I love the ritual and taste of coffee. It is rich in antioxidants and contains small amounts of several micronutrients that our bodies need. Even though it has many benefits, some people can experience negative symptoms when drinking it. Do you often feel shaky or anxious after coffee? Follow these coffee tips to eliminate jitters and improve your focus.
My Favorite Coffee Tips
Tip #1: Coffee After Breakfast
If you feel jittery after coffee on an empty stomach, try waiting until after breakfast. Don’t knock it until you try it! When we have coffee on an empty stomach, it causes a spike in blood sugar, cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to shakiness, anxiety, and hunger.
Eating a balanced breakfast before your cup of coffee will dramatically decrease the blood sugar spike. When your blood sugar is balanced you will feel more consistent energy throughout the day without any dramatic crash.
If this is not ideal for you, try adding protein to your coffee. Protein powder can help to decrease your blood sugar spike and increase satiety.
Tip #2: Ditch the High Sugar Sweeteners
Do you usually order a latte with added syrups and sugars? High amounts of sugar combined with the caffeine content can cause a dramatic blood sugar spike. You may feel awake and productive for a little bit until it turns into a “wired but tired” feeling that leads to a crash early in the day.
The larger the amount of sugar the higher the spike. Try cutting your sweeteners down or replacing them with a sugar free alternative like stevia or monk fruit. (*Steer clear of any artificial sugar substitutes like Splenda and Stevia that can further drive up inflammation!)
Not only does the amount of sugar matter, but the type can also have a big impact. If you still want to add a sugar sweetener, focus on unrefined sugars like honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar.
If using a non-dairy milk, make sure it also doesn’t have added sugars. This is often something many don’t even realize is increasing their sugar intake.
Tip #3: Focus on Quality
When coffee is something you are drinking daily, we want the cleanest version as possible!
Look for organic coffee that is free of pesticides. Many pesticides like glyphosate are used on coffee plantations. These chemicals can potentially remain on the beans even after roasting, which can negatively impact your health when consumed especially everyday.
Look for brands that are both mold and mycotoxin free. Mold can negatively affect your immune system, digestive system and nervous system. Make sure you are also storing your coffee properly in a cool, dry place.
Many brands have artificial flavors added and it is sometimes hard to detect! Even sometimes a “breakfast blend” has added artificial flavorings. These chemical additives can lead to increased inflammation in many different areas of the body.
Tip #4: Try Adaptogens
Adaptogenic coffee is great to try if you want some extra mood boosting benefits.
- Lions Mane can increase energy and focus.
- Ashwaganda, L Theanine, and Cordyceps can help decrease stress while still improving energy levels and mental clarity.
- Chaga and Turkeytail can help increase mood and strengthen your immune system.
Four Sigmatic and Lifeboost are great coffee brands that have adaptogens.
Coffee Tips: My Favorite Brands!
I know these symptoms may not relate to everyone, but if you are experiencing hormone imbalances, anxiety, fatigue, shakiness, brain fog, etc. try these tips in your morning coffee routine and you will be shocked at the results. Are you looking for more clean brands and products? Visit my shop for my healthy swaps and wellness favorites.
