Coffee is the favorite beverage of many women, including myself. When I ask clients what they are unwilling to give up, coffee is one of the top answers!
Here is the good news - coffee CAN have some amazing benefits!
Not so good news - type, timing, and dosing matter, because coffee can have a dark side when it comes to how it impacts the body.
The timing of coffee can make a huge impact on our energy levels for the day, and our blood sugar levels!
As you see in this graph below, a healthy circadian rhythm should be on the rise as you wake up, and reach its peak about 1.5-2 hours after you’ve been awake.
When you wake up, your body naturally releases cortisol, a hormone that helps you feel alert and maintain your sleep-wake cycle.
However, caffeine can increase cortisol production right away in the morning, which could make you feel more stressed and anxious.
It can also cause an earlier decline in cortisol, leaving you with a 3pm slump vs. a 5pm natural decline in energy to help us fall asleep better.
PRO TIP: Wait until at least 1.5 hours after you’re awake to enjoy your coffee, or have a decaf.
This varies for each person, and this is why I recommend checking your own blood sugars before and during your coffee consumption to figure out if this is you.
You can do this using a keto mojo, you basically want to see your blood sugars in the 70’s or 80’s prior to and during coffee consumption.