If making it through the day without caffeine is one of your health goals, you’re in luck. There are many options available that will boost your mood and energy level without the addictive quality of caffeine:
Decaffeinated options
If you relish the comfort of a hot cup of tea, you can still enjoy its steaming goodness without an unwanted dose of caffeine. Just choose a decaf option, like decaf green tea. Green tea has been praised for its long list of health benefits including lowering cholesterol, thanks to its abundance of antioxidants. “The bitter taste and sensation of drinking a cup of hot tea wake me up on cold mornings, without subjecting my body to the caffeine, creamer, or sugar of coffee,” notes Joanna Chyu, writer for SpoonUniversity.com. Peppermint tea is also a great option for a pick-me-up, adds Carlene Thomas, R.D. of MindBodyGreen.com.
Green juice
If you want to add more fruits and veggies to your day, try juicing. Your body will thank you for the boost of natural goodness. Ali Lawrence, writer for Lifehack.org, suggests juicing two cups of spinach, two cups of kale, one Granny Smith apple, a cucumber half, a lemon half, and four stalks of celery. You will just need to rinse the ingredients well first, then put them into a juicer. It is up to you whether to peel the lemon. She suggests pouring the concoction over ice for a refreshing, healthy treat.
H2O
Water might not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking to get out of an afternoon slump or stay focused during a long meeting, but water can be the boost you need, especially with a few sweet additions. “Drink it with a squeeze of lemon or berries for natural flavor and have it warm or cold. No matter which way you drink it, water can help you feel more alert, especially since dehydration (even in minor levels) causes fatigue,” advises Thomas.
Smoothies
A smoothie is something you can customize to your dietary needs and taste preferences because you can easily whip one up at home. Depending on the time of year, you can mix and match fresh seasonal fruits and veggies or always have your favorite flavors on hand when you purchase frozen options. Chyu suggests trying her simple smoothie recipe of oats, veggies, fruits, almond or dairy milk, and peanut butter. “Such a wholesome blend of ingredients not only removes processed foods from your morning drinks, but also fuels your body naturally and promotes well-being in the long run,” she adds.
Tropical treat
Sweet and uplifting, coconut water is sure to boost your energy level. Thanks to its bevy of minerals and shot of potassium, coconut water has a reputation as “nature’s sports drink,” according to Lawrence. Before you grab a coconut water from the store, be sure to review its ingredients to avoid diet- and health-busting added sugars. For the best coconut water, you can’t go wrong with young, Thai coconuts, she adds. “Some athletes swear by it to get through training because it provides carbohydrates and electrolytes that are great for replenishing energy at any time of the day,” according to Chyu.
With these delicious drinks, you can say no to caffeine and still boost your energy any hour of the day!