If you're reading this blog then chances are you have at least a passing interest in healthy eating. If that's the case then you've probably already accepted the fact that fat is not the enemy. If you're still squarely in the nonfat is better camp, then please read this before going further. I'm never going to be able to convince you to put butter in your coffee if you're scared of fat.
Okay, now that we're all on the same page and agree that a reasonable amount of healthy fat is good for you, let's get down to the coffee.
Coffee is truly my first love. It's my first priority when I wake up in the morning and trust me, my husband and everyone else I come into contact with throughout the day want it that way. Me + coffee = better.
Blending butter with coffee has been popularized by the folks over at Bulletproof. Their recipe, and the one I follow, is a cup of coffee blended with 1 - 2 tbsps each of butter from grass-fed cows and their XCT oil (though I use MCT oil - short for medium chain triglyceride oil). MCTs are found in coconut oil and are a very readily accessible form of energy for the human body. Some studies show that they can increase metabolism, but nothing conclusive yet.
I started out making a french press with bulletproof beans each morning and while it was delicious, I just couldn't take the extra time to get that coffee made. So, I went back to our trusty Nespresso machine. Two lungos per person does the trick beautifully. If you're brewing your own coffee, my only word to the wise is, make it strong. The stronger the coffee, the better it will stand up to the rich flavor of butter.
What can you expect when you start your morning with super-charged coffee? I'm sure individual results will vary, but I noticed a buzz of energy and increased productivity my very first day. I also didn't experience that mid-morning or early afternoon crash that used to send me running for the candy jar or looking for some other carb-focused quick fix. More energy and fewer sugar cravings? That's a win-win.
Start off with no more than 1 tbsp of butter and oil (less if you're sensitive) and work your way up. Before long, you'll be dreaming of this coffee as you get into bed at night. It is that good.
Bulletproof Coffee
1 mug of strong coffee
1 tbsp grass-fed butter (I use Kerrygold)
1 tbsp of MCT oil
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and frothy. Enjoy.