Coffee has become an essential part of many people’s morning routines but what are the alternatives? For those looking for an energy boost but wanting to switch up their usual caffeine boost, here are some other beverages to wake you up and energize your day.
Coconut water is full of B vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, and has been proven to provide boosts of energy and alertness. Coconut water is a great substitute for coffee or sugary energy drinks. Additionally, a small study showed that it can speed up your metabolic rate which is beneficial for those wanting to lose weight.
Overnight oats are recommended by many nutritionists and personal trainers. Oats contain plenty of nutrients such as fibre, potassium, zinc, and iron which help to keep your body fuelled as they slowly release energy. Oats can also helo to reduce cholesterol and combat heart disease. They also enhance your mental sharpness and improve overall mood.
Green tea is packed full of antioxidants that support overall health and vitality. Furthermore, it has been shown to improve brain function and provide an increase in energy and mental focus. Green tea releases caffeine much slower than coffee, resulting in a smoother less jittery start to your day.
Smoothies, juices, infused water and protein bars are also great alternatives to coffee, enabling you to mix and match different fruits, vegetables and flavors until you find one that you like. Smoothies and juices provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals, helping to provide extra energy, boost immune systems and reduce fatigue.
Water and Fruit
Drinking a glass of water when you wake up is the simplest way to get your body going in the morning. A lot of us don’t realize that we can become slightly dehydrated when we sleep due to not drinking anything. Hydrating your body in the morning helps to regulate your temperature, aiding with digestion and helping to prevent headaches. Don’t forget to top up your water with a few slices of lemon or lime, which is commonly known as a natural antibacterial and is full of Vitamin C.
Similar to water, fresh fruit is packed full of vitamins and minerals which aid in giving you energy during the day. Fruits such as bananas, oranges and apples help to provide you with long-lasting energy and vital nutrients for your body’s needs. Combining natural sugars with fibre can help you stay energized for longer periods of time.
If you’re looking for a natural source of energy, try having half a banana in the morning. They are a great source of energy, being low in calories, but also providing you with natural sugars as a energy source to keep you going until lunch. Adding it to your cereal or oats is also a great way to make sure you’re having a healthy breakfast.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are a great alternative to coffee, and the health benefits depending on the teas you choose, can be vast. Some teas like chamomile, have been known to have calming qualities to help reduce stress and aid better sleep. Ginger tea helps reduce feelings of nausea, detoxifies the body and boosts energy levels. Green tea is also a great source of caffeine, which will help to provide the energy boost you need.
Peppermint tea can be great in the morning as it holds a variety of minerals like manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, as well as vitamins A and C. All of these help to support digestive health and aid in reducing fatigue. Adding a few drops of honey to your herbal teas can help make these drinks more enjoyable, as well as providing an extra boost of energy.
Having warm herbal teas instead of coffee has been known to help soothe the digestive system and help the body to relax. Without the strong flavor of coffee, herbal teas can help reduce anxiety and other mental fog in the morning, allowing you to focus more when it comes to tackling that mornings to-do list.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a type of fermented tea that is packed full of probiotic bacteria that help aid digestion. This drink is even credited with providing people with more energy, enhanced concentration and improved mental clarity. Kombucha can also help to counter the effects of stress, reduce fatigue and balance the body’s pH, helping to boost and recharge your body for the day ahead.
Kombucha also contains B vitamins, as well as polyphenols, vinegar, lactic acid, and enzymes. All of these components can lead to an increase in lactobacillus bacteria, which is bacteria that we want to keep in our body. This bacteria helps the body to digest food, absorb vital minerals and provide a natural source of energy.
The great thing about kombucha is that it usually isn’t made with caffeine so, if you’re looking for a caffeine boost try adding some matcha or green tea to the kombucha when you brew it. You can find kombucha in most health food stores or, you can make it at home for a cheaper and healthier option.
Cacao Drinks
Cacao is perfect for an energizing treat that also allows you to take care of your body. Cacao, which is in the form of raw chocolate, is an abundant source of antioxidants and is packed full of nutrients that support our bodies, such as zinc, sulfur, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Therefore, ‘cacao-based drinks’ can be a great start to the day.
Matcha is probably the most well-known type of cacao drink and can replace many of your morning coffee habits. Matcha is added to a variety of different drinks, including milk or coconut milk for a creamy, energizing milk shake, or a simple hot or iced latte. The compounds found in matcha also support the body’s ability to regulate insulin and combat blood sugar problems, making it a great energy booster if you’re looking for something to replace your regular coffee.
Hot cocoa-based drinks can also be a good substitute to the normal coffee and they provide more nutritional value than coffee. Adding some coconut milk or almond milk to hot cocoa can provide you with an energizing and healthy drink, which can also act as an anti-inflammatory and improve your mood too.
Ayurvedic Drinks
Ayurveda is an ancient practice that focuses on holistic healing and encourages us to recite a few mantras every morning. Ayurvedic drinks are based around honey, rock sugar or Ayurvedic herbs, to boost energy levels and help the body rid itself of toxins. Ayurvedic drinks have been known to reduce mental fog, improve concentration and provide an overall sense of well being.
Organic ginger tea is the most commonly used ayurvedic drink and it helps warm up the body and stimulate energy. Ayurvedic spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger can help to reduce feelings of sluggishness and provide a much-needed energy boost in the morning. Adding some warm milk and a few drops of honey can make the drink both more palatable and more effective.
Turmeric and cumin are also two Ayurvedic spices that are very popular in India and work in a similar way to ginger. Both spices help to warm the body and provide mental clarity. Mixing either of these spices with warm milk and honey is a popular ayurvedic drink in many cultures, which is known for its ability to help boost physical energy, mental clarity and increase overall wellness.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is another popular choice for those looking for a natual boost of energy in the morning. Bone broth is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorous, amino acids and minerals, making it a great way to pack your body full of nutrients in one go. It’s also been known to reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
Making your own bone broth at home is really simple and requires a slow cooker or crock pot. The broth is made by boiling sugar, bond and veggies and other ingredients in water and simmering it for 8-10 hours. The resulting liquid can then be drunk in the morning for a natural source of energy, or added to soups and stews for extra flavour and nutritional value.
If you’re looking for something quick, pre-made bone broth can also be found in many health food stores or supermarkets. You can also find premade soups, ramen or stews in the freezer section which are full of bones and flavoured with a variety of different spices.
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to get your day started. Smoothie bowls are full of natural ingredients and fruits, making them a much healthier alternative to processed cereals or sugary snacks. Some of the most popular smoothie bowls consist of bananas, spinach, oatmeal, chia seeds and honey.
Using natural ingredients, you can ensure that your smoothie bowl is full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This can help to provide an energizing start to the day and will help keep you fight fatigue and give your body an extra boost, which is often needed before starting a workout or a long day of work.
Smoothie bowls are also a great way to experiment with different flavors and textures. From adding different yoghurts, nuts or seeds to your smoothie, to adding natural powders such as acai or spirulina to give it an extra kick. This can create a unique smoothie bowl for those who don’t have time to make their own at home.
So what other beverages can you drink besides coffee? Making smarter choices, like the ones outlined above, could help you to break away from your usual coffee routine and give your body the natural boost it needs to stay fresh and energized throughout the day.
