The Case For Coffee After Breakfast (Plus Some Tips To Boost Your Morning Joe)

Sixty-six percent of American adults drink coffee on a daily basis. So, chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re a daily coffee drinker! That’s not inherently a bad thing, and as parents dealing with frequent night wakings and busy schedules, your morning cup can be a cherished part of your morning rhythm.

This article shares why drinking coffee after breakfast can better support blood sugar regulation and adrenal health and how a few simple additions can make your morning cup more nourishing without complicating your routine!

Coffee contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can support alertness and mental focus. Many adults drink coffee daily without issue, and there is no need to avoid it unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.

That said, coffee is a stimulant, and stimulants interact with the body differently depending on context. One of the most important pieces of that context is whether or not you’ve eaten.

To learn about consuming caffeine during pregnancy, lactation, or during the teenage years, read these articles: 

• Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy and Lactation
• Is Caffeine Safe For Teens? The Risks of Energy Drinks Plus Healthier Ways To Boost Energy

Cortisol follows a natural circadian rhythm and rises in the early morning to help the body wake up, increase alertness, and make stored energy available (1). This rise is normal and expected! When coffee is consumed, especially on an empty stomach, it adds an additional stimulant signal at a time when cortisol is already elevated. For some people, this can lead to a higher or more prolonged stress response than is necessary for normal morning function.

To learn more, read this article: The 3 Phases of Adrenal Dysfunction

Drinking coffee after breakfast changes how caffeine is absorbed and processed by the body. When coffee is consumed on an empty stomach, caffeine is absorbed more rapidly, leading to a quicker rise in circulating caffeine levels. This faster absorption can intensify its stimulating effects, particularly on the nervous system and stress response.

When coffee is consumed after eating, especially following a meal that includes protein and fat, gastric emptying slows. This means caffeine enters the bloodstream more gradually, resulting in a steadier and more controlled stimulation rather than a sharp spike. For many people, this translates to improved focus without the jitteriness or overstimulation that can accompany rapid caffeine absorption.

Food intake also supports blood sugar regulation (2). Eating before coffee provides glucose from dietary sources, reducing the need for the body to rely on stress hormones to maintain blood sugar levels. As a result, caffeine is less likely to contribute to blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to shakiness, irritability, or energy crashes later in the day.

From a nervous system perspective, starting the day with nourishment sends a signal of safety and availability of resources (3). When caffeine is layered on top of this foundation, it tends to support alertness and productivity rather than triggering a stress-driven energy response. Over time, this pattern can promote steadier energy, improved mood stability, and better tolerance to caffeine as part of a balanced morning routine.

To learn about blood sugar regulation, read this article: Tips for Blood Sugar Balance Plus Dr. Green Mom’s Ginger & Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail Recipe

Friends, I never want to sound like I’m preaching. I absolutely know how it is. You feel like you’ve barely slept, and you’re up before the sun with your kiddo. You need a coffee… And you’re not ready to cook a full, nourishing breakfast… Because you haven’t had your coffee! On mornings like that, even having something in your stomach can make a difference. A small cup of kefir before coffee is often enough to provide a bit of protein and fat to buffer caffeine’s effects.

I also like to boost the nutrition of my coffee itself. Some options include collagen, creatine, magnesium, kava, medicinal mushrooms, and/or a quality fat source - like a splash of mct oil, quality cream, or even a small pat of butter.

While coffee works well for many people, it’s not the only option for morning energy. Some find that rotating or replacing coffee occasionally feels more supportive.

Green tea offers a gentler caffeine profile along with beneficial polyphenols. Herbal blends like Mother’s Energy™ or Adrenal & Focus™ are also popular choices for those looking for more balanced, steady support without the sharper stimulant effect of coffee.

The best choice is the one that works best for your body and your current season of life! 

I’ve got several articles on natural ways to support energy. You can read them here: 

• Natural Energy Boosters For Exhausted Moms
• How To Manage Sleepless Nights As A Parent: Science-Backed Strategies For Surviving Sleep Deprivation

If your goal is to support energy, blood sugar balance, or adrenal health, coffee does not necessarily need to be avoided! For many people, simply adjusting when coffee is consumed - after eating rather than on an empty stomach - can make a difference in the way coffee makes them feel!

Pairing caffeine with nourishment helps stabilize blood sugar, supports the nervous system, and allows caffeine to provide alertness without unnecessary stress on the body. Small additions, like protein, fat, or mineral support, can further enhance how coffee is tolerated on busy mornings.

1. O'Byrne NA, Yuen F, Butt WZ, Liu PY. Sleep and Circadian Regulation of Cortisol: A Short Review. Curr Opin Endocr Metab Res. 2021 Jun;18:178-186. doi: 10.1016/j.coemr.2021.03.011. Epub 2021 May 5. PMID: 35128146; PMCID: PMC8813037.
2. Shukla AP, Iliescu RG, Thomas CE, Aronne LJ. Food Order Has a Significant Impact on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels. Diabetes Care. 2015 Jul;38(7):e98-9. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0429. PMID: 26106234; PMCID: PMC4876745.
3. Estrada JA, Contreras I. Nutritional Modulation of Immune and Central Nervous System Homeostasis: The Role of Diet in Development of Neuroinflammation and Neurological Disease. Nutrients. 2019 May 15;11(5):1076. doi: 10.3390/nu11051076. PMID: 31096592; PMCID: PMC6566411.