COFFEE!

As a poor intern I often daydream about the things that I would love to own one day.  I have recently decided that when I get a job (cross your fingers for me) I am going to first purchase an iPhone, for no reason other than the its amazing apps.  I admit, I get jealous when the other dietitians whip their iPhones out of their pockets and figure out a patient’s BMI, kcal needs, and ideal body weight in 20 seconds flat.  And here I am, the little intern with her graphing calculator, frantically trying to keep up.  Needless to say, I’m anxious to get my hands on one.

 But the second purchase I plan on making is a Keurig machine.  I squeal inside when I hear the name.  Keurig.  It makes me think of all things wonderful, because it produces the most wonderful coffee I have ever tasted.  My apartment complex has a clubhouse where you can go in and make yourself a cup-o-joe from their Keurig machine.  I think they are getting sick of seeing my face there. 

Now, I know they have all these extra flavors that you can buy, but the coffee that I recently had was much better than those.  I didn’t realize this, but you can purchase a reusable filter with the Keurig machines.  They are the same size as those cute flavored inserts, and you just add your own ground coffee.  And ohh, the pure richness that comes streaming from this machine is godlike.  It’s piping hot and intense, yet sensual.  If the core of your being had taste buds, they’d be singing, let’s put it that way.  This Keurig coffee is not to be confused with what I like to call “Diner” coffee, or the coffee in the glass pot that sits on the burner for hours.  This coffee is not to be abused or gulped.  No, you will not be needing this to wake yourself in the morning, for you will be the one jumping out of bed to savor a cup of this magnificent beverage. 

I recently gave a presentation on the effects of coffee on diabetes, and you will be happy to note that drinking 1-3 cups of coffee has its health benefits.  The coffee (not the sugar and cream you add to it) helps boost levels of interleukin-6 and adiponectin in the body.  Basically, you will have increased immunity and will be better able to regulate blood glucose and fatty acid breakdown.  Win!

Now, 3 cups does still equal 24 ounces.  So don’t go filling up your large jumbo coffee mug 3 times and call it an even 3 cups, because you’re more likely getting 6-7 cups.  Remember, everything in moderation.  And I just want to end on an eco-friendly note.  When you go to a coffee shop, your local Kwik Trip or Wawa, or any gas station for that matter, they will probably give you a discount if you use a reusable mug for your coffee.  Save the planet, and a small chunk of change at the same time!