Every morning, millions of people head over to their coffee machine, waiting for their coffee to brew. It is not only part of the routine but also the start of the daily routine for many. But coffee isn’t as simple as pouring it into a mug and gulping it down, even if it seems that way. Different things can change the way you have your morning brew, from when you drink it to what to eat with it. If you’re wondering how to make the best of your cup o’ joe, this article is for you.
When Should I Drink Coffee?
Coffee Before Breakfast
Most people drink coffee before eating anything, even skipping a glass of water in favor of java. In fact, people that practice Intermittent Fasting, a diet technique that has restricted times to eat, are only allowed water and black coffee until they can quite literally break their fast. Other people simply want coffee first and will wait until they’ve had their cup before eating.
Coffee is also a natural laxative, so sometimes people will drink coffee before breakfast to kickstart digestion. Coffee can be harsh on an empty stomach, though, so it may not be a healthy option. A study even suggests that coffee before breakfast can be a detriment to your health, which is something we will discuss.
Coffee During Breakfast
Coffee during breakfast is most likely how people break their fast, opting to eat and sip on coffee of their choice. There’s little to no scientific data if this is better or worse than drinking coffee before, so it’s hard to tell if this is a better option. Breakfast with coffee has been a tradition for years, especially at diners and classic Sunday breakfasts. If you really prefer not to wait and your body seems to handle it, coffee during breakfast is probably okay. However, with no real data to back this up, we can’t say it is or isn’t for sure.
Coffee After Breakfast
While most people don’t want to wait to have their morning coffee and will insist on having it, coffee after breakfast might be healthier than before or during. As we mentioned, there’s a study that says drinking coffee before breakfast may not be a good idea. A cup of coffee before breakfast may influence your glucose and insulin control, which is due to the caffeine in coffee. There’s no data currently on decaf since most decaf coffee still has trace amounts of caffeine. Although the research is still new and more tests need to be done, you might want to try having your java after your breakfast if you struggle with blood sugar control.
What Goes Well with Coffee During Breakfast?
Coffee can go with just about anything, from a savory plate of bacon to a bowl of organic oatmeal. Like we said above, there are also some coffee and food traditions that many people enjoy on a daily basis. Here are some of the best meals, foods, and treats that go well with coffee:
Pancakes
A timeless classic at home or at a diner, pancakes are always a go-to with your morning cup of coffee. There are thousands of great pancake recipe ideas, so you can find a recipe that pairs perfectly with your coffee. If you’re feeling adventurous, try instant coffee in your pancake batter to upgrade your recipe.
French Toast
Sweet, salty, and a little hint of spice, French toast is another classic breakfast choice that can really elevate your coffee. It’s easy to make at home, and nearly every diner sells it, so you can have French toast with your morning cup whenever you want.
Eggs
Eggs are extremely versatile and can make hundreds of completely different meals, which most go well with coffee. Eggs can be part of a healthy diet, though in moderation. Omelets, scrambled eggs, sausage and egg sandwiches, and eggs over easy are a few classic examples of different ways to prepare eggs, and each can go well with coffee.
Bacon
Few things rival the sound of bacon sizzling and coffee brewing, so bacon is another great thing to enjoy with your coffee. While it’s rarely considered healthy and usually not the only thing you’ll have for breakfast, the salty and savory taste with some fresh coffee is a near-perfect pairing.
Other possible pairings:
- Fruit
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Waffles
- Muffins
- Steak & Eggs
Conclusion
Having coffee in the morning is how millions of people start their day worldwide. While most people reach for their mug before breakfast, having coffee after eating breakfast might be better for your health. Still, some people will insist on having it before or during breakfast, so it’s important to go with what feels right for your body and health. If you’re trying to get the best out of your morning joe, you might want to try drinking coffee after your breakfast for blood sugar control.
See Also: Does Starbucks Serve Breakfast All Day? What to Know!
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
