By now, you’ve probably seen a ton of pro recipes on TikTok. You know, those delicious combinations of protein and coffee? They’re usually made by mixing iced coffee and a protein shake, but you can also make protein powder, shots of espresso, and of course a swirl or two of caramel syrup. The flavor factor is probably why the #Prof The hashtag has nearly 5 million views on TikTok. But add in the fact that it gives you an energy boost, and it’s easy to see why everyone from nurses to students like to drink coffee first thing in the morning.
From the point of view of nutrition, personal trainer and certified nutritionist by NASM Donna Burke says that starting the day with protein is not a bad idea. It provides an energy boost (more on that below) and also gives you time to space out your protein intake throughout the day. “Excess protein isn’t stored, it’s excreted,” he tells Bustle. “It can be useless if it is packed into a single session.” That’s why it’s best to have a little protein every three to four hours to ensure your energy lasts.
With that in mind, read on for all the teacher benefits, as well as some disadvantages, so you can decide if this famous tik tok drink really worth the guy.
What are the benefits of Proffee?
Since protein is a macronutrient, “It will help keep you full and give you more energy throughout the day,” says Burke. And this is especially true if you like morning workouts. “Coffee with protein is a great way to repair and build lean muscle,” he adds. “Protein breaks down into amino acids, the building blocks of every cell in your body, so starting with protein coffee gives your body the fuel it needs to build and build new healthy cells immediately.”
The caffeine boost isn’t bad either. According to Kristin Koskinen, RDN, LDN, LD, CD, a registered dietitian and performance nutritionist, the caffeine in coffee can increase your power output during a workout, which means you can do a good run or HIIT class without feeling tired. And since proffee includes a nutrient-dense protein shake, Koskinen says it’ll give you a carb hit to fuel your workout, too.
Whether you exercise or not, a sip of coffee can prevent it. low blood sugar nervousness when in a hurry and gives you enough energy to get to your next meal. The reason? “Protein slows the absorption of carbohydrates and caffeine, which can protect against spikes in blood sugar,” says Koskinen.
Are there any downsides to Proffee?
It really depends on how you do it. Follow a super sweet Coffee recipe on TikTok — one that’s heavy on the flavored syrups and caramel drizzles — and you could end up consume too much sugar for the day If you’re just using the syrup for flavoring, and not as a power boost, Koskinen suggests adding a dash of vanilla extract instead.
It is also good to keep in mind that not all protein powder or smoothie is created equal. “Premade protein shakes are convenient, but they’re often made with low-quality ingredients,” says Koskinen. That can mean dodgy things like fillers and preservatives, so don’t throw just any protein in your coffee. “Instead, use a tablespoon of high-quality powdered whey or pea powder if you prefer plant-based.”
If you drink profs all day, especially the ones with three shots of espresso, be aware that it could increases your anxiety. “Also can interrupt sleep if you take too much or use it too late in the day,” says Koskinen. Caffeine has a half-life 6 to 10 hours depending on the person, so have a cup or two in the morning, then switch to a non-caffeinated drink so it has time to wear off before bed.
the consensus
Proffee is a form of Add more protein to your diet.. But because it’s so tasty, it’s definitely easy to overdo it, consume too much caffeine, and then feel anxious or too nervous to sleep. Low-quality ingredients may not be doing you any favors either, Koskinen says. But go pro with a high-quality protein powder and it will give you a burst of energy, power through a workout, Y help you survive a busy morning.
Referenced studies:
Clark I, Landolt HP. Coffee, caffeine, and sleep: a systematic review of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Feb;31:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2016.01.006. Epub 2016 Jan 30. PMID: 26899133.
Tipton KD. Role of proteins and hydrolysates before exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2007 August; 17 supplement: S77-86. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.17.s1.s77. PMID: 18577777.
Wilk M, Filip A, Krzysztofik M, Gepfert M, Zajac A, Del Coso J. Acute caffeine intake improves mean power output and bar speed during the bench press throw in caffeine-habituated athletes. Nutrients. February 4, 2020; 12 (2): 406. doi: 10.3390/nu12020406. PMID: 32033103; PMCID: PMC7071256.
Sources:
Donna Burke, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist
Kristin Koskinen, RDN, LDN, LD, CD, registered dietitian and high performance nutritionist
