LIFTER'S COFFEE
Experienced lifters need three things in the morning: quality protein to support muscle growth, collagen to soothe and heal those abused tendons/joints/ligaments, and coffee... because coffee is delicious.- Protein: You already know why you need protein, and you probably know that a blend of whey isolate and micellar casein is the best all-around choice when it comes to muscle-building protein powders.
- Collagen: Often made from cow hides, collagen is protein too, but it's an incomplete protein. However, it's been shown in studies to beat the pants off glucosamine and chondritin when it comes improving joint health. (See: Fix Tendons and Joints with This Protein.) So while collagen isn't a muscle-building protein source, it's still great for people who lift heavy things for fun.
- Coffee: Besides that whole delicious thing, multiple studies on coffee consumption show that java actually increases the lifespan via several mechanisms, including having protective effects on DNA and reducing inflammation.
So let's put all those things together – muscle-building protein, joint-healing protein, and light roast coffee – to make what I call "lifter's coffee."
INGREDIENTS
- 16 ounces of coffee, preferably light roast
- 1 Scoop (30g) Whey Protein, vanilla
- 1 Scoop (10g) collagen peptides, unflavored
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make 16 ounces of coffee as you normally do.
- Add coffee to blender or a big mug.
- Add protein powder and collagen powder.
- Stir with a spoon for 30 seconds or blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to tilt the lid of the blender's pitcher up a little (or leave the little cap off the lid) to allow steam to escape.