By Miriam Rees
Introduction
If you know me, you know this already:
I love coffee.
Not just casually.
Deeply.
And if I’m being completely honest… my favorite comfort drink is a hot white chocolate macchiato.
There’s just something about:
- the warmth
- the espresso
- the creamy sweetness
- the whole cozy experience
Coffee feels comforting to me.
It feels like slowing down.
Like mornings before the house wakes up.
Like quiet moments with God and my journal.
But over the last few years, I’ve also started learning something important:
As much as I love coffee… tea—especially herbal tea—has some incredible benefits too.
And honestly?
I’ve started realizing there’s room for both.
Coffee Isn’t the Enemy
I think sometimes health culture swings too far in one direction.
One minute coffee is “healthy.”
The next minute it’s “terrible.”
But the truth is, coffee itself actually has several benefits when consumed wisely.
Benefits of Coffee
Coffee contains:
- antioxidants
- polyphenols
- mental alertness support
- metabolism support
- mood-boosting effects
For many people, coffee can:
- improve focus
- increase energy
- support workout performance
- provide comfort and routine
And honestly?
Sometimes the experience itself is healing.
The quiet morning moment.
The warm mug.
The pause before the day begins.
The Problem Usually Isn’t the Coffee
Most of the time, the issue isn’t coffee itself.
It’s what gets added to it.
Many coffee shop drinks are loaded with:
- sugar
- syrups
- seed oils
- artificial flavors
- processed creamers
That’s why I started creating healthier versions of my favorite drinks at home.
My Favorite Keto White Chocolate Macchiato Recipe
This recipe gives all the cozy coffee-shop flavor without the sugar overload.
Keto White Chocolate Macchiato (Hot)
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots espresso
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free white chocolate syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sweetener to taste (monk fruit or stevia)
- optional: sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Brew espresso and set aside.
- Heat almond milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan until warm.
- Froth milk mixture using a frother or whisk.
- Add white chocolate syrup and vanilla.
- Pour into mug.
- Slowly pour espresso over top.
- Sprinkle cinnamon if desired.
Optional Additions
- collagen peptides
- MCT oil
- grass-fed butter for extra creaminess
- protein powder for a meal replacement version
It honestly feels like a coffee shop drink without the sugar crash afterward.
But Tea Has Become My Secret Weapon
As much as I love coffee…
Tea has become something different for me.
More calming, grounding, and nourishing in certain seasons.
Especially herbal teas.
Why Herbal Tea Is So Beneficial
Unlike coffee, many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and support the body differently.
Depending on the tea, benefits can include:
- reduced stress
- improved digestion
- better sleep
- hormone support
- reduced inflammation
- calming the nervous system
And honestly, I think many women are walking around in a constant state of stress and overstimulation.
Tea feels gentler to the body.
Some of My Favorite Herbal Teas
Chamomile Tea
Helps promote relaxation and sleep.
Peppermint Tea
Great for digestion and bloating.
Ginger Tea
Supports digestion and inflammation.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Often used for women’s hormonal support.
Hibiscus Tea
Refreshing and rich in antioxidants.
Lavender Tea
Very calming for stressful days.
Dandy Blend: My Favorite Coffee Alternative
One of my favorite discoveries has been Dandy Blend.
And honestly?
If you love iced coffee but want something gentler sometimes, it’s amazing.
What Is Dandy Blend?
Dandy Blend is a herbal coffee alternative made from:
- dandelion root
- chicory root
- barley
- rye
It has:
- a rich, roasted flavor
- a coffee-like taste
- no acidity
- no bitterness
And it’s naturally caffeine-free.
Why I Love It
Coffee can sometimes:
- increase anxiety
- affect hormones
- worsen stress responses
- disrupt sleep
- irritate digestion for some people
Dandy Blend feels:
- smoother
- gentler
- calming
- nourishing
Especially during stressful seasons.
My Favorite Iced Dandy Blend Drink
Creamy Iced Dandy Blend Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dandy Blend
- 1 cup hot water
- ice
- unsweetened almond milk
- splash heavy cream
- monk fruit sweetener
- cinnamon
Instructions
- Dissolve Dandy Blend in hot water.
- Fill glass with ice.
- Add almond milk and heavy cream.
- Pour Dandy Blend mixture over top.
- Stir and sprinkle cinnamon.
It honestly tastes like an iced coffee while feeling much easier on the body.
Learning Balance Instead of Extremes
One thing I’m learning is this:
Health doesn’t always have to be all-or-nothing.
I still enjoy coffee.
I still love my cozy macchiatos.
But I’ve also learned to listen to my body more.
Some days my body wants coffee.
Some days it needs hydration, calm, and gentleness instead.
And that’s okay.
Scripture Reflection
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
I love this verse because it reminds me that even small daily choices can become intentional.
Not through perfection.
But through wisdom and balance.
Devotional Thought
Sometimes wellness isn’t about restriction.
Sometimes it’s simply learning to care for your body with more awareness, gentleness, and wisdom.
Listening to your body is not weakness.
It’s stewardship.
Prayer
Lord,
Help me care for my body with wisdom and balance.
Teach me to slow down enough to listen to what my body needs and to create rhythms that bring peace instead of burnout.
Thank You for the simple comforts that make life feel warm and meaningful.
Amen.
