Coffee x Your hormones
I’m certainly not an expert on anything but one thing I can confirm helped get my hormones back in check after they went haywire was this very simple thing - eating a small meal before my morning coffee. For many, myself included, coffee is one of our most sacred morning rituals. However, the way you consume your coffee, especially as a woman, can impact hormonal health. So let’s talk about it…
Caffeine and Hormones:
Caffeine, the primary component in coffee, influences hormones like cortisol and insulin. Cortisol, the stress hormone (that can make you tired, fat, and haggard), can increase with caffeine consumption, particularly on an empty stomach. Eating before your coffee helps buffer the impact on cortisol levels.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
Caffeine can affect insulin sensitivity, impacting blood sugar regulation. Consuming food alongside your coffee supports stable blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin-related issues and promoting overall health.
Hormonal Fluctuations:
Women may notice variations in how caffeine affects them during different phases of their cycle. Eating a balanced meal before coffee can help mitigate these hormonal fluctuations and provide sustained energy throughout the day. You might still want to reach for the noon pick me up but it would be more out of habit than necessity, so make it a decaf.
The Role of Nutrition:
A well-rounded meal before your morning coffee offers a mix of macronutrients, supporting overall health and ensuring a steady release of energy. This helps counteract potential hormonal imbalances caused by caffeine. I make a simple chia seed pudding that's rich in protein and fiber. I blend it with half a teaspoon of organic peanut butter and sliced banana, savoring each bite with my eyes closed while my Nespresso hums in the background. I make my own Almond Milk with an Almond Cow, which might sound a bit Gwyneth Paltrow-esque, but it's an effective way to keep out all the sugar and additives in dairy-free milks. This concoction provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and all the essentials to kickstart your body before introducing caffeine into your system.
Listening to Your Body:
Individual responses to caffeine vary, so pay attention to how your body reacts. If you notice adverse effects on hormonal health or overall well-being, consider adjusting your coffee habits. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and concerns.
Mindful coffee consumption involves more than just sipping your favorite drink, listen to what your body is telling you. Eating before drinking coffee is a simple yet effective way to support hormonal health, ensuring a positive start to your day and a harmonious mind, body and spirit. So next time your thinking of raw dogging your coffee without a little snack, think of me, and have a banana.
Love you!
