{"id":251,"date":"2020-05-27T04:20:48","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T04:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/?p=251"},"modified":"2021-10-02T18:45:53","modified_gmt":"2021-10-02T18:45:53","slug":"protein-powder-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/protein-powder-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Protein Coffee + Its Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Protein oatmeal, protein pancakes<\/a>, protein cookies \u2014 just add some protein and you\u2019ll have a healthy dish, right? Not quite, but protein is an essential macronutrient that\u2019s important for the growth and repair of muscles, cells, tissues and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So should you add it to your coffee too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Benefits of Protein Coffee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Protein coffee may be a good option in the morning if you\u2019re not a breakfast eater or if you want to get a dose of caffeine in after your workout (me!).
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While it\u2019s easy to reach for sugary cereals and other quick-digesting carbs in the morning, you\u2019ll feel hungry soon after eating them. Protein helps you to feel fuller for longer<\/a>, which may curb your urge to snack and help with weight loss. 
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If you\u2019re a morning workout person, protein coffee can aid in the repair and recovery<\/a> of muscles post workout while giving you a burst of energy for the rest of your day (just be careful of too much caffeine consumption if you take preworkout).
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You may be familiar with this \u201cwindow of opportunity\u201d \u2014 the belief that it\u2019s best to consume protein 1-2 hours after a workout to best rebuild muscle and restore your energy. While this idea is debated<\/a> by some, in my opinion consuming a protein shake post workout is best practice for recovery and can help your muscles heal.
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Since I workout in the morning, I\u2019ll start my day with a breakfast of fast-digesting carbs and protein (think egg white oatmeal or a sweet potato, kale, egg scramble) and then fuel up with a protein shake and coffee, or protein coffee if I\u2019m feeling ambitious, post workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Heat Protein Powder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A common myth is that heating protein destroys its nutrients. Don\u2019t worry, it doesn\u2019t! 
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Heating protein denatures<\/strong> it, meaning that the amino acids that the protein consists of start to change shape. Your body denatures protein once you ingest it, and consuming this denatured doesn\u2019t ruin any nutritional integrity. Your body will still absorb the same amount of protein heated or unheated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Type of Protein Powder Should You Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can use any type of protein powder, though consider the consistency and flavor. In my opinion, protein coffee should be a treat! If the protein you add makes your coffee chalky or unappetizing, make a shake (or something else) instead. Whey is my go-to for protein coffee because it mixes well and tastes great! Collagen peptides also mix in easily and don\u2019t really change the flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Protein Coffee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three methods for making protein coffee that keep clumps to a minimum. I typically mix in one scoop of protein with about twelve ounces of coffee.
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Whatever you do, don\u2019t mix protein powder with hot liquid! It\u2019ll turn into a clumpy mess that\u2019s destined for the trash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix Protein Powder With Cold Liquid First<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you take cream in your coffee or need to dilute an extra strong pot, this method might be a good one for you! Mix about \u00bc cup of cold liquid (creamer, milk, water, etc.) and one scoop of protein powder until there are no clumps. Add this mixture to your coffee, stir, and your creamy cup of joe will be ready!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a Blender or Immersion Blender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to add cream to your coffee or prefer a frothy drink, use a blender or immersion blender. Just throw everything in, blend for a few seconds, and you have a smooth, cappuccino-like coffee. If your protein doesn\u2019t mix well by hand (cough, casein), you\u2019ll want to use a blender to avoid clumps. 
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You should avoid putting hot drinks in a personal blender as the heat can create too much pressure. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix With Cold Brew<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to mixing up a regular protein shake, add a scoop or protein to cold brew or cold coffee and mix with your utensil of choice. Voila! Cold protein coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein Coffee Recipe Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flavored protein powder and coffee may be enough to do the trick, but if you want to channel your inner barista, here are a few combos we love:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon Honey Protein Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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