Coffee is the crux of modern life; a firm fixture of the cultural zeitgeist of 2022. A cup of coffee can be the warm, comforting friend on those cold, dark mornings. A takeaway cup to get you through those snowy dog walks, or the perfect excuse to catch up with family and friends.
But if you live in the UK, you’ll know that we’ve become accustomed to our traditional cup of tea, which is usually enjoyed anytime of the day (even before bed for some).
Coffee on the other hand, and its many different forms, is best enjoyed at certain times of the day to get the best bang for your buck. With its higher caffeine content and choice of styles and flavours, it’s best you know how to optimise the experience, so you can truly enjoy your sacred cup of coffee. For example, did you know that it’s frowned upon to enjoy a milky, frothy cappuccino past 12pm in its place of origin, Italy?
Don’t worry, here, we’ll take you through the best ways and best times to enjoy your favourite types of coffee to ensure you enjoy good sleep, mental sharpness, and great health!
Breakfast first, always
With morning cortisol levels peaking it’s not actually a great idea to roll out of bed straight to the coffee machine. Since coffee contributes to higher levels of cortisol, this could compromise your immune system overtime. Natural peaks in cortisol are designed to help us stay alert and focused, but adding caffeine (and on an empty stomach) could spell harm for your health. Instead, opt for some breakfast or water first, and wait 30-60 minutes after waking before enjoying your first cup of the day.
Switch to decaf 6 hours before bed
Switch to decaf or turn the coffee machine off entirely at least 6 hours before bed. This will give your body time to metabolise any excess caffeine and ensure it doesn’t disrupt your sleep. We love a good coffee just as much as you do, but you’ll want to avoid becoming dependent on it to get you through the day thanks to disrupted sleep patterns. With a Tassimo machine, you can choose from a selection of alternative hot drinks such as hot chocolate or decaf coffees at the touch of a button, whatever the time of day.
Sharpen your mind
If you have a big meeting, pitch or presentation looming in the morning, a nice big cup of your favourite coffee could be the answer to improved focus, mental clarity and ultimately success. If you want to experience peak alertness throughout the morning, enjoy 200 milligrams of caffeine an hour after waking, then another 200 milligrams 4 hours later. However, coffee after lunch showed no noticeable impact on alertness and focus.
Afternoon Espresso
Did you know coffee is often used to aid digestion? You might find that after a delicious meal out, many restaurants offer a coffee with dessert. In these cases, it’s best to opt for an Espresso as opposed to a milky latte or frothy cappuccino. Although we generally advise abstaining from coffee in the evening hours, some of us with higher tolerances enjoy a coffee after a heavy meal to help stave off the sleepiness that comes with a full stomach. So if you’re set for a late night, an espresso on its own, or even an espresso martini are perfect ways to finish off an indulgent meal out.
If home entertaining is on the schedule, try the Tassimo Finesse; by pushing the Intensity Boost button for an extra 3 seconds, add more intensity to your coffee - a perfect addition for coffee connoisseurs.
A home coffee machine can save you time and money, while allowing you to enjoy high quality coffee in its many varieties from the comfort of your own home. With their sleek designs, ease of use, and versatility, Tassimo has all the bases covered. Browse our range here, and enjoy your daily pick me up at the touch of a button