With an increasing number of people drinking coffee every day, it’s easy to conclude that everyone enjoys it. It can be challenging to put down that cup if you’re one of the many people trying to cut down or reduce their caffeine intake but can’t give up the energy boost. However, rather than attempting to eliminate coffee, you might want to examine some coffee substitutes that will still wake you up.
- Water
Why aren’t you drinking more water if you know how good it is for you? Drink it warm or cold, with a touch of lemon or berries for natural flavor. Water can help you feel more awake, mainly since dehydration-induced fatigue, no matter how you drink it.
I recommend starting your day with a large glass of water to get your hydration started right away—and then, if you need a pick-me-up throughout the day, think of it as your body’s natural reminder to drink some water!
- Nuts
Nuts are nutrient-dense, well-balanced food containing carbs, fat, and protein in equal amounts. Because they combine carbohydrate fuel with the satiating and blood-sugar-balancing effects of fat and protein, they’ll keep you energized for longer than other foods. Furthermore, a study indicated that consuming nuts daily boosted brain-wave frequencies linked to cognition, allowing you to stay alert without the caffeine spike.
Each nut has its advantages, so choose your favorite and toss it into your breakfast bowl or pack some as a snack. Walnuts have been demonstrated to aid memory and learning skills, making them excellent brain food. Furthermore, a handful of walnuts has nearly twice as many antioxidants as an equal number of other nuts.
- Berries
Your body may signal you to find energy quickly if you have a sweet tooth in the middle of the day. Opt for a naturally sweet, nutrient-dense food like berries instead of candy. Pick up some blueberries for a double-duty boost: they’re high in fiber, so the energy boost will last longer and keep you feeling satiated. Blueberry consumption has been linked to increased endothelial health (the inner lining of blood vessels) and thus improved blood flow. Blueberries are delicious in salads and smoothies, so stock up!
- Lemon Water
It’s not difficult to switch up your morning beverage. It’s a great idea to begin your day with lemon water. It has a low calorie and caffeine content while high in vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts and enhances your immune system while protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. It’s also required to form collagen, a protein that provides the basic structure of your skin, tendons, and ligaments.
- Apples
Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but can it keep coffee cravings at bay? Apples have up to 13 grams of sugar, which provides a natural energy boost as the sugar is dispersed slowly throughout the body. For an energizing breakfast, try this cinnamon apple and peanut butter quinoa.
- Smoothies
The healthiest caffeine substitutes are simple substitutions. “For a cleaning and full beverage, try a green juice or a smoothie packed with low-sugar vegetables and fruits,” says the author. This will provide you with long-lasting energy without the crash of coffee.
- Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is a fantastic caffeine substitute since it hydrates you while simultaneously providing a refreshing boost from the natural sweetness. “This powerful drink has been proved to help with blood circulation, flow, and muscular recuperation,” says the author. “These features make it a wonderful substitute for your pre-workout caffeine habit.” “It’s also high in vitamin C, E, and folate, which aid in cellular repair and renewal.”
One glass of lemon water, made by combining the juice of half a lemon (1 tablespoon or 15 ml) with one cup (237 ml) of cold water, offers 10% of your daily vitamin C requirement (14).
Other things, such as cucumbers, mint, watermelon, and basil, can be used for various flavors.
While these coffee substitutes are less addictive than a cup of joe, I’m happy to tell my fellow coffee drinkers that it has some health benefits. Coffee has been shown to improve circulation, which aids in delivering more oxygen to your muscles during exercise. It can also help you avoid muscle soreness before and after your activity.
If you want to break up with coffee now and then, try these alternatives, but don’t feel bad about returning to it; a cup of coffee now and then is beneficial for you.
