Chill Out and Recover with This Refreshing Protein-Packed Iced Mocha
What if Recovery Drinks Were a Treat?
Usually, protein drinks are more of an obligation than the caffeinated fantasy beverage we all deserve. But this hydrating, high-protein cafe mocha is better than anything you can get at your favorite coffee shop—and without the high price!
This drink allows you to have something that’s an indulgent treat, but without the added sugars and fats that come with all those coffee shop favorites. Honestly, it is baffling why coffee shops haven’t offered something like this. I’d buy it. So would you, once you try this easy recipe (it comes together in about 60 seconds).
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Why Protein Coffee
Protein coffee drinks are about to have a moment. Honestly, they’ve been a staple in fitness culture for a while now.
Adding protein to your coffee can minimize blood sugar spikes that often happen with traditional coffee. The way that caffeine works is by causing your primary stress hormone cortisol to elevate. In turn, cortisol raises blood sugar, often by cannibalizing bone and muscle, which isn’t good for anyone. Especially women in perimenopause or menopause.
When protein is consumed with caffeine, it blunts the catabolic effects of the cortisol that is released. Think about all those people who skip breakfast and just drink coffee: They’re missing out on something simple that could help them keep muscle and bone as they age!
Why It Is So Good
This isn’t going to shock anyone (or maybe it will), but ingredients matter. Start out with crap and that’s what you’ll end up with. Here is everything you’ll need:
Levels Pure Chocolate Protein Powder: This high-quality grass-fed protein powder isn’t a big brand name… yet. But take a look at the ingredients and you’ll wonder why you don’t already know about it. It is just grass-fed whey protein concentrate flavored with cocoa powder, plus sunflower lecithin as an emulsifier, sea salt for to bring out the sweetness, and stevia leaf extract and monk fruit as the only sweeteners. No sugar alcohols or artificial stuff. Did I mention it’s a really good deal on Amazon?
Vita Coco Coconut Water: Coconut water contains electrolytes and microminerals that help the body optimize hydration, meaning that you’ll actually hang on to the water that you drink, rather than eliminating it immediately through urine.
Lavazza Espresso Roast Coffee: There’s nothing better than Italian coffee, and this is a go-to in my house. This company has been doing this since the 1800s, so it feels like there’s a lot of knowledge and history going into every cup. But more importantly, it’s delicious!
Bialetti Moka Pot: Sure, you can use something fancier if you want, but the result will be the same. If you haven’t been making your coffee in a stovetop espresso maker, it’s never too late to start getting more connected to your coffee by using your own moka pot.
A blender or a milk frothing wand: you need something to get everything mixed up. Most of the time, I just throw everything into the Vitamix and mix for about 10 seconds.
Ingredients
The great thing is—you only have a few things to put together.
2 cups Vita Coco Coconut Water
2 servings of stovetop-brewed espresso (about 4 ounces)
2 scoops of Levels Pure Chocolate Protein Powder
Ice (optional)
Instructions
FYI: You can brew your espresso ahead of time and chill it, or you can work with freshly brewed stovetop espresso coffee.
Add coconut water to the blender pitcher (or mixing vessel if using a milk frother),
Pour coffee in.
Add protein powder.
Blend until combined but not too foamy.
Pour into glasses, add ice, and serve.
Makes 2 servings.
Variations
As a hot drink: This works well as a hot beverage, too. All you have to do is make sure the liquids are hot!
Without coconut: Substitute the coconut water for regular water and add a pinch of unrefined salt. This way, you get all those recovery benefits of coconut water without the problems!
Without cocoa: Cocoa is not for everyone, so you can make a vanilla latte version by using Levels Vanilla Whey Protein instead of chocolate.
Add fiber: For a fiber boost that will further help support blood sugar regulation, add a tasteless and soluble fiber blend like Thorne FiberMend. I recommend one scoop.
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