How some Barista’s can make a coffee drink look so delicate is something of pure artistry. A simple mixture of coffee and steamed milk turns into an Instagram or Facebook explosion of "look at what I am about to drink" posts. Whenever I receive a drink like the picture, I just look in awe of what I am about to destroy and thank the Barista for making my coffee treat so much fun to drink.
Now, my favorite coffee treat, I enjoy one of two ways after a hard workout or just on a chilly morning and most of you would probably shy away from this treat because...well...it's full of FAT!!! Not just any fat but healthy fat that offers many health benefits and I'll explain why.
What's this coffee delight that I speak of? Well look no further than a Cafe Breve or Heavy Whip Latte. Both are a lower sugar version of the classic latte because it uses steamed half and half (Breve) or Milk (latte) instead of the ugly step child of the milk family "skim milk". This option is great for those living a low-carb (that would be me) or paleo lifestyle. The result is a rich and creamy
treat that will both taste like a dessert and give you some serious energy.
Now why would I suggest a drink with such a high fat content? Well, not all fats are good for you but ... GOOD fats are GOOD!
Good fats come in the form of:
olive, flaxseed, palm, avocado, coconut and other nut oils. Animal fats are also quite healthy: butter, ghee, lard, tallow, poultry fats, etc.
Bad fats come in the form of:
margarine, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, manmade trans-fats often found in things like butter flavored "spreads". Other highly processed oils like canola, corn, vegetable and soybean should be avoided.
Here's a list of 10 reasons why fat rocks:
Your brain is made of primarily fat and cholesterol. Starving your brain of fat removes its ability to function properly. Fat can remove "brain fog" and increase clarity.
Improves cardiovascular system. Reduces lipoprotein (a) and increases HDL cholesterol and the HDL:TC ratio, while leaving LDL mostly unchanged.
Contributes to weight loss.
No storing of excess fat in the liver. Will also help protect the liver from booze and some medications. (Needed to add this for my drinker friends out there!)
Healthy fats provide quality energy. Fat is the densest form of energy, at 9 calories per gram (more than double carbohydrates 4 cals. or protein 4 cals.)
Increases sense of satiety, especially within a diet comprised of few simple sugars. A small fat bomb can satisfy for several hours. Because of this satiety, overeating "fat" becomes uncomfortable and unlikely.
Builds stronger bones. Saturated animal fats help calcium more effectively be incorporated into bone. No osteoporosis fears!
Quality nerve signaling. Many fats function as signaling messengers which influence metabolism, including the release of insulin.
Boost immune system health. Fight against cancerous cells and infectious invaders!
Fat helps the absorption of the nutrients in other foods, such as leafy greens.
One more: fat is flavor!
All Baristas will know how to make a Breve or latte. If you are not sure, just ask for a latte made with half and half or Heavy Cream and don't mind the little punk judging you from behind the counter. It's your drink, enjoy!!!
If you’re still worried about too much fat/calories for daily consumption with either the Breve or latte, my favorite alternative is an Americano. It’s a coffee drink where hot water is added to espresso and tastes much better than regular black coffee in my opinion. I usually drink the Americano black, but every now and then I will add a little half and half or heavy cream until it makes a nice light brown color.
So drink up and enjoy a low carb, low sugar option on your next coffee house visit.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
Now, my favorite coffee treat, I enjoy one of two ways after a hard workout or just on a chilly morning and most of you would probably shy away from this treat because...well...it's full of FAT!!! Not just any fat but healthy fat that offers many health benefits and I'll explain why.
What's this coffee delight that I speak of? Well look no further than a Cafe Breve or Heavy Whip Latte. Both are a lower sugar version of the classic latte because it uses steamed half and half (Breve) or Milk (latte) instead of the ugly step child of the milk family "skim milk". This option is great for those living a low-carb (that would be me) or paleo lifestyle. The result is a rich and creamy
treat that will both taste like a dessert and give you some serious energy.
Now why would I suggest a drink with such a high fat content? Well, not all fats are good for you but ... GOOD fats are GOOD!
Good fats come in the form of:
olive, flaxseed, palm, avocado, coconut and other nut oils. Animal fats are also quite healthy: butter, ghee, lard, tallow, poultry fats, etc.
Bad fats come in the form of:
margarine, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, manmade trans-fats often found in things like butter flavored "spreads". Other highly processed oils like canola, corn, vegetable and soybean should be avoided.
Here's a list of 10 reasons why fat rocks:
Your brain is made of primarily fat and cholesterol. Starving your brain of fat removes its ability to function properly. Fat can remove "brain fog" and increase clarity.
Improves cardiovascular system. Reduces lipoprotein (a) and increases HDL cholesterol and the HDL:TC ratio, while leaving LDL mostly unchanged.
Contributes to weight loss.
No storing of excess fat in the liver. Will also help protect the liver from booze and some medications. (Needed to add this for my drinker friends out there!)
Healthy fats provide quality energy. Fat is the densest form of energy, at 9 calories per gram (more than double carbohydrates 4 cals. or protein 4 cals.)
Increases sense of satiety, especially within a diet comprised of few simple sugars. A small fat bomb can satisfy for several hours. Because of this satiety, overeating "fat" becomes uncomfortable and unlikely.
Builds stronger bones. Saturated animal fats help calcium more effectively be incorporated into bone. No osteoporosis fears!
Quality nerve signaling. Many fats function as signaling messengers which influence metabolism, including the release of insulin.
Boost immune system health. Fight against cancerous cells and infectious invaders!
Fat helps the absorption of the nutrients in other foods, such as leafy greens.
One more: fat is flavor!
All Baristas will know how to make a Breve or latte. If you are not sure, just ask for a latte made with half and half or Heavy Cream and don't mind the little punk judging you from behind the counter. It's your drink, enjoy!!!
If you’re still worried about too much fat/calories for daily consumption with either the Breve or latte, my favorite alternative is an Americano. It’s a coffee drink where hot water is added to espresso and tastes much better than regular black coffee in my opinion. I usually drink the Americano black, but every now and then I will add a little half and half or heavy cream until it makes a nice light brown color.
So drink up and enjoy a low carb, low sugar option on your next coffee house visit.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
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