This is a part of my 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge Article Series! Read about the challenge and see all of my posts HERE!
It’s no secret that I love coffee. I’m a writer, so I find great pride in fulfilling the coffee-shop-dwelling stereotype of the modern scribe. But is coffee healthy? And can it fit into the clean eating lifestyle? I’m about to find out!
Is Coffee Healthy?
As it turns out, coffee can definitely be healthy for certain people. Coffee drinkers live longer on average, and coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
Some people encounter negative side effects from caffeine, such as jitters and headaches. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider switching to something less caffeinated, such as certain types of tea.
You can drink too much coffee, however, and it’s recommend you consume no more than 500-600mg per day, which is over four cups of coffee.
Is Coffee “Clean”?
Coffee by itself is clean, especially if you buy whole coffee beans and grind them yourself. The trouble comes when you start adding creamers and sweeteners. These can not only add too much sugar to your diet, but they can also contain dangerous artificial ingredients that the clean eating diet seeks to eliminate. Most Starbucks drinks are unhealthy and loaded with sugar, so your best bets at that coffee shop are straight coffee or any unsweetened tea.
You can make your own almond milk coffee creamer, or see if you can find a clean almond milk creamer at the store. Drinking fancy coffee drinks — that are actually clean-eating approved and healthy — just takes a little research and some extra cooking!
How do you make your coffee clean? Let me know in the comments!
Mary Tomerlin says
As a normal habit, I drink my coffee straight (black). But When I do get that urge for a little something more, I either A. Add a Tbls of RAW unprocessed sugar, A Cup of Ice and blend it until its frothy and frappe-esque. Or, I add either honey or RAW sugar and cinnamon and drink it hot. These are delicious ways to enjoy coffee. I dont use soy milk because of the GMO. Occasionally Ill add Almond milk, but honestly it tastes just as good without!
Also, thank you for your hard work that makes it a ton easier for all of us. I hope you get thanked regularly, I know its hard work. But damn impressive. 🙂
In health,
Mary
Amy Suto says
Thanks for your comment, Mary! I’m going to have to try some of those different ways to spruce up my morning coffee.
Have a great day!
-Amy