*Sigh.* How I heart Saturday mornings. Unlike Sunday, where you wake up and think, “Ay, tomorrow’s Monday, I gotta finish up everything I didn’t get to on Saturday,” I get to be a little more slow-paced today. It’s kinda windy, not good for surfing conditions. Basically, the wind displaces the energy in the waves and all you get is fluff, no pick up. Also, I don’t feel like using all my energy battling to get out to the waves when it keeps pushing me back.
So back to my morning. I drink one cup (or less) of coffee every morning at work, but today I wanted to make a mocha with some skim milk and the fair trade cocoa that I bought at Trader Joe’s a while back. Caffeine in coffee, as well as other food and drink such as tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and even beer, acts as a mild stimulant and may give you that pick-me-up you need in the morning (I am one of those people who just drink it for the taste, since I am a morning person anyways). There are tons of studies out there stating whether or not drinking caffeine is good for you, but in general, caffeine has not been shown to be a direct link in causing diseases such as cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis.
The limit of caffeine intake can depend on individual sensitivities, but in general, consuming about 200-300 milligrams of caffeine each day poses no physical health risk. That’s equivalent to drinking about 2-3 cups of coffee (home-brewed) per day. If you drink coffee-shop brewed coffee, however, you may get more than 300 mg in a regular cup, probably because they use more coffee grounds to water.
Oh, and my personal recommendation: drink your coffee (or tea, or anything hot) in a big cute cup. I love mine. I just think it tastes better that way. 
Good morning, Mocha Java
serves 1
1 Tbsp cocoa
Sugar to taste, or 1 packet Splenda
1/2 cup skim milk, heated (about 45 seconds-1 min in the microwave)
Few drops vanilla extract
1 cup brewed coffee (8 oz)
1/2 Tbsp half-and-half
1. Add the cocoa and sugar (or Splenda) to your empty coffee mug. Add the hot milk and vanilla extract, stirring until the cocoa and sugar dissolve. Add the coffee, then half-and-half if you wish. Drink up!
I use Trader Joe’s fair trade cocoa in my coffee, too! I usually have no more than 2 (6 oz) cuppa joes per day; sometimes, my husband and I will enjoy it in the evening instead. There have been numerous studies about the benefits of caffeine toward more efficient workouts when you have it just before exercising; we’ve done that but I couldn’t say with certainty that I worked out longer or stronger! Instead, we look at coffee-drinking as an enjoyable interlude or mid-morning perk-up.
I love Saturdays for that same reason too
Thanks Tangled Noodle and Veggie Girl! I hope you ladies have a most relaxing weekend!
I so agree with your comment about using a cute cup! I think it adds so much to the enjoyment I get out of my one cup of luxurious homemade cappacino I make on my day’s off work.
I bought this sweet lookng, wide lipped vintage coffee cup at the Salvation Army that I particularily like. It can’t be microwaved, so I can’t warm up my coffee if it sits too long.
So I don’t let myself be distracted when I drink it all at one sitting.
mmmmm… yummy. I think hubby’s going to get a nice surprise in his travel mug tomorrow.
Your cup is super cute. I can’t wait to share a cup with you! Have you tried Truvia? My grandma had it and I tried it out and it’s good!
I have tried Truvia at the conference in October, and I got about 50 packets sent to me in the mail for a promo but they don’t sell it anywhere in Hawaii! Yes, I think cute cups are the best – like your little birdie teacups!
Yes, Saturdays are always a relief! Thanks so much for your comment on my blog. You’ve got a lovely blog here, too, and I’m so happy to find lots of recipes I could enjoy!