Energizing No-Breakfast Option: Bulletproof Coffee

Getting solid high-quality nutrition in at breakfast is often challenging. That's why I LOVE Bulletproof Coffee. It's easy, quick, super nutritious, filling, and provides long-lasting energy while you need it, without negative side-effects that often accompany skipping meals. Over the past month I've been completing an internship process to coach at Total Performance Sports, the gym where I've been training since we moved to Boston. Although I've been drinking Bulletproof Coffee consistently for almost a year, it's really come in handy over the past month when my schedule is full and I'm away from home and real food. Here's why:

• MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) provide instant energy, are easily digested, and improve cognition
• Butyric Acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, involved in healthy metabolism, and important in cardiovascular health. (1)
• CLAs (conjugated linoleic acid) fight cancer, promote healthy body composition, fight inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity, and promote heart health. (2)
• Caffeine, in healthy amounts for many individuals, suppresses hunger, increases metabolism, and increases alertness.

PLUS, everyone keeps asking what's in my mason jar. :) PLUS, it tastes amazing - like a latté. The focus here, consistent with all my Paleo-ness, is on the quality of ingredients. Higher quality ingredients will taste better, contain more nutrients, and less toxins than low quality ingredients. It doesn't have to be crazy expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for.

So, without further ado, here is the recipe with some optional variations: 

Bulletproof Coffee

2 cups fresh coffee 2 Tbsp unsalted grassfed butter (Kerrygold or Smjor are good brands) 2 Tbsp MCT Oil (some folks use coconut oil but after I tried MCT Oil, I'll never go back) 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional) 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional) 1/2 cup raw milk (optional) Blend for 45-60 seconds. Blending is the key. Do not shake nor stir - BLEND. Blending actually helps with the digestion process by breaking down some of the saturated fats in butter into shorter chain fats, making them easier to digest and producing the frothiness of the drink.                                 Lots of people freak out when they hear butter in coffee for the first time, but for those of you in the house, are you aware of the ingredients in cream??? Cream. And the ingredients in butter? Cream that is less processed than cream found in the store.  

Enjoy! I also love hearing YOUR variations, so leave a comment in the space below sharing your fave Bulletproof recipe! :)

As you can see from the above photos, I'm a HUGE fan of Dave Asprey at BulletproofExec.com. I order from him every 2-3 months. Until October 29th, he has a 20% off sale of everything in the Upgraded Self store, so check it out! Well worth it!   XOXO -