your coffee. These two ingredients can provide numerous benefits for your health, such as enhancing the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails due to collagen’s structural protein and supporting joint health and gut function. Additionally, protein powder can aid in muscle repair and keep you feeling full for longer periods. If you’re following a keto-friendly diet, make sure to select low-carb options without added sugars to reach your health and fitness objectives.
Iced Coffee
For those hot summer days or when you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, iced coffee can be your go-to. Brew some strong black coffee, let it cool, and pour it over ice. You can add your preferred keto-friendly creamer or sweetener for extra flavor.
Decaf Coffee
For those who are sensitive to caffeine or wish to lessen their caffeine consumption, decaf coffee is an excellent option for those following a keto diet. It has minimal carbohydrates and won’t impact your ketosis status. Using recommended sugar-free alternatives, you can enjoy decaf coffee just as much as regular coffee.
Keto Coffee On the Go
When you venture out to your favorite coffee shops, it’s essential to exercise caution. Many coffee shops tend to sweeten their beverages with high-carb syrups and sugary additives, which can quickly derail your ketosis efforts.
By being mindful of your choices and ingredients, you can savor your coffee without compromising your ketogenic goals when visiting coffee shops. Remember that some preparation and awareness go a long way in ensuring that your coffee break remains keto-friendly.
Energy Drinks
Some who don’t drink coffee drink energy drinks, but Be cautious with energy drinks, as some contain added sugars and high amounts of carbs. Always check the label for the number of grams of sugar and net carbs to ensure they fit within your daily carb limit.
The Bottom Line
Coffee can be a valuable addition to your ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation and with the right ingredients. Plain black coffee, keto-friendly coffee creamers like heavy cream, and unsweetened almond and coconut milk are all great choices. Avoid high-carb sweeteners that may impact your insulin levels and hinder your progress. Enjoy every sip of your coffee!
Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.