Caregivers in Broadripple, IN

As a family caregiver for your elderly loved ones, there are some days that are so busy and filled with challenges and demands that you truly need all the help that you can get to get yourself going in the morning and keep yourself pushing through the rest of the day. Coffee is the fuel of choice for many caregivers, and with so many recent research studies indicating the myriad health benefits of coffee, including potentially reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, improving cognition and memory skills, and helping to control weight, if you are one of those people, you can feel better about indulging in a second cup on these trying mornings.

This caregiver indulgence is all about keeping things interesting and finding delicious ways to flavor your coffee without turning to those chemical-laden flavored creamers. These methods use real ingredients to add some pop and personality to your morning cup so that you can change it up according to your mood or the season and keep yourself powered up and rolling along deliciously.

Try some of these creative ways to flavor your coffee:

• Cardamom. Add some whole cardamom seeds to your beans if you grind your own or sprinkle in some of the ground version of this Middle Eastern spice for an exotic flair and to cut down on the stimulating effect of the caffeine if you want the health benefits but maybe less of a jittery buzz.

• Salt. If you prefer cold coffee even during the fall and winter months, sprinkle in some sea salt to bring out the rich notes of the coffee and the sweetness of the sugar and cream. This is also a great way to cut down on bitterness if you get a pot that has a bit too much edge to it.

• Butter. It may sound unusual, but the trend of adding a dollop of butter to coffee actually has its basis in nutrition. The idea comes from the practice of Tibetans traditionally adding yak butter to their tea, giving it a rich taste and adding fat and calories to the drink, which equates to energy. Some people even like to add a chunk of butter to their brew and drink it on-the-go as a fast breakfast.

• Candy cane. It does not have to be Christmastime for you to love the taste of peppermint. Dip your favorite peppermint stick into your coffee and use it as a stirrer to infuse the beverage with the sweet and energizing flavor of mint. This is also a wonderful way to add some flavor to your favorite hot chocolate if you are opting out of coffee for the morning.

• Extracts. Pure extracts such as vanilla or almond add a bold flavor and sweetness without going for the sugar. Mix it up by adding both extracts or add it along with cream for a richly indulgent beverage.

• Hazelnut spread. That favorite toast addition in the morning can also transform your coffee into an instant, all natural hazelnut mocha. Just stir in a spoonful and enjoy.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elderly care in Broadripple, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.