Background Information
The Whole30 diet is result of research created by practitioners Daryl and Melissa Hartwig. Following their research, the program involves eliminating sugar, legumes, grains, dairy, processed foods, and alcohol for a 30-day period. Their program involves eating healthier by taking out potentially unhealthy ingredients and focusing on whole, natural foods. While certain eliminations on the Whole30 diet are intended to remove conventional means of drinking coffee, such as creamers, added sugars, flavored syrups, and more, many are asking if they can still consume coffee at all on the diet.
Understanding The Whole30 Diet
The Whole30 diet is a 30-day elimination diet that eliminates certain food groups that might not support a healthful lifestyle. Over the 30-day period, certain foods are avoided like dairy, grains, legumes, processed foods, and added sugars. The diet focuses on solely focusing on natural, whole foods that support long-term health.
However, this means eliminating conventional ways of taking coffee like creamers, flavored syrups and added sugars. Coffee-lovers may wonder if this means they need to cut out their favorite beverage to complete the program.
Coffee On Whole30 Diet
The Whole30 diet allows for members to have coffee as long as it is consumed without any added ingredients. Many participants of the program report that the best way to take coffee without any added ingredients is by drinking coffee with coconut oil or grass-fed butter.
It should be noted that it takes some getting used to to drink coffee this way but other benefits such as more focus, energy, and improved mental clarity also arise. Most Whole30 members also recommend they use high-quality coffee beans that are free of chemical pesticides and other unnatural substances.
Benefits of Coffee and Fat Consumption
The benefits of taking coffee on a Whole30 diet includes more focus, energy, and clarity, but what exactly does the fat component of the addition do? Consuming healthy fats paired with coffee is said to increase and prolong mental clarity, resulting in acting as a tool for increasing performance. Healthy fats are believed to help stabilize blood sugar, since fats take longer for the body to break down and digest as compared to sugary solutions or refined carbohydrates.
Precautions To Consider
Despite the potential benefits of consuming healthy fats with coffee, those on the Whole30 diet should still be mindful about consuming the beverage. Entirely depending on coffee for the day can prove to be just as detrimental as boosting energy with sugary solutions or refined carbohydrates. Caffeinated beverages are known to have dehydrating effects and it is highly important to hydrate throughout the day as well as get enough restful sleep.
Though the diet involves different eliminations, Whole30 members should remember to check-in with their bodies throughout the process and make sure to take care of themselves, in terms of ensuring hydration and enough restful sleep.
Adding To Taste
Adding natural flavorings that are Whole30 compliant such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric are a great way to add a subtle taste while proving health benefits. These ingredients offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits and can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Alternatives For Coffee
Saintly Culprit is another coffee alternative that has taken off in the health and wellness industry in recent years. It is very low in caffeine and is commonly referred to as “ functional ” coffee. This breakfast beverage is made of Lion’s Mane mushroom, Chaga mushroom, coconut milk, and cream.
It has a nutty flavor and is said to boost cognitive function, focus, productivity, and mood. To maintain the Whole30 diet, it should be noted that this product includes coconut milk and should be avoided.
Supplementing Coffee Consumption With Activity
Since coffee can lead to the potential of emotional or mental burn-out if consumed too long into the day, there are several things Whole30 participants can do to combat this effect. It is best to supplement coffee consumption with activity such as cardio and stretching in the morning, or before consuming coffee.
The said activities for the day can either be done before or after coffee consumption, or even throughout the day. Doing activity before caffeine intake will help to naturally wake the body with endorphins and create a feeling of energized awakeness prior to consuming caffeine.
Summary & Conclusion
Overall, bringing coffee into the Whole30 diet is possible if certain precautions are considered. It is best to go with naturally picked and high-quality beans and not to forget to drink plenty of water and get enough restful sleep. Supplementing coffee consumption with activity is also recommended to increase focus, clarity, productivity, and mood in an energized manner. Additionally, adding natural flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric can add additional anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
