Energizing beverages that can augment our ability to stay focused and alert aren’t limited to coffee. Indeed, a plethora of alternatives – ranging from herbal teas, to milky and sparkling drinks – are providing people with new ways to fight the morning tiredness.
As per a survey conducted in the United States, 58 percent of people drink coffee every morning to wake up quicker. Such has been the impact of coffee that its alternatives are often overlooked.
Rather than conforming to the coffee norm, why not explore the drinks that can have the same stimulating effects? Even if coffee does have its advantages, such as containing antioxidants and caffeine, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have a monopoly on the benefits associated with kick-starting your day.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a wheeze-breeze way to get your daily nutrients without having to force down unpleasant tasting supplements and tablets. Most recipes ask for easy-to-find, everyday fruits such as bananas, strawberries, peaches, and apples.
By adding a natural energy source such as honey or dried dates – or by purchasing pre-made smoothies – it’s possible to gain a quick, energy-packed boost.
If you’re looking to diversify and add a hint of luxury, you can mix-and-match a variety of ingredients to give your smoothie that extra special, je ne sais quoi.
Whatever your preference and whatever you can find in the fridge, it’s possible to make the perfect smoothie that suits your individual tastes.
Green Tea
Green tea – which is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant – is reno wned for its scientifically-backed health properties. The leaf contains two active ingredients, namely caffeine and L-theanine.
L-theanine, in particular, helps to promote alertness, whilst also buffering the effects of caffeine by minimising the latter’s side-effects. This, in turn, makes green tea an ideal substitute for coffee.
In addition to its health benefits, green tea produces a lighter, mellower taste than coffee – being much less acidic – and could appeal more to those who have delicate palettes. Furthermore, in contrast to coffee, green tea comes in many varieties – ranging from sencha and matcha, to gunpowder and houjicha.
Whichever style of green tea you opt for, its nutrients and taste, along with its lack of harsh edges – make it a great alternative to coffee.
Kombucha
Kombucha has been around for a very long time, dating as far back as Ancient China. Although its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years — during the 20th century, it all but disappeared – recent studies have shed new light on its beneficial qualities.
Kombucha is a fermented drink that often contains caffeine, along with probiotic properties. It has a potent, spontaneous taste aged in oak barrels, but can also be flavoured with fruits and herbs to give it a sweeter edge.
As for its kick-starting capabilities, according to scientific trials, kombucha does have the ability to heighten alertness and vigilance levels. Its effervescence adds a touch of fizz to the drink and – combined with the sugar and caffeine levels – makes it a great potential morning pick-me-up.
Bone Broth
Although not as well-known as coffee – or the drinks previously mentioned – bone broth nevertheless contains properties that could well-worth considering. Specifically, according to the journal ‘Nutrients’ bone broth contains highly absorbable proteins, vitamins and amino acids that can promote energy production.
Bone broth can also be made in advance and stored, thus allowing you to quickly heat it up in the morning. Nutritional experts advise that it can be fortified with add-ons such as ginger, chilli, garlic, and black pepper – all of which can give your morning brew that extra layer of taste.
Bonne broth, then, is a low-calorie, high-nutrient option that could be the perfect substitute for coffee – and make for a rich, comforting beverage.
Matcha Latte
As previously mentioned, matcha green tea is highly regarded for its health benefits. For those wishing to continue drinking tea, but not wanting a hot drink, making a matcha latte is the ideal way to do so.
Matcha lattes offer an alternative to regular coffee-based drinks by offering similar levels of caffeine, but an altogether different taste.
Real matcha powder has more of a grassiness to it that it’s possible to play with. Matcha latte can be made with almond milk, oat milk, and even cow’s milk. It can even be made with coconut milk, depending on what your taste requires.
In terms of taste and texture, matcha lattes are a much smoother experience, and the warm and creamy nature of the beverage make it an interesting and enjoyable option.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginseng, are renowned for their calming and stress-relieving properties.
Although these teas can be enjoyed at any time of day – for example, when feeling anxious or stressed – their abilities to relax and soothe could make them a welcome option in the morning.
Herbal teas can be made using fresh leaves or teabags, depending on which vendors you purchase them from.
These teas might not provide the same levels of caffeine as coffee, but could still make for an uplifting and refreshing alternative.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is an evergreen tree native to parts of South America, and its brewed leaves are drunk similarly to tea.
The active ingredients within the yerba mate leaf act in unison with caffeine – similar to green tea – however, studies conducted by the University of Illinois have argued that yerba mate can also be beneficial for its antioxidants.
These antioxidants help bolster one’s immune system by protecting cells from harmful molecules called ‘free radicals.’
Yerba mate is typically served in a cup along with a metal, straw-like structure called a ‘bombilla’ whose purpose is to strain the yerba mate leaves.
If you’re looking for an energy-packed infusion of antioxidants, then yerba mate might be the drink for you.
Milk-Based Drinks
Last but not least, drinks that contain milk — such as cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites – can provide a fair bit of early morning sustenance and alertness.
Cuddling up with a warm, beige-hued, velvety drinks is more than enough to calm and soothe the nerves. Furthermore, the froth and bubbles of the foam that adorns the top can act as a gentle stimulant in terms of taste.
If you’re someone who favours creamier drinks, it’s possible to add more milk to the mix.
In any case, milk-based beverages are a great way to perk up your morning, whilst helping you to satisfy that coffee craving.
