The morning cup of coffee is essential for many and is a trusted friend through early starts with children, grandchildren and morning meetings. But for those of us who are looking for ways to cut down caffeine levels, there are other great and healthy energizing options to start the day.
Here are five alternatives which still help increase your energy levels, without affecting your sleep quality and are gentler on the nerves than coffee.
Water
Good old-fashioned water is first on my list. We often overlook the boosting properties of water and consider it simply as a re-hydrator. However, one of the leading causes of fatigue is dehydration, which can also cause headaches and lack of focus. So, when you first feel that slump, try drinking water!
Green Smoothie
Smoothies are no stranger to the health market. Today there are huge varieties and delicious additives to boost your vitamin intake. Smoothies packed with greens are a great way to boost your energy levels.
Try using more vegetables than fruits to keep sugar levels low, and add supplements like spirulina, matcha and wheatgrass for an added antioxidant boost.
Matcha Tea
Matcha green tea is a fabulous replacement for coffee as it gives you an even better and longer lasting energy boost compared to coffee. Matcha contains amino acids that release the caffeine slowly, so you don’t get that same peak and trough pattern often experienced with coffee.
Also, matcha contains high levels of antioxidants which help to boost the metabolism, giving you a pep and a kickstart to weight loss!
So, if you want to boost your energy levels and maintain a healthy weight, one cup of matcha could be all you need.
Turmeric Tea
Another tea to consider replacing your daily coffee is turmeric tea. With the active ingredient curcumin, known to reduce the thickening of the blood vessels, studies have found turmeric tea to be a great way to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Curcumin has also been proven to help raise serotonin levels and balance the mood. In a study of 60 patients with depression, curcumin had similar results to the antidepressant drug Prozac.
So, if you’re looking to raise your mood naturally, a cup of turmeric tea might do the job – which we can all certainly agree is a strong argument for switching out the coffee!
Lemon Tea
As a refreshing alternative to coffee, a bright citrusy cup of lemon tea can help with a host of ailments. As a diuretic, it helps to flush out your digestive system of nasty toxins which in turn helps to aid weight loss.
It can also taste great when cold, so, if you forget about your mug, you can still enjoy its refreshing taste without wasting a drop!
In Summary
With all these options available, it’s easy to make the switch from drinking your regular coffee to something a little healthier. By trying one of these alternatives, you can improve your health, boost your vitamin levels and pack a punch of greens into your diet!
Pistachio and Matcha Bliss Balls
Try these quick and easy, no-bake bliss balls. Packed with antioxidants, they’ll give you an extra energy boost, contain no refined sugars – and are pretty delicious, too!
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp high quality matcha (we recommend Evergreen Matcha)
- 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts
- 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 2 x 20ml tbsp almond meal
- 2 x 20ml tbsp coconut flour
- 2 x 20ml tbsp water
- 2 x 20ml tbsp rice malt syrup
- 1 x 20ml tbsp melted extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shelled and chopped pistachio nuts
Directions:
- Blend the cashew nuts, coconut, almond meal, coconut flour and matcha in a food processor until the texture is a fine crumb.
- Add the water, rice malt syrup and melted coconut oil to the dry mixture and blend until sticky.
- Roll the mixture into balls, if the mixture is too sticky, add a little coconut flour. If it’s too dry, add water.
- Roll the balls in the chopped pistachio nuts, pressing the nuts lightly into the balls to make them stay.
- Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge to set.
- If you can resist not eating them all, keep them in the container in the fridge for up to a week.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you a devoted coffee drinker? Would you consider switching to a different energizing drink? Do you have any tips to share for a perfect morning drink? Please join the conversation below!
