The Morning Grind: Why Coffee is So Hot

As I sit here, trying to enjoy my morning coffee before the Bear emerges from his lair, I am thinking about why I like it so much (yes...I would even say I love it).

I have countless photos with my coffee

1. It's that yummy cup of something warm in the morning. 
2. It's tasty (my latest brew is the Pleasant Morning Buzz, extra strong and freshly ground daily at our house, every a.m. at 5 a.m.).
3. It's a kick start that is so subtle I barely notice. This is probably due to years of drinking this amazing elixir. 
4. It represents my "me" time. My special treat to myself. (This is why I don't half-ass my coffee prep. Yes, I'm the coffee equivalent of a wine snob). 
5. It makes me happy. Really. Even the little Bear knows this already. Perhaps he has learned it from the big Bear. Sometimes on the weekend, when I have forgotten to set up my coffee maker the night before (I like to wake-up to the smell, which probably annoys the hell out of my non-coffee drinking husband), they will grind and brew my coffee for me (to coax me out of bed). This is impressive to me...as my husband is not a coffee drinker, but knows (and appreciates) how important it is to starting my day off right (and helping me find my happy place). Did I mention I love him? Do I feel bad about sleeping in? No. They watch Clone Wars/Star Wars every Saturday morning. I don't feel bad about missing this at all. 

Don't like the taste? I can't help there. I'd like to say coffee drinking is an acquired taste. For some it is, but I started drinking it so young, I can't remember not liking it. It' a Cuban thing. Also, in the past, every single place I have been employed whole-heartedly supports this habit. Sounds bad saying that out loud.
However, in the past few years we have seen many reports touting the benefits of coffee consumption. Perhaps they were keen to those benefits.

This mainly applies to moderate coffee consumption  - I'm talking 2-3 cups a day at most. I am not talking about those of us who funnel the stuff (wait, did I say us?). I will point out that there have been "risks" associated with drinking unfiltered coffee (i.e., french press prepped, which I like, but have given up). This particular method may put you at risk for increased blood cholesterol levels. Also, if you have a particular genetic mutation that inhibits your ability to break down caffeine, coffee might not be right for you (it may increase your risk for heart disease). Heavy consumption (defined at 4> cups a day) might lead to irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness (which we all like to avoid). Also, if you load up on sugar and cream (i.e., more cream than coffee) it might add extra calories you don't actually want.

The benefits to coffee drinking (that I have found) include the following:
1. Mental alertness and improved cognitive function
2. Protective against Parkinson's disease, Type II Diabetes, liver cancer
3. High content of anti-oxidents
4. Reduced risk of gallstones, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease

Some of these benefits are associated with heavier consumption, so there is some debate over whether or not coffee is actually good for you. As I review some of the research, I would say, if you don't drink it, it's not a habit I would start. Caffeine is mildly addictive, but it's not like people aren't getting it somewhere else (ahem...Diet Coke?).

What about from a fitness perspective? To drink or not to drink before a workout. I drink it before. But always at the minimum, an hour prior.

Here are some tips from a brief article on how coffee can be a great addition to your workouts, by simply following some tips, like the amount of coffee/caffeine, timing, and pairing it with a small snack.

Here is a great resource on how much caffeine is in various products.

In some studies, research has shown to boost athletic performance by 20%, however as a researcher, I also know that without reviewing those studies, there may be other things at work here (especially if athletes thought they were getting something to improve their performance). People have a tendency to "perform better" when we know we are being watched/studied. Research is still not 100% clear on why or how caffeine improves performance, as it acts on multiple systems in the body.

My recommendations - if you drink it, keep on drinking. If you don't, you are probably getting your caffeine fix from some other source, so why mess with it.

Supporting my habit

My own personal advice:

1. Try to drink your coffee 30-60 minutes prior to your workout accompanied by a small snack. That way your stomach isn't upset, and you get the peak benefits of your caffeine.
2. Don't drink the sugary, loaded, pseudo coffee concoctions you get from various coffee joints. Way too expensive - perfect way to simultaneously sabotage your budget and your waistline. Plus, you can make your own healthier version at home (I will share some recipes later this week). 
3. When you think it's time for a second cup, do a quick evaluation of why you need another cup. Tired? Cranky? Feeling bored? Unable to focus? Is it prior to 3pm? Oh, what the hell am I talking about? Go for it. 

Anna Marie