NOURISH: CREAMY VANILLA LATTE (sans coffee)

So you've more than likely heard about the Bulletproof Coffee - if not, this is great short youtube video with Dave Asprey, the guy behind Bulletproof, explaining it all. In short, it's a brewed black coffee + grass fed butter + MCT oil or coconut oil. Blend and voila. Now if you've never tried one I know exactly what is going through your mind right now --

Butter in coffee !?! Gross !

I know, I was once there too. But allow me to elaborate on the principles behind it, and then dive into my alternative version for the days you don't fancy coffee, or if you're wanting the benefits from the fats but for your own reasons are not a coffee drinker.

// Butter

Contrary to the brain washing we have all been fed for the past few decades, butter is actually a highly nutritious food. I'll go further to say that organic butter made from cows who eat grass not grains, is what I am referring too.

Butter from grass-fed cows supplies a ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids that’s much healthier than what comes from cows that are fed corn or soy, and for the same reasons it is high(er) in many vitamins including A, D, E and K. It is also naturally high in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which people buy in supplement form off health food store shelves these days, as this ingredient is helpful in shedding belly fat. Interesting right... And no, good butter does not destroy your cholesterol levels, in fact it more than likely to optimise them (but if you're eating non organic butter from cows fed corn I wouldn't be so sure).

// MCT oil 

MCT’s (Medium-chain triglycerides) are a unique form of fat that require less energy and enzymes to be digested. As a result, they are a readily available source of energy, leading to an increase in metabolism and providing quick energy replenishment. Unlike other dietary fats, MCTs don’t get stored as fat in the body, they get burned for energy. MCT’s improve satiety, which means less hunger and less cravings, two important components in healthy weight management. In addition to all that, it's an excellent source of fuel for your brain.

// Coconut oil 

What's not to love about coconut oil? It seems everyone is already on the stuff with bottles in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Carry on with coconut oil...

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>>> My Creamy Vanilla Latte (sans coffee)

300-500ml hot water

1 tsp of ghee

1 Tbsp of coconut oil

1/4 tsp of vanilla powder

1 tsp colostrum powder

2-3 drops of (English Toffee flavour) stevia

2 Tbsp of collagen hydrolysate

Boil filtered water and pour this into your blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve as you wish. I like to add a little cinnamon on top.

Now a little about the ingredients I use... It goes without saying that I only use organic where possible and always ethically sourced products. These are the types of ingredients that do wonders for your health - but only when you buy quality. If not, then I wouldn't bother, but that's my personal opinion.

// Ghee

This is clarified butter which essentially means its pure fat with the protein's extracted. For this reason, many people that are lactose intolerant find that they have no problem with ghee. Read more about the golden stuff and find my recipe to make your own over here.

// Collagen Hydrolysate

This is a collagen supplement I love to take for many reasons. I initially got into this when I was told by an Osteopath to start taking glucosamine for my knees, and I burst into tears, feeling like an old lady. This stuff is a combination of amino acids (pure protein) in levels that promote rapid re-production of blood cells for healing, especially in regard to bone and joint health. I buy the Great Lakes brand and its the green tub (not the red one) as this one does not congeal so you can mix it into liquids easily. For the same reason, the amino acids are quickly absorbed and assimilated.

// Colostrum

This is the “immune milk” produced by all mammals for only the first few hours before and after birth. It's said to contain 97 immune factors and 87 growth factors, making it hugely beneficial for our immune system, as well as having adaptogenic properties known to enhance rejuvenation and regeneration. Colostrum is also fantastic in smoothies, cakes, icings and desserts as it adds a creamy sweetness with a hint of vanilla (in my opinion) without actual sugars, and with all the incredible immune benefits. I use Protein Supplies Australia colostrum as it is 100% ethically sourced from pasture fed cows in New Zealand. For all my USA readers, I would grab Danial Vitalis' Colostrum.  

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What about the FAT?!? I know it may seem like a lot of fat. Yet if you use this beverage as your breakfast, not alongside it, then you're good to go. Remember, the fats in this drink are there as fuel for your body, your brain, and every cell of your being. You might not be sitting down to a full plate of food, but you will be consuming just as many calories (not that I'm counting). Think of this as a quick-and-easy breakfast, and not necessarily one you have to have everyday. In my opinion this is far more nutritious than a slice of toast or a bowl of cereal, and if it's weight loss you're after, remember too that more and more research is proving to us that it's the sugars (in your toast and cereal) that is making us fat and leading to heart disease - not the fats.

This is a great option if you don’t normally have breakfast, or if you practice intermittent fasting. The Bulletproof Coffee and my Vanilla recipe are both great options if you are hooked on coffee and want to upgrade the health benefits of your morning cuppa. It’s also good if you have very low energy or brain fog in the morning.

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So there you go! Do you like the sound of my recipe? Are you keen to try it? 

Or are you already a Bulletproof fan and keen as mustard? Do tell...

References:

http://www.drfranklipman.com/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/

http://www.surthrival.com/index.php/supplements/colostrum-kilo.html