Is Coffee and Tea on Carnivore Good? Nonna thinks so...

Ciao, miei cari! Sit down, sit down — let’s have a little chat, eh? Today, we’re talking about something very important: coffee and tea on this carnivore diet you young ones are always buzzing about! Now, you know your Nonna loves a good espresso, so let’s dive in.

First things first, let me tell you something from the heart: life without coffee? Oh, mamma mia, I can't even imagine! But here’s the scoop — on a strict carnivore diet, you’re supposed to stick to animal products. That means meat, fish, eggs, and maybe a bit of cheese, if you're lucky. Coffee and tea? Well, they’re plants, technically. So, if you’re a purist, some might say, “No, no, no!” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, okay?

But Wait! Nonna Has Some Thoughts…

Let’s talk about coffee first, shall we? For many of us, especially in Italy, coffee is not just a drink — it’s a ritual, a moment of joy, a reason to pause and breathe. Now, some people on the carnivore diet enjoy their black coffee — no sugar, no milk, just the pure, dark, rich goodness of a nice espresso. And guess what? A little coffee now and then won’t hurt. It’s low in calories, and if it makes you happy, my dear, who am I to say no?

But! And there’s always a “but” with your Nonna! Too much coffee can make you jittery, raise your cortisol (that’s the stress hormone, capisci?), and maybe even upset your stomach. So, like everything in life, moderation is key. A cup or two? Va bene. But don’t go drinking a whole pot, eh?

Benefits of Coffee, According to Nonna!

Now, let me tell you some of the good things about coffee — because yes, even though it’s not strictly carnivore, it does have some benefits:

1. Antioxidants Galore!
       Coffee is full of antioxidants, those little warriors that help fight off the damage from the sun, pollution, and all the stress life throws at you.  They help keep your cells happy and healthy!
2. Boosts Your Metabolism:
       That espresso shot you love can give your metabolism a little kickstart.  It helps you burn fat faster, which is why some people love to have a coffee before their morning walk or workout!
3. Curbs Your Appetite:
       Feeling hungry between meals? Coffee can help keep those hunger pangs at bay! The caffeine in coffee can suppress your appetite, making it easier to stick to your eating plan, especially on a carnivore diet where you may only be eating once or twice a day.
4. Sharpens the Mind:
       Coffee is like a little wake-up call for your brain. It helps you focus, remember things better, and keeps your mind sharp as a tack. And we all need a little help with that sometimes, eh?
5. Improves Mood:
       Sometimes, just the smell of fresh coffee in the morning can make you feel happier, no? But truly, coffee stimulates the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, which can brighten your mood and make your day a little sunnier.
6. Supports Heart Health:
       Studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation can be good for your heart! It may lower the risk of stroke and other heart problems. But remember, moderation is the keyword, my dear!

What Can You Add to Your Coffee?

Now, let me tell you a little secret: you can dress up your coffee on carnivore in ways that are still friendly to the carnivore lifestyle!  Think about adding a spoonful of butter or ghee — yes, you heard me right! This makes your coffee creamy, rich, and even more satisfying. Some folks even add a raw egg — it may sound strange, but it adds a lovely, velvety texture and is full of protein to keep you going strong all day. You can blend these in with a little milk frother, and boom! You have a delicious, frothy coffee that feels like a treat, all while staying within the diet. Just make sure everything is fresh, of course — Nonna always insists on quality ingredients!

And What About Tea?

Ah, tea! So elegant, so calming, like a warm hug in a cup. Herbal teas — oh, how nice they smell, especially chamomile! But remember, most teas come from leaves, flowers, and herbs, which again, are technically plants. For those on a carnivore diet, it’s a bit of a gray area. Some people enjoy tea, especially green tea or herbal blends, for the antioxidants. But others might say, “Nonna, it’s not allowed!”

Well, I say, if you’re having a cup of tea before bed to help you sleep, is that really so bad? Just make sure it’s without any sugar, milk, or honey, and keep it simple. If it’s part of what makes you feel relaxed and happy, maybe it’s worth considering.

Nonna’s Final Word of Advice

Now, my dear, here’s what I say to all these rules: Listen to your body! Every body is different, just like every Nonna’s recipe for ragu is different, eh? If you feel good having a little coffee or tea, enjoy it. If not, leave it out. You must do what makes you feel the best, and remember that the most important thing is to be happy and healthy.

And remember, darling, whatever you choose, do it with love, joy, and a smile on your face. Life is too short to worry too much about these little things!

So, go on — have that cup of coffee or tea if it makes your heart sing. Just remember, Nonna is always here cheering you on!

Buon appetito and salute!