Coffee Talk

When you think about a healthy lifestyle, usually caffeine in any form, does not enter the picture. But, let's be realistic...there are some things that are just too hard to go without. I'm not talking about caffeinated soft drinks, also filled with sugar or even worse, harmful chemicals. This post solely applies to coffee. 

Coffee is what gets us going in the morning, bonds friendships as we gather in our favorite shop, and compliments a savory dessert at the end of the day. It's more than just a hot burst of energy, coffee has become a staple of comfort in our lives. Watch any movie and count how many scenes involve characters sipping coffee or casually asking, "How about a cup of coffee?" 

Extreme health gurus will rebuff any notion that includes coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle. But again, we're being real. So many of us need/want/desire/would kill for that morning cup before getting thrown into our daily stressors. We shouldn't be deprived of this ritual so here are some tips for getting the most out of your cup (or two) of the good stuff.

If you can't give up the caffeine...

...choose shade grown, organic coffee beans. Coffee grown in the shade preserves nutrients in the soil by reducing sun exposure which negatively alters the top soil. This results in a bean that is high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The flavor is more intense since it takes longer for the beans to mature which many coffee lovers prefer. And there's an environmental benefit since forests and trees don't need to be cleared, allowing animal and bird populations to remain in their natural habitat. And organic coffee is of course free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. If you can, try not to drink it late into the afternoon (a cut off after 12 or 1pm would be best) or switch to decaf for your afternoon/evening cups.

If you can do it, decaf is the way to go...

...but not just any decaf coffee will do. When buying decaf, look for beans that are organic but it is also important to make sure the process to decaffeinate the beans is done naturally, without harmful chemicals, through a technique called water processing. Swiss water processing is an industry standard and if you see this seal displayed on the window of your local coffee shop, then tell them "Thank you!" and frequent them often.

To find coffee shops in your area that use on SWP beans click here:

Find Swiss Water shops near you

It's important for those with candida to avoid caffeine as it can kill off necessary beneficial bacteria inside the colon. And for those with type 2 diabetes, caffeine can raise blood sugar, so sticking with decaf is critical for these folks. It's also best (though not always easy) to find coffee that is low in acid. Luckily, Seattle is drizzled with coffee shops on every corner with shop owners who know coffee inside and out - from bean to brew. But if you have a hard time finding low acidic coffee in your neighborhood shop or store, here is a method you can use on how to brew it yourself. 

As for the coffee, I found this Trader Joe's brand that I love and hopefully, you'll be able to find it there too. It's their Organic French Roast Decaf and it is delicious. I buy the whole bean can and grind them at the store, refilling the can. You really can't beat the flavor and quality of coffee for $9.99 a can.

On the side bar to the right I listed a few other local coffee shops that sell organic, swiss water decaf coffee that you can order online or call them directly. And here are some of the best non dairy creamers I've found on the market:

So Delicious Creamer  - this is made from Coconuts but does not have a coconut flavor. I stay away from any flavored or sweetened creamers because they contain a lot of sugar. Go with plain or original when you find it. (found in the refrigerated section of natural grocers, either in a non dairy area or mixed in with the regular creams.)

Soymilk Creamer - I use Soy (organic only) in moderation. This brand tastes like regular cream and just like the Coconut creamer, blends very well in coffee. (found in the refrigerated section of natural grocers, either in a non dairy area or mixed in with the regular creams.)

Almond & Cashew Mimiccreme - If you've ever tried to add almond milk or any type of nut milk to hot coffee, you know what happens. The milk separates and does not blend well at all. This thick cream is made from almonds and cashews and dissolves beautifully into coffee. Only downside? It's difficult to find. One local grocer used to carry it but now I can't find it anymore so I'll be sending a product request to the store manager. (this was kept with unrefrigerated non dairy milks in the store aisles - will require refrigeration after opening.)


Ok one last tidbit before I end this post. Flavored coffee drinks are such a special treat, especially this time of year, but as you know they are loaded with excess sugar or artificial ingredients if you opt for a sugar free drink. Remember the Pumpkin Pie Spice I added to tea?

Well I tried a little experiment and added about a half a teaspoon to ground coffee in the coffee maker and what came out was an exceptionally flavored spiced coffee! Flavors like cinnamon, clove, and ginger were a perfect compliment to my cup of morning decaf. Not only did it taste great but smelled like  gingerbread. I had some left over so I made an iced coffee later in the day by mixing in a little Almond Milk (almond milk blends better when the coffee is cooled) and about half a pack of Stevia. Make your own iced gingerbread latte and see what you think!

All this coffee talk is making me crave one last cup before the day is done. Yet another reason decaf rocks!