The first time I heard “proffee”, it made me gag. The term, which is a contraction of protein-coffee, was a sensation in the wellness world at the time it was first introduced. What did it mean? Are protein-obsessed people now piling Greek yoghurt dollops on top of their cold coffee? Or swirling eggwhites into their flat black? It turned out that neither was the case. Most people underestimate the amount of protein they consume. Current recommendations suggest that adults should consume between 0.8 and 1.5 grams per kilogram of weight per day. This depends on their age and level of activity. A sedentary individual should aim for between 0.8 and 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, while an active individual could increase this number from 1.5 to 1.7 grams. Two eggs for breakfast, while full of micronutrients, only contain 14 grams of protein. Since incorporating protein into my morning routine, I have easily hit 33 grams of protein before leaving the house. I am well on my way to achieving my daily goal 95 grams. You can mix a scoop of powder into the milk while it is heating. When the milk is warm, add an espresso shot or two and froth it up to create a velvety smooth flat white. I prefer iced coffee so I put my milk (hazelnut if you like) in my blender along with three scoops. Once it’s frothy enough, I pour the mixture over two shots decaf espresso with two large ice-cubes. The protein powder gives milk a richer and more dairy-like flavor, similar to an old-fashioned vanilla shake. The powder I use is not too sweet or sickly because it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners and flavours. What are the benefits of drinking protein coffee?Eating sufficient protein is linked to improved metabolism and immune function. It also helps maintain muscle mass and stabilizes mood. It helps you feel fuller longer, reduces cravings, and improves recovery between workouts. Protein powder is a convenient way to get your daily protein intake without having to prepare a meal. However, nutritionists and dieticians do not recommend relying on it. Experts recommend choosing whole food sources of protein like eggs, fish, lean meats and tofu over ultra-processed options like protein powder. When you’re in a hurry (or if you’re struggling with your protein intake), a protein-rich coffee can help.
