I do not, can not, will not start my day without my beloved mug of coffee. In fact, as I stumble up the stairs en route to Big Comfy Bed, I can't help but smile knowing that coffee immediately follows Dreamland. Coffee itself has amazing health properties. It's so loaded with antioxidants, it is essentially an anti-aging and disease-fighting Super Hero. A study at Coventry University in England documented what many already know: coffee helps take fitness up a (BIG) notch. Think more reps, longer duration, delayed fatigue and an ability to do more work from a psychological standpoint.

All in a mug!

Several months ago I stumbled upon an article about Bulletproof Coffee. At first glance I thought it was both extreme and unappetizing. But as the coffee/fat lover I am, I owed it to  myself to give it a try.

The Lakers "pre-game beverage of choice".

An article entitled "Nutrition in the NBA", dated December 9th, 2013, noted players like Chris Kaman, Shawne Williams, Kobe Bryant and Steve Blake were thrilled at the results of incorporating more healthy fats into their diet. Prior to games, it is said the Lakers enjoy their own version of bulletproof coffee and feel a host of benefits during and after their time on the court. The concept behind Bulletproof coffee is to start your day off with healthy fats to reduce hunger, provide sustained energy, promote brain function and add a hefty dose of nutrients to your favorite cuppa joe. However, you can incorporate this into your pre-workout routine if exercise isn't first on your list for the day, just as the Lakers do. There are people out there selling all the components to a "true" Bulletproof coffee, however for the purpose of this post and us newbies, we can begin with a make-your-own version and if anyone chooses to graduate, by all means, Google and order away. Here is what you need:

• 8 oz organic coffee (This is stressed so as to limit harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals. I admit to doing my best with fair trade and what is on sale in the organic category.)
• 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter (again, splurge on the grass-fed to optimize nutrients and limit aforementioned junk.)
• 1 tablespoon organic unrefined coconut oil

  Acceptable sweeteners/additions:

• cinnamon
• high grade vanilla
• Stevia
• coconut cream or milk

Mix ingredients in a blender for approximately 20 seconds or until the coffee is frothy and without an oil slick resting on top.   As with anything, you really have to give it a chance beyond the first mug. A worthy experiment would be to have Bulletproof coffee every morning for two weeks. Pay attention to your hunger throughout the day, how fresh and sharp you feel, improvements in exercise and any other benefits you can determine. I have to say, I LOVE it. I love the flavor (I brew my coffee with cinnamon sprinkled on the grounds and it is a perfect complement). I love the fill power, I love the healthy start to the day. I will admit I don't add butter and go through the blender motions every single day. Some days, a hefty tablespoon of coconut oil is all I have time for. That being said, it's a game changer in my book and I highly recommend it. Are YOU going to try it? I would love to hear your experience in the comments below. Do you follow us on Instagram? [caption id="attachment_98865" align="alignnone" width="100"] @BodyRockTV[/caption] Photo Credits: PeerFit PaleoMama CapeBeanery