Protein coffee has become a popular morning choice thanks to the low-carb or keto diet trends. Everyone is talking about it, everywhere. It's being touted as an easy way to lose weight. But what is protein coffee (also known as “Pro”)? And are there any real benefits to this drink?
Content What is protein coffee or “profe”? What is protein coffee: advantages Are there any disadvantages to protein coffee? How to make protein coffee at home?
WomanEL suggests that we figure it all out together. After reading this article, you will understand whether the profession is worth all the fuss.
What is protein coffee or “Profe”?
Protein coffee is exactly what it sounds like: adding protein powder or a pre-made shake to a brewed beverage. “People who are busy or don’t feel like eating in the morning use it as a tasty treat and a caffeine boost,” says registered dietitian Beth Linder-Moss. The best part is that it’s so simple and effective. “Just one scoop and you’re instantly getting 25 to 30 grams of protein in the morning,” says Kara Carmichael, a personal trainer and nutritionist.
While protein coffee is a great way to get your protein in the morning, it's not necessarily a meal replacement. “It's really important to get your protein from whole foods,” says registered dietitian Valerie Ageman. She adds that foods like yogurt, protein pancakes, or eggs are best for breakfast. “But if you've never had breakfast, protein coffee is a great way to fill you up and get energized before your first meal.”
Of course, you can drink protein coffee and enjoy a meal at the same time. “A scoop of protein powder in your coffee plus two eggs is about 40 grams of protein, a great amount for breakfast,” adds Carmichael.
What is protein coffee: benefits
Profe perfectly suppresses hunger, and you will not constantly snack, Source: freepik.com
- This is the perfect pre-workout boost. Increasing your protein intake before hitting the gym will help maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
- It makes your coffee flavored. If you like flavored milkshakes or creamy shakes, using flavored protein powders in your coffee can give you the same effect without the extra calories and fat.
- Reduces anxiety. Black coffee on its own can sometimes increase anxiety and cause digestive discomfort. However, adding protein, often mixed with milk or nut milk, can soften the effects of caffeine and promote better digestion.
- Helps with weight loss. A high-protein breakfast can stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent glucose spikes better than a high-carb meal, which helps with weight control. Profe can help you achieve your weight loss goals because it keeps your metabolism going throughout the day.
Are there any downsides to protein coffee?
The added protein can change the texture of your drink. Depending on the type of powder you use, your mix may end up grainier or thicker than you'd like.
And if your protein powder uses sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or aspartame, you may experience stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea. So always read the label carefully and choose a powder without artificial sweeteners if they're a concern for you.
You can drink protein every day – just watch how much you drink so you don’t overdo it. If you’re not exceeding your caffeine limit of 400 mg per day and need help meeting your protein needs, this is a great supplement.
However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before drinking protein coffee (or any other type of caffeine, really). They should be careful with the amount of caffeine they consume each day, which is 200 mg, or about two cups per day.
How do you make protein coffee at home?
All experts agree that using a blender or frother is the best way to thoroughly mix protein powder with coffee and remove any lumps. Linder-Moss prefers to make coffee in a frother because it’s faster and easier to clean than a blender. Simply add milk and a scoop of protein powder. She recommends whey protein, which contains dairy, or a vegan protein powder that doesn’t contain dairy, and whisk until fluffy.
Carmichael, on the other hand, whips up protein powder in a Nutribullet with a little whole milk, then adds it to coffee as a creamer. You can also add coffee and a scoop of powder to a blender bottle, “just make sure it has a little ball in it to break up the powder,” says Linder-Moss.
Play around with the protein to coffee ratio and find what you like best. “Less is more. And it really comes down to taste and texture, not safety,” says Brown. Start with a few grams per scoop, then add more if you want more flavor.”
Protein coffee can be drunk hot or iced. It is recommended to mix hot coffee with protein powder to create a frothy drink. However, protein powder mixes best when added to cold coffee.
The bottom line? Protein coffee is healthy and can really help you manage your weight. However, don't expect this drink to magically burn all your fat.
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