5 Pre-Workout Coffee Drinks for Instant Energy Boost

The best pre-workout drink is probably already in your kitchen. A cup of coffee can do wonders for your body when followed by a workout. It does, not only make you feel fresh and energised but also has a host of other benefits that increase the effectiveness of your workout.

There’s plenty of delicious and healthy pre-workout coffee drinks that you can quickly whip up before your workout, but before we discuss those let’s look at what makes coffee the best pre-workout drink.

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Why choose coffee?

Coffee has a stimulating effect on the brain. It makes you more alert and improves focus.

Research also shows that coffee enables people to train for longer durations and with improved energy levels.

Consuming caffeine causes the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine which affect pain receptors and mood while working out. You may find your workout less strenuous and enjoyable after a pre-workout coffee drink.

Coffee can also help ease muscle pain both during and after weight training sessions.

Caffeine in coffee when consumed before working out, helps the body use fat cells for energy rather than glycogen. Therefore, coffee accelerates fat loss, increases metabolism, and also works as an appetite suppressant.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, caffeine helped burn 15% more calories in the three hours post-workout.

Coffee has a rich amount of antioxidants which help protect the body from diseases. A study published in the Critical Reviews of Food, Science and Nutrition in 2011 stated that coffee consumption is inversely correlated with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even certain types of cancer.

Here are 5 pre-workout coffee drinks you can make to amplify your daily coffee shot :-

5 Pre-Workout Coffee Drinks for Instant Energy Boost

1. Chocolate Mocha Protein Shake

This pre-workout coffee drink is perfect for those who workout in the morning. Caffeine and protein are two things that ensure a headstart on the day.

You need:

1 cup of milk
2 scoops of coffee protein powder (mix it in the milk first)
1 scoop of MCT oil powder
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp cocoa powder

You can also make this with unflavoured protein powder, just remember to first brew ½ cup of coffee and alter the milk quantity as needed.

2. Rich Coffee Smoothie

This homemade pre-workout coffee is sure to have your system up and running for a good burn. A more elaborate version of the Chocolate Mocha Protein Shake, the Rich Coffee Smoothie is delicious and packed with protein.

You need:

½ cup of milk
1 scoop of protein powder
½ cup of room temperature or cold-brewed coffee
1 tbsp of a sweetener of your choice
Vanilla essence as per preference
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon of cocoa nibs
1 teaspoon desiccated coconut.

Put everything in a blender except the cocoa nibs and the coconut. Blend until smooth and then garnish with the cocoa nibs and coconut.

3. Bulletproof Coffee

This pre-workout coffee drink is especially popular among those who follow a keto or paleo diet because it helps in losing weight. This drink is perfect for a steady boost of energy and to prevent the caffeine crash.

You need:

About 200ml of freshly brewed coffee
1 tbsp of MCT/coconut oil
1 tbsp of unsalted grass-fed butter
(Optional) cocoa powder, protein powder, choco-mint sports drink

The coconut/ MCT oil and the grass-fed butter are healthy fats that make this coffee rich and creamy and also take care of the hunger pangs common after a cup of coffee. If you like you can add some extra flavour with a pinch of pink salt or cinnamon.

4. Cold Brew

Cold Brew is the easiest pre-workout coffee drink to make. This brew is less acidic and exactly what you need before a workout if you are short on time. You can also make a big batch over the weekend and use it over the week.

You need:

About 450ml of cold filtered water
¾ cup of fresh coarsely ground coffee
ice

Combine both the ingredients and let the mixture sit for 12-16 hours, then strain and refrigerate or drink it with ice cubes. Letting the coffee sit, slows down the infusion resulting in a strong and more concentrated brew. Straining separates compounds that make coffee bitter, so it tastes smooth and sweet. Also, feel free to add milk or more water to this recipe if the concentration is too strong for you.

5. Iced Nana Latte

An Iced Nana Latte is a great option, because not only does it hit you with a boost of energy but also fills you up well enough to get through a workout. This is the best pre-workout drink for anyone looking to get that caffeine boost but also wants something easy on the stomach.

You need:

¾ -1 cup of plant-based milk
½ banana
2-3 shots of espresso or ¼ cup of cold brew coffee
Ice

To make this drink you first need to brew your espresso or coffee and let it cool down and blend the banana and milk until smooth. Then, fill ⅔ rd of a glass with ice, first, pour the banana-milk mixture then the espresso or coffee. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

It is necessary to time your pre-workout coffee so that you can reap the full benefits of what caffeine combined with exercise has to offer. The best time for a pre-workout coffee drink is about an hour before you head out for your sweat session. Though caffeine is absorbed by the body within 15-20 minutes of consumption, it usually takes 30-75 minutes for its stimulatory benefits to peak. Try out these coffee drinks and find what works for your body and your schedule.