Dec 7, 2018
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Mornings can be tough. If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t function too well before you get that first cup of coffee down. After that, things ease up, and my world becomes a better place.
For me, the only thing better than a morning coffee… is a better cup of coffee. Since August of 2013, I’ve been drinking Bulletproof Coffee.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof whaaaat?! LOL. Bulletproof coffee. No, it doesn’t give you superpowers but I’ve experienced a lot of positive benefits since drinking bulletproof coffee.
And for bonus points… it’s so delicious! I can’t get enough!
I’ve you’ve never heard of Bulletproof Coffee before, essentially it’s brewed high-quality coffee blended with grass-fed butter and MCT or Brain Octane Oil.
MCT and Brain Octane are a concentrated form caprylic fatty acids. MCT is 9 times and Brain Octane is 18 times stronger than coconut oil, which also possesses these essential fatty acids.
Bulletproof Coffee Benefits
To reap the benefits of bulletproof coffee, it’s important you purchase high-quality coffee beans. Whether or not you decide to purchase the Bulletproof brand, that’s up to you.
I first began experimenting with making a cup of this “bulletproof coffee” because, within a few hours of drinking my morning cup of coffee, I was experiencing energy crashes. At best, I felt the type of crash that led me to crave a second cup of coffee and a morning fix of carbs (or sugars); at worst, I’d get jittery or get headaches. By 2 pm, I was ready for a nap and another cup of coffee or a sugar fix.
At first, I thought it was because I needed to get more sleep, but that wasn’t the case.
Since incorporating a bedtime routine and making sure I got enough adequate sleep by tracking my sleep, I can tell you it wasn’t the quality of my sleep. It was the coffee I was drinking.
Many lower quality coffees have mycotoxins. In some people, they can trigger headaches, jitters, and cravings. And unhealthy cravings for sugar or carbs are never a good thing, and they are a sign that your body needs or lacks something.
Adding Butter to the Coffee
The first crazy question is WHY BUTTER? Right. Contrary to popular belief, butter does not make you fat; it’s unhealthy processed fats that our bodies don’t know what to do with that do, not a small dose of grass-fed butter rich in vitamin K.
A morning muffin or bagel with butter + jelly probably has more butter than my cup of coffee, so it’s a matter of perspective.
When blended, the butter gives the coffee the most delicious, creamy, rich texture and flavor you’ll ever try. Plus, it helps to keep me satiated for hours, and it curbs my cravings.
If you are wondering, why grass-fed butter? Here is why:
- Grass-fed butter is higher than grain-fed butter in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin D, vitamin E, and antioxidants. You can see the difference in the butter: grass-fed butter is a bright yellow color, while grain-fed/factory-farmed butter is almost white. The lack of color is a sign that the butter is coming from sick, nutrient-depleted cows.
- Grass-fed butter is high in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid. Studies show that butyrate can both prevent and decrease inflammation in humans. In rodents, studies have shown butyrate to protect against mental illness, improve body composition, increase metabolism, and improve gut health.
Adding Oil to the Coffee
Well, I’m not adding cheap cooking oil to my coffee. I’m adding Brain Octane Oil or MCT Oil, a concentrated form of the beneficial essential fats from coconut oil -although, plain melted coconut oil can provide some benefits.
Let me explain what these medium-chain triglycerides do. In short, they boost the energy I need from coffee without a crash.
The caffeine naturally occurring in coffee helps transport the medium-chain-triglycerides through the blood/brain barrier by bypassing the liver entirely; and thus, feeding my brain powerful nutrients it needs.
What is the Best Blender to Make Bulletproof Coffee?
The best blender to make Bulletproof coffee is the one you already have at home. You’re blending soft and liquid ingredients so I wouldn’t worry about “power.”
However, if you’re in the market for a new blender, I’ve owned a Blendtec Blender for 8+ years and It’s the one I recommend for long term kitchen success. From smooth muffin batters to smoothies, to my Bulletproof coffee, my Blendtec does it all.
You can use my discount code: LF20OFF to get 25% off your Blendtec.
The Benefits I’ve Experienced Drinking Bulletproof Coffee
- A boost of energy that lasts for hours
- No post-caffeine drop crash
- Ability to focus on productive work for hours
- Curb in carb/sugar cravings (likely due to energy crashes)
- No more caffeine cravings/headaches
The Results
I remember my first cup of Bulletproof coffee. I was a skeptic and told my husband that surely a cup of coffee could not do all that! Well, it did.
That morning I told my husband I needed a “strong cup of coffee” to help me wake up since I was working on finishing my manuscript that morning for my second cookbook.
Little did I know that drinking that first cup of Bulletproof coffee would change my mornings.
I was able to focus for four hours straight and I felt like I had a lot of energy for the rest of the day. When 2 o’clock came around and I didn’t have the need for another cup of coffee or a nap, that’s when I told my husband that “I was hooked.”
In case you are wondering, I even travel with my coffee I love it so much.
When I do Intermittent Fasting, Bulletproof coffee is the only way I’ll break my fast. I want all the benefits of this coffee as soon as possible and after a fast, is the perfect time to take advantage of everything Bulletproof does for the body.
Intermittent Fasting for Women
If you want to dive deeper, I’ve created a book with everything you need to know about intermittent fasting & a 1-week meal plan so you know exactly what to eat during your eating windows. Check out my Intermittent Fasting Guide here.
I decided to write this post because I often receive a lot of questions about the type of coffee I drink. Or, what are some things that I do that help me be more productive.
For me, being able to “get it all done” starts with getting a good night’s sleep and waking up to a better cup of coffee. The rest is being organized and managing my time well.
As you can see, Bulletproof coffee is not just for men (even though most reviews are by men and for men). Bulletproof coffee is also great for women.
How to Make Bulletproof Coffee
After brewing a cup of your favorite coffee, you’ll need to measure out a few ingredients and place them in a blender (recipe below).
Better yet, watch this video to see how easy it is to make my favorite cup of coffee.
Classic Bulletproof Coffee
Ingredients
- 8 to 12 ounces brewed Upgraded Coffee
- 1 tablespoon Brain Octane or MCT Oil
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee (I use Kerrygold)
Instructions
How to Make Bulletproof Coffee
- Brew 1 cup (8 to 12 ounces) of coffee using filtered water with the French press, coffee brewer, or pour-over methods.
- Pour brewed coffee inside a blender. To the blender, add 1 tablespoon of Brain Octane or MCT Oil and 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter.
- Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until the coffee becomes frothy like a foamy latte. Pour into your favorite mug, and enjoy.
Equipment
Nutrition
This post is not sponsored by Bulletproof Coffee. All opinions in this post are my own. The post might include affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
K
A great way to start the day!
susannah
this bulletproof coffee is how im starting my day from now on
janet
trying bulletproof coffee for the first time tomorrow!
Deb De Nardis
Hi Laura, Im not sure where you are located but Im in melbourne Australia and wonder where I can find the brain octane oil for my coffee recipe. Or what alternative could I purchase perhaps
Laura Fuentes
You can find MCT oil online (such as Amazon) and in many health stores.
Barbara
Do you follow a keto diet during your eating period while IF? Curious if adding all that fat in the morning to your fasting period would backfire on a regular diet?
Laura Fuentes
Hi Barbara! I do not follow a ketogenic diet (anymore) and I’m still able to digest and consume bulletproof coffee while intermittent fasting. I have a post that explains how to do intermittent fasting without keto you can read here. I use this coffee often to break my fast. After a couple of hours, I have a nice meal (lunch). Nutritionally (fat-wise) there are foods higher in fat, like a slice of cheesecake, that bring no other benefits.
Christie
I make the same recipe and add cinnamon! So yummy!!!
Kimmy
love this super simple bulletproof recipe. Perfect way to start the day!
kathleen Kenyon
Good Morning Laura! I found your posts and have a question. Today is my 3rd day of bullet-proof coffee and although I have not lost any weight, I feel 100% different. Like you said, I can go for hours without being hungry, my brain feels energetic, I do not have the morning headache, and I lost 1″ on my waist and don’t feel as bloated, but I am hoping that after a week, I do lose some weight. My question is this: I want to fast from after 6-7 pm. For some reason my body tends to hold onto weight if I have a snack before bedtime, and I see the scale start to move if I make it with no food past 6-7PM. Can you have a second cup in the afternoon to help with these nighttime cravings? I know the saturated fat is not good,but If I can go 15 hours with no growling or upset tummy that would be great. Please let me know, thank you in advance.
Laura Fuentes
Hi Kathleen, I’m excited about your journey and I’m glad you are discovering that this satiating cup is helping. Now, on to your question. Are you asking about having a cup in the afternoon, before dinner? I don’t think the afternoon cup will last until bedtime cravings. I believe the place to start is to evaluate what you are eating for dinner, making sure the meal is sufficient. If that is the case and you still “need something” before bedtime, I recommend a decaffeinated hot drink, like warm tea that will not only aid in helping you sleep but if you get something like a nighttime tea, it can help with sleep. Tea is my go-to before-bed snack when I’m fasting. I hope this helps.
Marisa
I’d love to try this – how much coffee do you use for a 12 oz. cup? Could you drink this first thing in the morning and then have a light breakfast? I really want to get my weight down and blogging is a sedentary occupation which I’m also going to improve – the sitting part.
Laura Fuentes
Hi Marisa, I use 8 – 10oz coffee as shown in the recipe. As far as living a sedentary lifestyle, you got this. Take a few minutes a day to do something that will make you feel great.
Laura Mendoza
Hi, I am just wondering when you said bulleproof coffee is the only way you break your fast, do you mean you drink it during your “feeding window” or during your “fast window”? I’m confused. I want to try this.
Laura Fuentes
Hi, I drink it during my “fast” window (around 9am) and it helps hold me until 1pm where I eat solid food. To give you an idea, I often eat before 8pm. If I have this at 9am, I’ve already had a 13h “fast” drink this, and still continue to “fast” without solids until noon/1pm (another 3-4h).
Stacey
I’ve been reading up on IF and the book I’ve read so far is saying that you should only drink your coffee black during your fasting window since oil, butter or any other form of “food” will trigger your brain into releasing insulin etc which results in breaking a “clean fast”….are you doing “clean IF” or is this method for those that are doing keto etc?? I’m new to the whole IF and there are soooo many contradictions that I’m even more confused 🙁
Laura Fuentes
Hi Stacey, during your “fasting” window you abstain from all food and drinks that have calories; so yes, you would drink black coffee, unsweetened tea, and water. I drink a bulletproof coffee after a min of 12 hours (sometimes more) since drinking it will break my fast. Check out this post that answers the question: can you drink coffee while intermittent fasting, you might find it helpful.
Stacey J
Brain octane or Mct oil? Which do you use / recommend ?
Laura Fuentes
I did brain octaine for a while but now I mostly use MCT oil.
Kim
There is NOTHING like Bulletproof coffee in the morning. Thanks for this recipe!
Kim
The perfect way to start the day! Thanks for introducing me to bulletproof coffee!
Jenna
I have been drinking “bulletproof” coffee and have experienced the benefits while fasting. It keeps me full so long!
Kristina
Hi Laura, A natural doctor said that if anything is added to black coffee, that it will break the fast (intermittent) because your body has to digest the fat so I am leery on adding the brain fuel, butter, MCT or coconut oil to my coffee although I’m so tempted to because of your post and it sounds delicious. What are your thoughts on this breaking the fast?
Laura Fuentes
Hi Kristina, there are many philosophies of thought regarding adding anything over 50 calories to coffee and breaking fast. I suggest you follow your doctor’s orders on that one. You can read this article, which is the philosophy my natural doctor follows as well as myself.
Tracy
For me the benefits of bulletproof coffee or butter coffee increases energy, improves brain function, stabilizes blood sugar and get some healthy fats in my diet.
Laura Scanlon
love this blog, I also added Bulletproof coffee into my diet 3-4 mornings a week. It’s my favourite way to start the day.
Snooks
Is is ok to use espresso and then froth the coffee and butter and oil together?
Laura Fuentes
yes, except espresso tends to be a “short” coffee so you’ll have a bulletproof espresso 🙂
Shaon Adnan
Thank you.
Chantelle
Hi L please help can i give my almost 10yr old bulletproof coffee? As she is about 20kg over weight? Also what shoyld we have for lunch or supper? Only veggies eggs or whar? I am desperate but dont know it all. Also do we ad milk like normal when making the coffee or black? And is Jacobs good enough? So sorry for all the ?
Laura Fuentes
Hi, I can imagine how difficult and challenging it can be to try to help your 10yr old eat healthier. I suggest you speak with a dietitian or physician to create a plan for food.
Chantelle
Thanks can i use Jacobs coffee for myself?
Laura Fuentes
Absolutely. Enjoy, you’ll love it. PS: next week I”ll be sharing a heatlhy sugar-free hot chocolate your 10-year-old will love.
Geneva Loera
Hey I’ve been drinking this with Kerry gold’s salted butter and organic coconut oil. After reading, I know I need to change that to unsalted and change my coffee. Are there any organic store brand coffee you’d recommend? Also, I’ve ordered the MCT oils.
Laura Fuentes
Hi Geneva, while I use unsalted butter nearly awlays, I also use the salted kerrygold in a pinch. I have been purchasing Bulletproof’s Coffee and Brain Octaine MCT oil for more than 3 years and it is very much the best. Since I only need a cup of Bulletproof coffee in the morning, it is worth it for me to spend extra and drink the very best, does that make sense? Otherwise, I recommend single origin coffee (not blends).
Erika
Great post! The only thing I would like to say is cravings are CURBED, not curved. 🙂
Laura Fuentes
LOL you are so right! haahaa
Priscilla Haydon
Hi Laura, just heard about Bulletproof coffee on a flight home from chicago. we were landing so not much could be said. I’v been looking to gain mor information about what is different in the coffee bean roasting or prep that makes it preferable ? I stay away from all animal fat and use the plant based cold pressed coconut oil. Won’ that be helpful as well?
Pris
Laura Fuentes
Hi Priscilla,
While I personally buy Bulletproof’s coffee beans, any single origin should be fine. Most coffee blends have a lot of mycotoxins and mold from transport -something to consider when thinking about the quality of beans one uses for this. I guess you can use MCT oil and black coffee with a little coconut milk as a creamer if that’s what you prefer. For more specific information, I suggest you read more on Bulletproof’s website. enjoy!
Kathy
How much grass butter do you take a day. Thanks
Laura Fuentes
I use a tablespoon in my coffee. That’s about it.
Vittoria
I am loving BPC as well! I just ordered the brain octane and am waiting for it to arrive (have just been using plain MCT oil or coconut oil, in addition to grass fed butter). I’m wondering if you’ve noticed any effect on your menstrual cycles from having BPC? I am hoping to conceive in the next few months, so I’m not using BPC to lose weight (i.e. not using it to do intermittent fasting or whatever) – but I’m hoping the extra fats have a positive effect on my hormones/health – and am wondering if you’ve seen any difference?
Laura Fuentes
I have noticed that my cycle is extremely regular now, in the last 3y than it ever has been. Women should eat a higher fat diet in order to keep hormones balanced. I still do some intermittent fasting, about 12h vs. 15, just because I naturally stop eating around 8am. I’m glad you enjoy it!
Nancy
Can I drink it regular without the butter and oil? I like it with swerve and cream is that ok ?
Laura Fuentes
Nancy, you can drink your coffee any way you like. Without butter and MCT oil it’s not bulletproof coffee -but enjoy!
Carmen Macias
Hi Laura! First of all, I looooove your recipes and snapchats, I really enjoy watching how you handle your kids, house and work at the same time 🙂
One question about the bullet coffe, can it be any other butter? Do you add sugar to it?
Regards from Panama City, Panama
Laura Fuentes
Hi Carmen! Thank you for watching my snaps!
No sugar and you want to use organic/grass fed butter. The vitamin K is an essential nutrient (brain food) not found in commercial butter. You can also use organic ghee (clarified butter). I hope this helps! 🙂
Porsche
This is so yummy! Do I have to limit myself to one cup a day? I could easily drink 2 cups in the morning it’s so good.
Laura Fuentes
LOL I drink one like this, then another just black 🙂
Karina
I don’t like the flavor of the butter. Can I add chocolate collagen powder? How would the benefits change with MCT oil , but not butter?
Laura Fuentes
You can keep the mct oil and use chocolate collagen for a mocha-like coffee. Benefits-wise, about the same and lower in fat. Enjoy!
Shalee
I didn’t buy their coffee but I did buy the oil and it does make a difference. So surprised! I have been doing iced coffee lately so I don’t add the butter but I use whole milk.
Holly Farnell
What do you flavor this with so that it taste good?
Laura Fuentes
I don’t flavor it, the butter gives it a delicious buttery taste that is amazing!
Johanna
I have been experiencing the benefits of bulletproof coffee for more than a year -since I found your post- and the buttery taste is my favorite!
Holly Farnell
Can you get butter like this from target?! Or where?? I’m ordering the bulletproof coffee that’s already ground up and the oil….so can I just use my regular coffee pot to make a pot of bulletproof coffee??
Deanne
HI, not sure on where to find the butter as I live in Ontario and find it in most higher end grocery stores like Fortino’s and Whole Foods. But yes you can make this coffee in a regular coffee pot, you’d be adding the oil and butter to a blender and pouring the coffee from the pot into the blender. No worries of your coffee pot getting oily!
Ashlyn
Thank you for this wonderful post! I have been wanting to try this and this gave me the push to do it. Here’s to better mornings 🙂
Laura Fuentes
Enjoy!