What can I Drink to Wake Up Instead of Coffee?
Most of us need a pick-me-up in the morning. We’re tired and crave something to revive us and help us tackle the day. Coffee is the default go-to drink, but it can’t be the only option. If you’ve become too reliant on coffee, or if you’re looking for a healthier morning beverage than coffee, it’s time to broaden your options.
Chicory Root Coffee
Chicory root has long been used as a coffee substitute, even during the Civil War. The root is roasted, ground, and brewed as you would with coffee. Chicory root gives a desirable roasted flavor without the caffeine. It also boast some impressive health benefits, such as calming the GI nerves, increasing appetite, and is full of antioxidants. Chicory root can be drunk on its own, or you can mix it with coffee to still get a bit of a caffeine high.
Tea
Tea is an obvious alternative to coffee, and if you’re already a fan of English breakfast or earl grey, it’s time to diversify. There are hundreds of flavors, types and mixtures to choose from. Green tea, peppermint tea and chamomile tea are all excellent alternatives that provide health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting your immune system and offering better quality sleep. Alternatively, if you need a burst of energy in the morning, try Yerba mate tea. It contains about 70 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
Matcha
For serious coffee fanatics looking for a more prominent caffeine kick without the use of traditional coffee, Matcha may be the alternative. Matcha is a mixture of steam-crafted green tea leaves and contains more caffeine than an average cup of joe. It also provides an intense source of antioxidants, vitamin C and numerous other health benefits. Matcha comes in the form of a powder and can be mixed into boiling water, blended into smoothies, or added to juice for a delicious morning treat.
Cocoa
Cocoa is a well-known alternative to coffee but often gets forgotten in the morning. Despite being a well-sugared treat, cocoa can still offer some health benefits which make it a more balanced alternative to sweetened coffee drinks. It contains a good amount of theobromine, providing a slight stimulant effect. Cocoa also provides essential vitamins, minerals and can help protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Mocha
If you are looking for a caffeinated drink, mocha should be your go to. It combines both cocoa and coffee to produce energy-boosting effects. It also provides some added health benefits if you are looking for a healthier alternative to coffee. Mocha contains both flavonols, found in cocoa, and chlorogenic acid, found in coffee, both of which lower bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation and can even reduce the risk of diabetes.
Golden Milk
Known as the turmeric latte, golden milk is the latest and greatest craze. It consists of coconut, turmeric, and other spices, and contains no caffeine. Despite not having any coffee content, golden milk still provides an intensely energizing experience and can be used as a healthy alternative to coffee. It is packed with antioxidants, plant compounds and essential minerals. If you want to start your day by nourishing your body, this is definitely the drink for you.
Adaptogen-infused coffee
If you can’t let go of coffee and need a more energizing alternative, consider adaptogen-infused coffee. Adaptogens, such as reishi, ashwagandha and schizandra, are herbs that have been used for centuries that help the body deal with stress and improve mental clarity. By combining adaptogens with coffee, you can still get the kick form coffee but with added benefits. It’s also a great way to reduce coffee-induced jitters and crashes.
Hypnosis and Meditation
Skipping coffee altogether is possible and one of the best alternatives for those trying to wean off coffee. Instead of relying on coffee for energy try hypnosis and meditation. Both activities allow you to feel relaxed and energized. By practicing deep and mindful breathing, you can tap into your natural source of energy and provide your mind and body with the energy it needs to feel alert and relaxed throughout the day.
Yerba Mate Kombucha
If you’re looking for a gut-friendly energy boost, then Yerba Mate Kombucha should be your go to. Kombucha is believed to aid digestion, boost the immune system, and act as an antioxidant. By combining it with Yerba Mate tea leaves, you can still get the caffeine kick without the acidity of coffee.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of alternatives to coffee. You can still get the energy boost you crave in the morning without relying heavily on caffeine. Whether it’s chicory root, tea, matcha, cocoa, mocha, golden milk, adaptogen-infused coffee, hypnosis, meditation, or Yerba Mate kombucha, you can find plenty of options to energize you. It’s just a matter of finding what works best for your body.
