How do you like your coffee?

Share

On World Coffee Day, I’d like to share my coffee journey with you. It might help those who can’t imagine life without coffee or those who simply want to savour it just the way they like and not change a thing even if it is not working for them! Surprisingly, our taste buds change more often than we think, and it’s usually our minds that remain stubborn. So, here’s my story…

During my days at the University of Toronto, I wanted to be just as cool as my coffee-drinking classmates, who would carry a cup of coffee to classes. Even though I’d never been a coffee or tea person until then, I started with lattes—a coffee-milk combo that reminded me of the milk with a hint of coffee decoction my mom used to allow when we protested drinking plain milk.

As the years passed, I transitioned to cappuccinos because lattes became too milky for my taste. This shift coincided with my exploration of healthier foods in my new home country. Over time, cappuccinos also lost their charm, leading me to try dry cappuccinos, which contain only milk froth and a shot of espresso—no milk. I became so particular that if my takeaway cup felt anything but featherlight, I’d suspect they’d added milk instead of froth. Later, I discovered the simplicity of a short, strong espresso, called un cafe in Italy. In the beginning, I added a bit of brown sugar, but a friend’s suggestion led me to try it without sugar, and I never looked back. Through it all, I enjoyed coffee for entertainment and pleasure and for its antioxidant value, but I never became dependent on it. At one point, after a juice cleanse of two weeks, I simply lost interest in drinking coffee, and even the smell of it was so strong! The longing for coffee didn’t return for years! It’s fascinating to watch how our tastes evolve!

During an extended stay in Italy when I was about 23, I witnessed baristas crafting custom coffees for each customer. Some wanted the same espresso in a wide-mouth cup, others in a transparent one, and some with a touch of added hot water—café lungo, cafe corto, and so on. It was a delightful experience watching baristas work their magic. We all want our coffee just so! However, the excess coffee (one cup for every beer or wine my Austrian and Greek friends would have) led to insomnia. I initially blamed stress on the life decisions I was making at the time. Little did I know that coffee was the culprit. Caffeine affects people differently; some can enjoy coffee and sleep soundly, while others need to avoid it by midday. I made an interesting discovery during lengthy stays in Italy when my son was young. My coffee cutoff time shifted significantly. At one point, it was 5 p.m., then 3 p.m., followed by noon, and at one stage, it was as early as 10 a.m. It all depends on physical activity, diet, and even mental health, as well as the quality of beans and how they are extracted, as I’ve come to understand. Then, over the years, my cutoff became 3 p.m. again!

Now, let’s talk about when to have coffee if you choose to enjoy it. Instant coffee is not really coffee, according to many. Having a cappuccino after a meal is frowned upon in Italy, and espresso after a meal is almost expected, while having coffee on an empty stomach can be harmful and have several potential downsides:

Stomach Irritation: Coffee is naturally acidic, and when consumed on an empty stomach, it can increase the production of stomach acid. For some individuals, this can lead to stomach discomfort, heartburn, or acid reflux.

Digestive Discomfort: Caffeine is known to stimulate the production of gastric juices, which can speed up the digestive process. When you haven’t eaten anything, this can result in a sudden increase in gastric activity, potentially causing cramping or diarrhoea in some individuals.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Coffee may affect blood sugar levels, causing a temporary increase in insulin resistance. On an empty stomach, this can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which may result in feelings of dizziness, weakness, or even shakiness.

Appetite Suppression: Coffee can act as an appetite suppressant for some people, making it less likely that they will eat a balanced meal when they should. Though delaying your first meal can be a healthy practice, delaying your first meal by having coffee on an empty stomach can have negative consequences for your overall nutrition and energy levels.

Nutrient Absorption: Consuming coffee before eating can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, particularly minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. This can potentially lead to deficiencies over time if it becomes a regular habit.

While some individuals may tolerate coffee on an empty stomach without any issues, it’s essential to recognize that everyone’s digestive system is different. For those who experience discomfort or adverse effects, it’s advisable to have coffee after a meal or alongside a light snack to mitigate these potential problems. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help minimise any negative impacts of coffee consumption.

As a holistic nutritionist, many people consult me for various reasons, and quite a few are reluctant to give up coffee. I’m not suggesting anyone should if it isn’t negatively affecting them. At the very least, try having coffee between meals or after a meal, and pay attention to how it may be influencing your health. Another way to slowly wean out of coffee habit is to start having a herbal tea and then see how you feel and have coffee if you must after half an hour. Mostly likely you will be done with your hot beverage need by then:)

Take a moment to assess your current coffee preferences and enjoy our favourite and flavorful slow poison! 🙂If you choose to have coffee, have it made with good quality beans and extracted in a proper way so it is not too acidic. Enjoy them with plant based milks and natural sweeteners like we do at Vibrant Living cafes. As for me, just the smell of coffee makes my mood elated. Oh, did you know you can add your coffee grinds after extracting coffee into your compost? That’s what we do here at Vibrant Living.

In summary, coffee can be a delightful part of life, and enjoying it is a personal journey. It’s remarkable how our tastes can change over time, and it’s okay to adapt your coffee choices accordingly. Just remember to be mindful of when and how you consume it, especially on an empty stomach, to ensure it enhances your life without causing unnecessary discomfort.