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3 Healthy Recipes to Jazz Up Your Java

Coffee recipes, Iced coffee recipes, Espresso coffee recipes, Healthy coffee recipes, Cold coffee recipe

If you’re like most folks, your morning routine would not the same without a hot cup of joe in your hand. You can congratulate yourself for starting your day with a healthy habit, as science has shown that coffee drinkers benefit from a host of health perks, like increased metabolism, stronger hearts, and even a longer life.

However, indulging in your daily dose of caffeine can have its drawbacks. For one, frequent coffee stops can get expensive. Coffee can seem like a minimal expense, but some folks will spend up to $6.00 on a flavored latte or frappuccino. Spend that seven days a week, and you could almost have filled a tank of gas with what you paid for coffee. In addition, don’t forget how much fat and sugar are added to certain coffee drinks.

To cut the cost of frequent coffee shop pit stops and unhealthy additives, we’ve gathered three creative versions of lattes you can make without the need for a fancy espresso machine. As a bonus, each recipe includes ingredients that actually add vital nutrients to your cup. With these simple ways to jazz up your java, you’ll be saving cash and starting your day with an extra-healthy boost.

“Cashew”ual Coffee Blend

This simple mix of coffee and cashews is a caffeine fix that’s also packed with healthy minerals, fats, and zero cholesterol. Cashews are full of magnesium, phosphorus and copper, and we’re nuts about these little guys because they also contain protein and antioxidants.

Directions:

  1. Brew one cup (8-12 oz.) of your favorite coffee (using a Keurig cup, French press or whatever you have at home).
  2. Pour hot coffee into a blender. Brands with high speeds will work best, as they eliminate remaining chunks of cashews.
  3. Add one small handful (about 6-10 cashews) into the blender.
  4. Blend on high for about 20 seconds. Blend again if you have unwanted cashew residue.
  5. Pour your cashew coffee blend, letting the tan layer of remaining foam top off your cup.

Enjoy your homemade coffee creation, which starts your day with protein, healthy fats and just 25-75 calories (depending on the amount of cashews). Plus, it’s been found that nut consumption promotes weight loss, so pairing this cup with breakfast could help you eat less and still feel satisfied.

Must Read: Super Foods that Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer

“A Very Important Date” Coffee

Dates are one of nature’s all-natural sweeteners. Because so many folks are hooked on coffees that are sweetened with artificial sugars and syrups, substituting dates can be the perfect need for an early morning sweet-tooth fix. Dates also have fiber, helping you reach the daily suggested 25-35g with just one cup of coffee! Fiber makes you feel full and aids the digestive process.

Directions:

  1. Toss 3 tablespoons chopped dates into the blender. Pour coffee over top and let sit for 1 minute to moisten the dates (this will make for easier blending).
  2. There are a bunch of fun ingredients you can add to this mix! We love a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend.
  3. If you want to add a small amount of healthy fat to this cup, add just one Brazil nut. In addition to the small dose of healthy fat and protein that this one magical nut will bring to your brew, you’ll also benefit from its high selenium content.
  4. If you added a Brazil nut or two, blend again. The nut will also create a more frothy consistency.

“Mint on Ice”

Iced coffee and blended ice drinks don’t have to be packed with artificial sugars. They also don’t have to be reserved for hot summer days. Case in point: our Mint on Ice provides year-round goodness with a great combination of health benefits.

Mint is known for its soothing effects on the digestive system. The menthol in mint is also thought to be a decongestant—morning phlegm, be gone! A few leaves of this heroic herb also contain vital minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Coconut water contains glucose, which your brain uses for fuel. We also love adding a tablespoon of coconut meat to make this blend heartier (and better for your heart!). Hemp milk can also be added to provide omega-3s and a creamier consistency.

Cacoa is a superior source of antioxidants, even compared to berries. 100% cacao powder has 0 grams of sugar and can be blended into any drink, just like a protein powder.

Directions:

  1. Let coffee cool in separate mug while you combine ¼ cup coconut water with ¼ cup hemp milk, almond milk, or other type of low-fat milk.
  2. Add 1 cup crushed ice.
  3. Blend.
  4. Add coconut meat and/or 1 tablespoon 100% cacao powder (like Scharffen Berger.) If 100% is too bitter, try 85%.
  5. Add cooled coffee to blended contents.
  6. Add a small handful of fresh mint leaves into blender. Mint leaves can easily be bought in small packs at any grocery store, but you might also use this drink as inspiration to start your own small herb garden—potted mint is easy to grow!
  7. Blend once more.

With the nutritional benefits of this ice-blended brew, it’s the perfect blend for a morning start that’s nice, nice, baby.

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