Day 24. For the Love of Coffee

I loooovessss the coffee.

I had a friend that used to say pizza is like sex. When it's good its great but when its bad it still pizza.

I feel that way about coffee.

As a kid when my sister and brother were asking for chocolate for Christmas I was asking for coffee. My mom compromised and got me coffee flavoured chocolate. I used to be lectured that drinking coffee at a young age would stunt my growth and as I barely reach 5 feet, all I can say is; it was worth it.

The odd thing is growing up my family didn't have coffee hanging around we were ( still are ) more of a tea family. I don't know where the love started but it did start young.

When I started getting jobs out of school I moved into the coffee shop world, and although I started out at the dreaded Starbucks I eventually found a home at a little Mom and Pop coffee shop called Melriches. Suddenly the expensive coffee drinks I could only dream of were at my fingertips and I was mega good at making the creamy and sugar filled creations. It wouldn't be a stretch to say they had a hand in adding some pounds on, or at least making it hard to lose pounds; after all its just coffee, right?

I'm out of the coffee world and currently in the bank world. My love of coffee still exists and I have to admit I actually miss making latte art and making a great cup of coffee. I even miss some customers. I was good at that job and I enjoyed it. It just wasn't enough money. Money after all does make the world go round.

I drink coffee for breakfast. I never wake up hungry but I always go straight to my Keruig. I steam coconut milk and add stevia and I am in heaven. I drink coffee as a treat when everyone else is having dessert, or popcorn at the movies - I get a soy latte with a peppermint tea bag and cocoa powder and I'm all set.

People will say coffee is horrible for you and this and that. I hear you. I'll eventually cut back I'm sure. Not today though. Today I am having a double cup.

Ways to make Coffee without adding fake sugar or milk and still keeping it low cal...

Add coconut cream from a can instead of full fat cream.
( gives a great flavour and steams well too)

Use dairy subs like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk ( in a jug ),hemp milk, rice milk... and lots more.
( many are available when you are out and about in coffee stores. )

Use flavoured herbal teas instead of syrups ( mint, berry, vanilla ...)

Use coco powder and stevia to make a mocha.

Use flavoured stevia if you need a sugar taste.

If you are dying for the real thing make a misto ( half water and half steamed milk )

Use cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance flavours

Use extracts ( almond, vanilla, coconut, rum!, and many more)

Any more ideas?  Let me know :)

If you want to try giving up coffee altogether or cutting back - Green tea is a great option that still has some caffeine.

Happy drinking!