Nowadays, a cup of hot coffee is a saving grace for most people around the world, especially for early morning risers. Whether you drink black coffee and cappuccino at home or prefer a latte and iced coffee from Starbucks, coffee gives a necessary boost of energy to get the day and productivity started.
While coffee is usually used to increase mental alertness and reduce mental and physical fatigue, there are many reasons why some individuals refrain from their morning cup of joe. High amounts of caffeine can trigger nervousness, agitation, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and even digestive problems. Also, continually relying on coffee intake for energy can lead to caffeine addiction, which results in negative responses when the body goes without it. Here are delicious alternatives to your usual cup of joe you can try and still keep the energy.
Lemon Water
One of the reasons why you can feel sluggish and tired in the morning is due to dehydration after a night’s rest. Lemon water is an energising and refreshing option to start your day without coffee and enhance body functions overall.
A glass of lemon water not only helps to hydrate and replenish your body. It provides your organism with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help to improve the immune system response, protects the skin from sun damage, and creates collagen needed for the basic structure of the skin, tendons, and ligaments. As a bonus, lemon water is a calorie- and caffeine-free.
All you need is clean water and juice of half a lemon. You can also add other fruits, vegetables, and herbs for more benefits and improved flavours like cucumbers, watermelon, mint, and basil.
Homemade Hot Cacao
While you might think of cacao as a delicious nighttime drink that helps you relax, a quality low sugar hot chocolate can also serve as a great coffee alternative if you try to cut back on caffeine.
Cacao is packed with potent antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to increase blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function in the process. It also includes a stimulating compound called theobromine, a moderate dose of caffeine, and magnesium to relax muscles in the body.
Warm milk with a cocoa powder concentration of at least 70% or a couple of squares of 70-85% dark chocolate creates a morning beverage with mood-boosting properties and rich flavour profile similar to coffee. Another reason to treat yourself with a daily dose of dark chocolate!
CBD Drink
CBD drink is another natural and beneficial option with various health benefits that will last for most time of the day due to promising CBD oil in composition. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-addictive and non-psychotropic compound that is known to interfere with the endocannabinoid system responsible for most body processes. Support of this vital system means all elements are in balance and function properly.
As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial remedy, CBD drinks offer relief from stress, chronic pain, arthritis, and even acne. CBD benefits also include improved immunity, focus, and mood, treating insomnia and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
You can purchase different ready-made products infused with CBD such as water, hot chocolate, sparkling water, and even a sports drink! Or you can just add a few drops of CBD oil to your smoothie, juice, mocktail or any beverage of your choice to boost your energy and start the day right.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is hydrating, potassium-rich drink and a perfect choice if you sustain an active lifestyle or have a heightened sense of thirst. Unlike popular energy drinks, it is free from caffeine and added sugar, contains less sodium and more potassium, which aids in muscle contraction and energy generation.
Coconut water is also loaded with amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamin C, minerals like iron, calcium, and much more. It has easily-digested carbohydrates in the form of natural sugar and electrolytes. Therefore, consider replacing your coffee cup with a glass of pure coconut water, or add it in a fruit smoothie to energise your day!
Leave a Reply