Breakfast Before Coffee: I Die!

In my Fit Mama quest, I have done a lot of research on healthy eating, exercise, meditation and overall changes to becoming the best me. It’s been one year since I had my gallbladder removed and I have not made any significant changes to my diet. I have started and stopped juicing, green smoothies, low carb and high protein changes more times than I can count. I have good streak and extremely bad streaks but I continue to make an effort.

So in hanging out with my friends Google and Pinterest, I stumbled upon the topic of coffee and your health. I am an avid coffee drinker. I just love it. The smell, the taste, the warming that it does to my body and just it! I like to have my coffee early in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up. Most times I will do part 1 of my at home workout which includes a basic yoga stretch routine,and have my coffee as a reward. I love breakfast but I prefer to eat it at brunch hour. I know eating breakfast first thing in the morning is important for your metabolism and as a result weight loss. But I count my coffee as breakfast. And I like my coffee alone. Food spoils the deliciousness of it.

In trying to make my coffee healthier I quit using creamer. You know the lovely Bailey’s line of creamers I adore especially the holiday pumpkin addition. Instead I use a little 2% milk, 2 teaspoons of raw sugar and I add a dash or two of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. I don’t miss the creamer at all. If you don’t believe me try it. Confession: I may indulge in the pumpkin creamer come holiday time but by then I will have completed my first half marathon and I will be at my healthy body weight. I’m working on the sugar part.

Ok here it is. You can google all the “scientific” reasons for having breakfast before your morning cup of joe but here are the reasons I know breakfast before coffee is the best bet based on my experience:

1. Coffee is an appetite suppressant. This is great, however you do not want to suppress your appetite to the point of not eating enough calories. I have been guilty of this for too many years. My metabolism went from that of a Giselle to one of a tortoise. I know age and lifestyle has an impact but not having breakfast is a definite problem. Breakfast helps to jump-start your metabolism in the morning  and reduces the likelihood of you binging later in the day (during brunch/lunch.)

2. Having a balanced breakfast kick-starts your good mood for the day. I use to commute on the NYC subway system (to know it is to hate it!) Had I known this, I would have had breakfast before ever starting my commute. The subway ride was a killjoy at least 4 days a week. The mornings I did have breakfast were the mornings I was able to cope with the commute madness. Funny thing is I would eat breakfast super early because I heading to the gym and I need the energy.

3. Speaking of energy… With just coffee in your system you do not have any real nutrients stored to keep that pep in your step. Breakfast made my morning workouts easier especially on the days I worked out with the BOSS (aka my trainer) or took a spin class. Plus breakfast prevented me from passing out in spin!

Not specific to me (I think) coffee on an empty stomach also has an effect on fertility. This is an interesting discussion and if a simple switch in your routine will be of benefit in your quest to become a mother then like Nike says “Just Do It.”

The Breakfast Manifesto published in NY Magazine is a great read on the coffee before breakfast discussion. Pretty much sums up what I describe above.

One last tip: I’m sure you have heard that a warm cup of water works wonders for your health. I don’t have to look far to prove this tip is a gem. My great-aunt is approaching her 91st birthday without minimal health issues. As a former nurse, years ago she shared with me her secret to great health, glowing skin (and I do mean glowing) and a beautiful shape. Her top tip was a glass of warm water first thing in the morning and two more glasses during the day.

Go ahead and have a glass of warm water with lemon and or ginger, then breakfast then enjoy your hot cup of love coffee. Up next, my potential Paleo change and healthy breakfast options.