By Dr. Acosta Then
Aug 28, 2023, 09:31 AM EDT
The so-called “proffee” is a trend that is triumphing on social networks. It is the recommendation to my patients, especially fitness lovers, who seek to preserve muscle, lose fat, speed up metabolism and maintain weight.
Therefore, a nutritional suggestion is to add vitaminized or isolated protein to coffee in the morning or in the afternoon. This produces satiety and decreases total caloric intake with a low carbohydrate intake, and a contribution of up to 15 grams of protein.
But is it really a healthy practice? From a nutrition science perspective, we point out that full-fat, animal-based milk coffee already has a considerable amount of protein. If we add a type of supplement such as isolated protein, we will increase the amount from 13 grams, which is conventional, to 20-25 grams. This mixture does not pose any harm to the body. On the contrary, it is recommended to use this practice as a supplement, or before exercise.
The recommendation to make the “proffee” or coffee with protein is in a regular coffee maker. It does not have complexity as such, and the instructions will depend on the scoop and the measure of nutritional value. Generally, it consists of adding 200 milliliters of water, ice, a scoop —which is equivalent to 20 or 25 grams of protein— and coffee to a glass.
On the other hand, if the preference is to make it hot, an eight-ounce or 200-milliliter cup of coffee should be used, add half a tablespoon, mix it, done, and enjoy.
It is a good option, due to all the benefits of coffee, but above all because of the role of protein in muscle mass.
* Dr. Acosta Then is a bariatric endoscopist, director of the Salutte Clinic Obesity and Specialties Clinic, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. She belongs to the US Bariatric Endoscopy Society and directs the “Happy Weight Without Surgery” program. https://www.instagram.com/dra.acostathen