“Can you describe a specific diet or supplement strategy you’ve used alongside coffee to optimize your cortisol levels and gains? What results did you see?”
I have worked with patients who wanted to keep their morning coffee while avoiding the sharp cortisol spike that can interfere with muscle recovery and steady energy. One strategy that has been effective is pairing coffee with a balanced protein and fat source—such as a smoothie made with 25 grams of whey protein, unsweetened almond milk, and a tablespoon of almond butter—rather than drinking it on an empty stomach.
This combination slows caffeine absorption and helps stabilize blood sugar, which in turn keeps cortisol from spiking as dramatically. Patients who followed this approach reported fewer mid-morning crashes, more consistent strength in their workouts, and better recovery markers over a 6 to 8 week period. It allowed them to enjoy coffee daily without undermining their training progress.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, Health Rising Direct Primary Care
I’ve personally used Chemix Cortibloc alongside my morning coffee and found it to be one of the most effective supplement combinations I’ve tried for both energy and stress management. Initially, I experienced some mild gastrointestinal discomfort during the first week of use, but that resolved quickly as my body adapted.
Coffee provided the quick boost in focus, alertness, and energy I needed to start my mornings, while Cortibloc worked in the background to support healthier cortisol balance. This helped prevent the overstimulation or “wired and anxious” feeling caffeine can sometimes cause. Instead, I felt calm, steady, and mentally sharp throughout the day.
Over several weeks, I noticed it became easier to manage everyday stress, I slept more deeply, and I experienced measurable weight loss — particularly around my midsection, which can often be stubborn due to stress-related cortisol spikes. This combination seemed to promote a more balanced state where I could perform well during workouts, recover effectively, and maintain a clear, focused mindset.
Quote-Ready Version:
“Combining Chemix Cortibloc with coffee delivers both immediate and long-term benefits. The caffeine boosts energy and focus, while Cortibloc supports healthier cortisol balance — preventing the ‘wired and anxious’ feeling and helping with stress regulation. Over time, I noticed better sleep, improved workout recovery, and steady fat loss around the midsection, where stress often stores fat.”
Talib Ahmad, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), Same Day Supplements
I combined coffee, a clean diet and specific supplementation to help me control the growth of cortisol and develop strength. I had a healthy but filling breakfast- whole grains, good fats, and protein (such as oatmeal with berries or a green smoothie) after my morning coffee. I did not use refined sugars and added omega-3s with 1 teaspoon of fish oil (3 omega-3 fatty acids) and 250-600 mg of ashwaganda daily. In eight weeks, I was jittery less, more in control of my energy, able to bounce back sooner, and pushed my lifts by 3-5kg. This is a basic protocol that brought about the correction of cortisol and led to gains in strength.
Kristy Thomas, Registered Nutritionist & Physician, Prowise Healthcare
One strategy I’ve used personally and with clients is pairing morning coffee with a high-protein, healthy-fat breakfast, something like eggs with avocado or a collagen protein smoothie with fiber. This helps buffer the cortisol spike that coffee can trigger on an empty stomach and supports more stable blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day. I also add adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola in supplement form to support adrenal balance. Less jitteriness, better focus, fewer energy crashes, and improved workout recovery. It’s a simple but powerful shift that turns coffee into a tool, not a stressor.
Rosa Tessada, Certified Nutritionist, Oasis Of Hope Hospital
One of my clients put coffee to strategic use as part of a high protein/ moderate carb breakfast. An efficient intervention is time-shifting the consumption of coffee with an interval of 60-90 minutes after the time of alarm to correlate with the natural cortisol arousal. This avoids over stimulation and the possible crashing that comes after an early use of caffeine.
When it comes to supplementation coffee can be used in combination with L-theanine (100-200mg) to lessen jitters and keep you focused during exercise. I also suggest to add adaptogens such as ashwagandha later in morning or after exercise to promote adrenal health and healthy cortisol response. These clients regularly noticed an increase in energy levels during the day, post-workout recovery, and less variability in muscle enlargement in a 6 to 8 week time span by using this plan.
Candice Eeden, Nutrition Coach, Kuon Healthcare
I’ve found that pairing coffee with adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha and rhodiola, has helped optimize my cortisol levels while boosting my energy for workouts. I take a morning dose of ashwagandha to keep stress levels in check, as it helps balance cortisol, then enjoy my coffee about 30 minutes later. This combination prevents the jittery feeling and crashes I used to get from just caffeine. I also focus on eating a balanced breakfast with protein and healthy fats, which stabilizes blood sugar and prevents cortisol spikes. Since I’ve started this routine, I’ve noticed improved focus and better recovery after workouts, with less overall stress throughout the day. My energy feels more sustained, and I’m able to push harder in the gym without feeling overexerted. This strategy has really helped me manage stress while still getting the most out of my coffee and training sessions.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
One diet strategy I’ve been using is drinking a single cup of coffee every morning, typically before work, alongside a balanced breakfast with oats or Greek yogurt at times. I’ve been taking just caffeine (coffee) for about 5 years on an empty stomach, but when I started taking it alongside oats or Greek yogurt, I noticed better concentration throughout the day as opposed to when I have just 2 hours of peak alertness, and it also helped me with muscle gains.
Austin Anadu, Medical Doctor, AlynMD