What To Eat Before Drinking Coffee

Nutrient-rich Foods to Eat Before Drinking Coffee

It’s widely known that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause discomfort, along with other undesirable implications. However, if you pair coffee with certain nutrient-rich foods, you can enjoy both its benefits and those of the foods that act to balance the beverage’s effects. Here is a rundown of food-coffee combinations that you can enjoy, both for flavour and health benefits.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain a number of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron and magnesium, as well as fibre. The carbohydrates found in whole grains also serve as a good source of quick energy. A great example of a pre-coffee snack would be a piece of wholegrain toast with almond butter, which provides protein and healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer.

Nuts and Seeds

Opting for a handful of nuts or seeds is a great way to get a nutrient-dense snack that provides healthy fats, protein, and minerals for pre-coffee nourishment. As an example, enjoy a Brazil nut, which packs a punch of selenium, or a small handful of walnuts for their alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid.

Fruit or Fruit Juice

Fruit and vegetable juices are a great way to provide some nutrition and energy before drinking coffee. A tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is one good example, as it contains vitamins C and B complex, potassium, and magnesium. Other than orange juice, try apples, bananas and pears which are excellent sources of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Dried Fruit and Vegetables

If you don’t have access to fresh produce, one of the best snacking options is dried fruit and vegetables. Dried fruits, such as raisins, currants and dates, are convenient snack options that contain minerals like selenium, calcium, and magnesium. Other dried vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, beetroot, celery and sweet potatoes are full of fibre and vitamins.

Hummus and Vegetable Crudité

If you’re looking for something with a bit more substance, you can satisfy your hunger with a helping of hummus and crudité. This tasty combination provides a source of both carbohydrates and healthy fats thanks to the chickpea-based spread. The nutrient-boost comes from the variety of fresh vegetables – including celery, carrots and peppers – that make up the crudité, which also act as a source of fibre.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a wonderful pre-coffee snack choice. Yoghurts contain probiotics, important bacteria that balance the microflora in our gastrointestinal tract. Yoghurt also provides calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. Be sure to stick to unsweetened, natural yoghurts for the greatest health benefits. To add some natural sweetness, pair it with some fresh fruit.

Protein-rich Foods

If you’re looking to fill up a bit more before your morning coffee, you can opt for protein-rich foods like a boiled egg, some roasted chicken, or a cup of lentils. All are good sources of essential amino acids, and the healthy fats in the egg and chicken will keep you going for longer.

Smoothies

Smoothies are fantastic ways to add whole-food nutrition to your diet. Not only do they mix well with your morning coffee, they taste great too. Try making a protein smoothie with almond milk, Greek yoghurt, nuts, and some frozen fruit. You can also include some cocoa nibs and coconut oil for an added punch of healthy fats and antioxidants. Drinking this before your coffee will give you all of the nutrition you need for the day, and the energy boost to keep you energised for hours.

Coconut and Olive Oil

Pairing your morning coffee with coconut or extra-virgin olive oil provides some valuable fats to give you the energy you need for the day. These oils are also full of antioxidants that will help to protect your health for long-term benefit.

Egg Avocado Toast

Try a slice of whole grain toast with mashed avocado and a fried egg to make your morning coffee as nutritious as it is delicious. Avocados are full of healthy fats, while eggs provide additional protein to keep you full until lunch. To make it a balanced meal, add some greens like spinach or kale.

Oatmeal

Oats are an excellent source of essential nutrients and fibre that make them an excellent pre-coffee snack. You can enjoy them as porridge or in baked treats made with natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Adding seeds and dried fruit for added nutrition will make your morning coffee even healthier.

Organic Dairy

Organic milk and cheese are rich sources of B vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that will help you get the most out of your morning coffee. Organic dairy products are also free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals that may be present in conventional dairy. Enjoy your coffee with a piece of cheese, some yoghurt, or a splash of milk for a balanced meal.

Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and a host of beneficial compounds that can boost your health and help to counteract the effects of coffee. Preparing a cup of green tea before drinking coffee will help to keep your caffeine levels in check while providing you with a healthy dose of nutrients.

Chia Seeds

These tiny seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They are high in fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and can be added to almost any meal or beverage for an extra nutritional boost. Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to your morning coffee is an excellent way to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need as well as the energy from the coffee.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is full of beneficial antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats that can help to balance the effects of caffeine in your coffee. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate before your coffee to reap the health benefits, and to satisfy any sweet tooth cravings.

James Giesen is an avid coffee enthusiast and a prolific writer. His focus on coffee has led him to write extensively about the brewing, roasting, and tasting of this beloved beverage. He has been working in the Specialty Coffee Retail industry for over five years.

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