Not getting enough protein in the morning? Add this to your coffee

Coffee and a quick snack might get you out the door, but chances are your breakfast isn’t giving your body the protein it needs to stay energized, build muscle, and curb cravings. While the average American gets enough protein in a day, most of that protein is usually from meals later in the day, with the morning typically falling short.

Turn your coffee into a protein powerhouse

The solution is simple: add collagen powder (also called ‘collagen peptides’). Just 2-4 tablespoons in your morning cup can deliver 10-20 grams of protein (respectively) without changing the taste, and it dissolves easily even in hot beverages. It’s an easy way to start your day stronger, especially for busy mornings when cooking a full breakfast isn’t an option.

Not a coffee drinker? You can add collagen powder to your morning smoothie, oatmeal, chai tea latte, or anything that has liquid in it. You can also mix collagen into a small amount of milk or yogurt before adding it to dishes like oatmeal for optimal texture.

Super easy to do

I keep my tub of collagen powder right next to my espresso machine, where I add it to my morning latte every day. I find it works best to dissolve the collagen in a small amount of hot liquid and then add the rest of the liquid, as adding it to a full mug has given me clumps at times. (They’re easy to break apart and dissolve with a spoon, but I’d rather not have to do that.)

The way I do it is 1) espresso shot; 2) mix in collagen; 3) top with steamed milk.

A quick reminder

Collagen isn’t a complete protein (it doesn’t provide all of the amino acids you need to get from food), so it’s important to include other protein sources throughout the day. Eggs, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains all help provide all of the essential amino acids you need day-to-day.

Also, collagen isn’t suitable for vegan diets since it’s sourced from beef bones. It IS suitable for many other diets like keto, paleo, and low-carb.

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