Coffee is a household staple when it comes to starting your day, but it can come at a cost. The shaky hands, the rapid speech, the upset stomach, the hot breath you get after–there are some negative factors with your favorite cup of joe.
How do we fix this? Simple–try these 10 substitutes for coffee for the morning energy you need.
First off, the addiction we have with coffee boils down to our caffeine intake. If you’re not for kicking the habit so soon, then no problem. Just switch to green tea instead. It still has the caffeine you need to survive, but not nearly as much as coffee does.
This tasty beverage is great for improving blood flow, which makes for an alert mood. In addition, green tea is heart-healthy and also great for your memory. This is definitely one of the best substitutes for coffee.
If you’re like me, you might think that oatmeal is a bland option. What I discovered, though, is that this substitute for coffee can actually be a tasty dish depending on how you cook it. Cinnamon and granola are great additives as well as small pieces of fruit. These all possess great nutrients for brain activity.
Even having toast with oats can be good for you. Oats are filled with antioxidants and fiber, leading to a balanced meal that will satisfy you and make for an awesome morning to start your day. Your heart will thank you too for lowering your cholesterol this way.
Speaking of toast, everyone’s favorite millennial breakfast item is a good option for morning energy. Avocados are great substitutes for coffee and are good for more than just guacamole. Consider using them for avocado smoothies or with tacos. They are versatile and nutritious for you.
These fruits are loaded with fiber and healthy fats, which are great for maintaining energy levels to last you the day. This also leads to a better complexion and can even go so far as to help with losing weight. You’ll feel a skip in your step after this delicious treat.
These are definitely my favorite breakfast items on this list. I am a firm believer that a banana a day keeps the fatigue away. Bananas are always great substitutes for coffee because they are great sources of carbohydrates. Many trainers will tell you that it’s a good idea to have one before you lift weights or go for a run. It’s light on the stomach and refreshing.
Like avocados, you can use them for smoothies or breakfast muffins. They contain natural sugars and even eating them throughout the day can keep up your momentum. Bananas also contain potassium, which is great for nerves and muscle function. Your body will benefit greatly from this.
I’m not sure which came first: the chicken or the egg. Either way, I’m grateful that this next item on our list exists. If you’re looking for morning protein, eggs are egg-cellent substitutes for coffee. They’ve got tons of iron for blood production leading to improved blood flow overall. Besides bananas, these are also great before a workout.
Eggs are versatile. You can do whatever you want with them. A breakfast smoothie with some greens is an option or you can simply scramble them. They make for great breakfast tacos, as well, and an omelet will make your day. Even boiling the eggs ahead of time can make for a mid-morning snack when you’re itching for that caffeine to fill you.
Need that morning dairy intake? Opt for some yogurt in the mornings. It’s known to slow down your digestive system so that your energy doesn’t burn out as quickly. Protein, calcium, vitamin B-12–yogurt has it all. In addition, yogurt also contains healthy fats that are great for that extra kick you need to jumpstart your day.
Obviously, yogurt is great for breakfast smoothies, but mixing some berries and granola can make it a tasty parfait. Toss out that artificial creamer you use for your morning fix and trade it in for something much more nutritious.
If you’re feeling nuts when you wake up, try some almonds as part of your breakfast routine. They’re packed with Vitamin E and Magnesium. This means that they contain healthy fats and are useful for maintaining your blood sugar and blood pressure. Almonds are also great for lowering bad cholesterol and they contain calcium, which is great for your bones.
Just a handful of them are healthy enough, but you can definitely add them to pretty much anything you eat for breakfast. They are great substitutes for coffee, but if you’re dying for just one cup of joe, you could also opt for almond milk as a creamer.
When life gives you lemons, use them as substitutes for coffee. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which is great for protecting your cells. It’s a natural healing supplement. They support weight control, heart health, and your digestive system. Many people swear that this fruit can serve as a great detox for the body, and its nutrition value is enough to back that up.
You can have a pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator prepared the night before for a stress-free morning. Even making a cup of hot tea, including decaf, can be served with lemon wedges or lemon juice for a burst of citrus energy. You could even mix it with water for a refreshing morning beverage.
This is the most underrated energy factor on this list. Starting your morning off with water can make all the difference when trying to start the morning off right. Being dehydrated can make you feel sluggish and weak. You’re more likely to feel exhausted and sleepy when you haven’t quenched your thirst throughout the day. Out of all the items on this list, this one is the most essential to have.
Drinking water is great for keeping your mood stable and keeping your body from overheating. A normal body temperature will keep you feeling vitalized, help your complexion, and support your organs to stick to your active lifestyle.
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