I like coffee just as much as the next person, however, I do feel sometimes that caffeine has a negative effect on my body. Sometimes I can end up feeling more tired and groggy, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting something first thing in the morning, or at 3 pm when I feel I’ve hit a wall and need a pick me up to get through the day. Therefore, I have made a concerted effort to find alternatives to coffee that still have caffeine but don’t lead to a crash when it wears off. Coffee can also trigger the nervous system and upset your digestive tract, which is no fun! Check out these alternatives to coffee.
In addition to containing caffeine, green tea also has many other benefits that can help you get a jump start on your day. It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It can improve brain functions, aid in weight loss, and lower the risk of cancer among other benefits. So, in addition to keeping you awake, green tea also makes you smarter. Take that, coffee. Alternatives to coffee can still taste delicious!
This is my go-to drink choice in the morning for sure. It gives me just enough caffeine without giving me a headache. In addition to containing caffeine, black tea also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help protect your cells from DNA damage and also prevent certain types of cancer.
If you don’t necessarily like the flavor of coffee but you are looking for a caffeine boost, 5-hour energy may be your answer. They contain B-vitamins, amino acids and nutrients all for 4 calories. The 5 Hour Energy shots also are free of sugar which is helpful when trying to avoid a headache. One shot of it contains about 215 milligrams of caffeine.
Teeccino is a caffeine-free herbal coffee which is perfect if you are looking for a substitute for coffee but love the taste. There is no caffeine in it (if provides its natural energy boost from nutrients and not from stimulants like coffee does), and it is brewed from herbs, grains, fruits and nuts. They also have lots of different flavors to choose from.
Yerba Mate tea and green tea have many similar benefits including high-antioxidant capacity and the ability to reduce oxidative stress. It is also really good for digestive health, so if you are someone who gets an upset stomach from coffee, this might be the best option for you. It also has high amounts of minerals and vitamins like potassium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, nitrogen, and vitamins A, C, E. Additionally it benefits mental stimulation and boosts energy.
Nutty smoothies are good to drink when you need an energy drink because they are packed with protein, so whether you drink one in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or after a workout, you will feel more awake while avoiding the caffeine jitters that oftentimes go hand in hand with drinking a big coffee. Kill two birds with one stone in the mornings and get your energy/breakfast from a nutty smoothie.
Wheatgrass juice is a caffeine-free energy-boosting drink. It is rich in protein, contains 17 amino acids, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. In addition to giving you energy, it also keeps you healthy by fighting off illness and strengthening your immune system.
Drinking water clearly has many health benefits, but if you start to feel sluggish and you have a headache, dehydration may be the culprit. It also boosts your immune system and contains high levels of vitamin C. Additionally, lemons are a great source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes. Interestingly, some depression and anxiety can steep from a lack of potassium in the bloodstream, so it can also make you calmer!
I’m sure we have all heard about ginseng at this point in our lives, as it is one of the ingredients in the Redbull you probably drank over the weekend. There are key differences between caffeine and ginseng. Caffeine is an alkaloid element which stimulates the central nervous system. In turn, ginseng is an herb that promotes mental activity and energy levels. Ginseng increases energy in the body at a slower rate than caffeine which prevents the crash, and it also increases health and vitality.
Cafix crystals are sometimes referred to as “imitation coffee.” You can get the coffee-like flavor without the caffeine, so if you want to trick yourself into thinking you’re having your cup of joe, this could be a good choice. All you have to do is stir in one teaspoon into hot water and your beverage is ready. It does not stimulate your nervous system or disrupt digestion.
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