An Overview
For many of us, drinking coffee to start the day is part of a morning routine. Consuming coffee can help boost energy and has numerous health benefits. But it can also have detrimental effects when consumed in excess and could contribute to serious medical conditions. Furthermore, those with certain medical issues may be advised to ditch the coffee and choose other options.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to coffee for those who want to change up their morning routine. Let’s take a look at some of the non-coffee drinks you can reach for each morning as a healthy and tasty alternative.
Tea
Tea is an excellent replacement for coffee in the morning since it can still provide some of the energy boost that you need. In particular, the caffeine in black and green tea is not as potent as that found in coffee, so you can have it without feeling jittery or crashing later on. Plus, there are so many different varieties that you can enjoy as a hot or iced tea.
The antioxidants in tea can improve your health and boost your immune system. Some studies suggest that tea may even prevent chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. While the caffeine in tea can help you start the day, it can also help you relax when taken later in the evening. So if you’re looking for an all-around drink that can provide numerous health benefits, tea could be the option for you.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar, water and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its probiotic benefits, as the beneficial bacteria in kombucha can help with digestion, inflammation and other bodily functions. Furthermore, kombucha is lower in sugar and calories compared to soda, and contains only a small amount of caffeine.
Kombucha can come in many different flavors, so it can be an enjoyable drink for anyone who wants to change up their morning beverage. Its unique flavor can be an acquired taste for some, but it might be the perfect option for you. Regularly drinking kombucha can improve digestion and provide more energy, besides being a refreshing replacement for coffee.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great choice if you want to incorporate more nutrients and vitamins in your morning routine. By using various fruits and vegetables, you can create a delicious and nutrient-rich drink with the perfect amount of vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals and fiber. Smoothies are also perfect for those who are looking to increase their water intake, as they are very hydrating.
You can also customize your smoothies with superfoods such as oats, wheatgrass, bee pollen, cacao and more. These additions will further provide important nutrients and can help keep you feeling full. Plus, with so many delicious combinations, making a smoothie in the morning can be an enjoyable experience.
Water
Drinking a glass of plain clean water in the morning is a great way to get your day started. While plain water may not be the most exciting option, it can provide the hydration that your body needs and can help to flush out toxins. Also, staying properly hydrated can aid in improving your concentration and provide more energy throughout the day.
If you’re not fond of the taste of plain water, you can add some fruit slices or a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange to give it some flavor. Also, installing a filter on your tap or buying a filter jug can help to greatly improve the taste of your water and make it more enjoyable.
Nutrient-Packed Juices
It may be tempting to reach for store-bought orange juice in the mornings, but fresh-made juices are a much better option for a healthy and energizing start to the day. Juicing can help you create nutrient-packed drinks every morning by using fruits and vegetables. Fresh juices come with plenty of health benefits, such as improved digestion and increased energy.
You can also make juices with leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale. The darker-colored juices that result from these ingredients can provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can even add additional ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, or wheatgrass to further increase their nutrition content.
Chai
Chai is a type of spiced tea that is usually enjoyed with milk and it has become a popular morning beverage alternative. To make chai, black tea leaves are often steeped in boiling water with a combination of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and ginger. The spices can provide a variety of health benefits such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and aiding digestion.
Chai is an excellent source of antioxidants and provides a moderate amount of caffeine to help start your day. Chai truly is a wonderful alternative to coffee as it provides a whole different set of flavors and health benefits. Plus, it can be served hot or cold and can come in many different flavors.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great choice for those looking for a lower-caffeine and refreshing beverage in the morning. It has several health benefits and can provide plenty of electrolytes, minerals and vitamins. Coconut water has a sweet, natural taste and can be enjoyed either cold or hot. Along with coconut water, you can also reach for other drinks derived from the coconut tree.
For example, the sap of a young coconut is often fermented to make coconut sap water, which has become a popular low-calorie drink that can provide a natural boost of energy. You can also try drinks like coconut kefir which is a probiotic and fermented beverage that can be beneficial for gut health. So, if you’re looking to change up your morning beverage, coconut water and its variations are definitely worth a try.
