Everyone has their “drink”. Whether it’s a half pump vanilla skinny decaf latte, or a large coffee black, we all have that beverage that we grab while half awake because, well, we’ve been ordering it like that for years. But just because your latte is “skinny” doesn’t mean that it is good for you.

Coffee itself is actually good for us. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that evokes a fight or flight response. Coffee also lowers the risk of Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mediates depression according to doctors. It’s just the “add-ons” of flavorings, artificial sweeteners, super-sized cups, and chemicals in the decaf process that are all working against us every morning to make our ritual more toxic. So what can you do to enjoy your coffee without the harmful add-ons?

Check out these top tips for making your morning coffee fix healthier:

• Skip the sugar-free flavors.

Sugar-free flavoring syrups contain either sucralose or aspartame, both of which are artificial sweeteners. Both can cause long-term adverse side effects to your health, especially for folks who are predisposed to headaches.

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cinnamon helps regulate blood glucose, and has been shown to help people with Type 2 diabetes regulate their insulin levels. Plus, ground cinnamon makes a great flavoring alternative when you ditch the sugar-free syrups.

• Substitute honey for sugar.

Honey is still packed with simple carbs, but honey offers a natural sweetness. Raw honey (honey that has not been pasteurized) contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so raw honey is the perfect addition to your coffee if you are battling a sore throat.

• Go for full fat milk over skim.

Full fat milk will keep you full longer. So, if you are on the go and your morning latte frequently turns out to be your entire breakfast, you’ll want calories in the tank so that you can make it to lunch time. Plus, fat in your diet isn’t as bad as you’ve been led to believe, so make your latte as creamy and satisfying as you want.

• Skip the whip and go for foam.

Full fat milk makes delicious, creamy foam with a natural sweetness that is enhanced as the milk heats up to about 140 degrees F. Why add a cold dollop of sugary whipped cream on your drink when you can get the same effect without the sugar?

• Go organic.

Organic coffee is easy to find these days as it becomes more mainstream. Don’t forget, coffee is a bean that is plucked from the center of a red berry called a coffee cherry that grows on a tree. Since coffee is an agricultural product the same rules that apply to fruits and vegetables apply to coffee – go organic when you can.

Have you recently changed up your morning coffee drink as health studies have pointed out the risks and rewards of coffee drink add-ons? What is your morning coffee drink? Tell us here!