YzFit

Lets face it some of us even though we know coffee is bad for us just really want a cup of joe in the morning.  Its just one of those simple pleasures in life and sometimes giving that up is just down right hard(or doesn’t last long).  While I would love to say that I found some magical coffee plant, that spits out beans that makes our cellulite disappear and cures cancer, that is not the case.  However there are a few things you can do in preparing your coffee that can make it less of a health hazard. 

1.) Switch out your cream or milk for either soy milk or almond milk.  Cows milk is the most common food allergy and has been linked to eczema, asthma, sinus congestion and upset stomach.  Also 2% milk is actually 35% fat! (the 2% fat is calculated by weight not by calories!!) Soy is high in calcium and beneficial for heart health, prostate cells, and bone density.  Almond milk is another good alternative as it is high in protein giving the coffee a hint of nut flavor and providing a good alternative for those who do not like soy.

2.) Adding cinnamon to your coffee not only adds in a little extra flavor but gives a nice health boost.  Cinnamon has been linked with increased insulin sensitivity which is helpful in preventing and reversing diabetes.   Studies have shown that those who consume cinnamon have a reduced risk of cancer(breast), Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, accelerated aging and heart disease.

3.) Switch from coffee to an Americano.  Americano is a shot of espresso with hot water.  It taste virtually the same as coffee but 1 shot of espresso will have less caffeine than a traditional cup of coffee. 

Be sure that you are consuming water through out the day to stay hydrated and make up for the diuretic effect that caffeine has.

• Just a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon sprinkled on your food can help prevent an insulin spike. This spike normally occurs after a meal and signals the body to store fat instead of burning it. It could help in your battle of the bulge!
• Because cinnamon helps regulate insulin, it may also be beneficial for diabetics.
• Studies have also shown that eating half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Cinnamon has been found in some studies to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in both leukemia and lymphoma.
• Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood.
• A study done at Copenhagen University found that arthritis patients who consumed cinnamon mixed with honey daily had significantly reduced pain after a month.
• It inhibits bacteria growth in food and drinks.
• The smell of cinnamon may boost cognitive function and memory.
• Cinnamon is a good source of fiber, manganese, iron and calcium.
photo credit: Lady AnnDerground

If you are concerned about preservatives or just love the smell of fresh bread baking here is a recipe for you. I use a bread machine and it makes a medium/small loaf.  Depending on your bread machine you may be able to double the recipe, but I would suggest making it the way it is first to make sure your machine is going to be large enough.

2/3cup applesauce

1 cup almond milk (I use almond breeze the original, and I have used soy milk and its turned out great. I suspect it would be fine with regular milk too)

2.5 cups whole wheat flour

1tsp cinnamon

2tbsp brown sugar

1tsp salt

1tbs Earth Balance (smart balance or what ever healthy butter substitute you use will suffice)

1.5 tsp dry yeast

Optional- Apple chunks.  I will take half an apple or one apple depending on the apple’s size and dice and put in bread machine with all the other ingredients.

machine note-Dump all the ingredients in, I never worry about what goes in first and start the machine on its regular mode.  I would NOT suggest using this one on a delayed timer or rapid cycle.


photo credit: nessguide