For years now I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my morning cup of joe. While my senses love everything about the ritual of coffee, it can leave me with an upset stomach and/or feeling irritable. Not exactly the way I want to spend a good chunk of my day. So rather than coffee, I’m always in pursuit of the ultimate replacement beverage that I can effortlessly reach for in the morning. I may have found it.
A few months ago our clinical nutritionist made some recommendations that eventually led me to my new coffee replacement. She suggested that I consume some gelatin every day and also eat some good fat and protein within an hour of waking up.
In typical “Paula” fashion, it took me a little while to figure out how to make these new habits a part of my regular routine. I pondered the simplest way to make sure I always had a gelatin goodie at the ready. Meanwhile, I wasn’t too crazy about the idea of frying up an egg shortly after I hopped out of bed. This narrow focus was holding me back from moving forward.
One morning it dawned on me, and after that I was able to take care of several self-health objectives by 8:00 a.m. each day.
As it turns out, high-quality, grass-fed gelatin powder is a good source of protein—so that takes care of two items on my list. And as I’m a fan of most things coconut, I know that coconut oil offers many health benefits, including the fact that it’s one of the good fats. I’d also read that you can add coconut oil into hot drinks such as tea or coffee to get more of it into your diet. Knowing that gelatin is dissolved in hot water too, I concocted my new favorite morning beverage.
Gelatin powder + coconut oil + hot water = the perfect morning tea (for me)!
For some additional adrenal support, our nutritionist also suggested that I add a couple pinches of salt—the right kind of salt, that is. As soon as I added this final ingredient, I realized I’d just met the beverage that could eliminate my off-and-on battle with coffee. Based on how delicious this combination tastes to me, I know it’s something my body has been wanting for some time now.
So, how much of each? I use about 1½ teaspoons of gelatin powder, 2 healthy pinches of Celtic sea salt, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. You can play around with the amounts until you come up with something you like. You can also switch up the products to include your favorites. Gelatin powder hard for you to digest? Get in the habit of having bone broth ready. Not a fan of coconut oil (like my dad)? Pick your healthy fat of choice and try that. You can also talk with your health care provider about what might work best for you.
I’ve been happily drinking my new favorite beverage for about six weeks now, and here’s what I’ve noticed:
- My hair is fuller, thicker, and just plain healthier. This is something I’ve struggled with since my thyroid stopped working efficiently.
- I have far fewer cravings midmorning. Drinking coffee often left me craving a quick energy boost a few hours later. When I start with a cup of my new combination first thing, I tend to make better food choices the rest of the day.
- My thoughts are more clear and focused. When I avoid things I shouldn’t consume (like coffee) and provide my body with what it needs, I can accomplish what’s most important on any given day.
What concoctions have you created to give your body what it needs?
Photo from iStock/Butsaya
Paula Widish, author of Trophia: Simple Steps to Everyday Self-Health, is a freelance writer and self-healther. She loves nothing more than sharing tidbits of information she discovers with others. (Actually, she loves her family more than that—and probably bacon too.) Paula has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Relations and is a Certified Professional Life Coach through International Coach Academy.
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