Coffee is a pretty natural thing

This post was originally published as Making My Coffee Healthier by Laurel on Health Food blog.

Has anyone ever told you that coffee is bad for you? I know I’ve heard it many times, but I happen to disagree. Coffee is a pretty natural thing…that is, before we start adding chemicals, fake sugars, and coffee creamers that won’t expire for a decade. I like to drink tea later in the day, but for me, coffee is just an essential part of my morning.

I have an office job where I get free coffee, but the stuff they brew is pretty bland and flavorless. However, the real problem is the horrible variety of coffee mixers we have. There are sugar packets that have morphed into hardened chunks because they’re so old. Then there’s the “no need to refrigerate” coffee creamer with hydrogenated fats and a long list of other ingredients that I can’t pronounce. I’m scared to drink any of that stuff…especially on a daily basis.

It would be great if I drank black coffee, but I just can’t. It doesn’t taste good to me. Instead, I found some healthier cream and sugar options that I brought to work. Yes, I paid for them with my own money, but for something I put into my body every day, it’s well worth it.

Sweet things:

• >100% Pure Organic Honey – I can keep a bottle at my desk and squirt a little into the bottom of my cup before I pour my coffee in.
• >100% Organic Agave Syrup – I have a bottle at home that I use in coffee, tea, or any time I need a little sweetness.
• >Dark Chocolate – This is fun on a day you need a treat. Drop a small piece of dark chocolate and let it melt to sweeten your coffee. Look for organic brands and a cacao content of 60% or higher. Also, read 10 Reasons to Eat More Chocolate.

Creamy things:

• >Organic Half and Half – I store it in the refrigerator at work, and a small splash goes a long way. Try Organic Valley brand.
• >Organic Skim Milk – This is good if you like something lighter in your coffee. I like Stonyfield Farms‘ fat free milk.

I’m always looking for new things to try, so drop me a comment if you have healthy mixers of your own. Also, read my other posts on the health benefits of coffee: