Bullet Proof coffee has become really popular lately, especially in the Paleo and Keto world.  If you haven’t heard of it,  Bullet Proof coffee is a combo of coffee, butter and MCT oil, which is composed of medium chain fatty acids, usually from coconut.  These medium-chained fatty acids are easily absorbed and are often referred to as “Brain Fuel” . Yep, fat is our brain’s favorite form of energy. Adding fat to our diets is also one of the best ways to promote satiety, give our bodies long lasting energy and reduce sugar cravings.

I love coffee, but have found that having too much of it definitely has some negative effects on my adrenals. So I created my own dairy-free, caffeine free version using herbal “coffee” and several potent health promoting ingredients- maca, MCT oil, raw cacao and collagen peptides.

Chicory or Daniblend have the same thick, rich texture of coffee sans the caffeine. They have been shown to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, reduce arthritis pain, boost the immune system,  promote kidney health, reduce the change of heart disease, and calm feelings of anxiety. Chicory contains inulin which is a soluble plant fiber that promotes gut health and healthy digestion.

Maca is an adaptgen, which means it naturally helps the body deal with, or adapt to, every day stressors. It has been shown to promote hormone balance, boost memory  and focus, and is a natural aphrodisiac.

MCT oil is made of medium-chain fats which are easily digested and absorbed by the body and are used for fuel instead of being stored as fat. MCT’s, along with other forms of saturated fat like coconut oil, also fight off harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Raw cacao, which is different from cocoa, is a powerful antioxidant and contains iron, magnesium and calcium. It also tastes amazing!

Collagen Peptides are easily absorbed short chain amino acids. They promote skin elasticity and give it that nice glow, make our hair and nails strong and keep our joints and connective tissue strong and healthy.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup chicory root or dandy blend “coffee”
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil or coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon maca powder
• 1/2 tablespoon raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon collagen peptides
• 2-3 drops liquid stevia or a teaspoon of maple syrup (optional)

 

INSTRUCTIONS

• Seep 1 tablespoon of herbal coffee in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes
• Pour into blender or vitamin or use a hand-blender
• Add remaining ingredients and blend until frothy
• Enjoy!

 

HERE ARE SOME OTHER VARIATIONS

KEEP IT SIMPLE

• 8 oz herbal coffee
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil
• 1 tablespoon of collagen peptides

 

HERBAL SPICE

• 8 oz herbal coffee
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil
• 1 tablespoon collagen
• dash of cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Stevia to taste

 

Here are the brands that I use:

• Organic Chicory Root
• Dandy Blend
• Maca- here’s the brand I love
• The MCT oil I use is this one or you can use coconut oil. MCT oil has a higher concentration of medium chain triglycerides compared to coconut oil.
• Cacao- I love this brand.
• Vital Proteins is my top choice for collagen peptides since it’s made from grass-fed cows.

 

Note: If you aren’t eating a fairly low-carb diet consisting of nutrient dense foods, beverages like this will cause your body to store fat instead of using it for fuel since the body reaches for the quick burning sugar calories first. So basically, you shouldn’t pair this with a bagel or a bowl of Frosted Flakes. But if your diet is low in sugar and processed this drink is an excellent source of fuel. It should be part of a healthy diet and not used a meal replacement.