3 Ideas to Replace Your Morning Coffee
By Genevieve Cunningham
That first sip of morning coffee is so, so good. It’s like an instant burst of energy. Your eyes open a little wider, the brain is just a little more focused, and you can get ready for your day without that typical fog clouding all of your thinking. What bad thing could possibly be said about this popular drink? Unfortunately, a lot. Coffee, while delicious and incredibly popular, isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Drinking coffee every day can lead to dependence, caffeine addiction, and even an irritable digestive tract. If you suffer from any of these, the thought of giving up coffee has probably crossed your mind. If you would like to give up the addiction, but you need something in its place, take a look at these healthy and effective alternatives.
Alternative Coffees
These are a real thing! Alternative coffees are often made out of something like chicory root or dandelion root. You brew them like a tea, but their flavor is stronger. You can get them with or without caffeine, so if that morning jolt is important, you can still have it. They provide a warm, rich drink to start your day, and are similar enough to coffee to enjoy. The only downside is that they’re NOT coffee. The flavor is a little different, the texture is thinner, and they don’t instantly wake you up. But they come without the addiction or intestinal irritation, making them a great choice for starting your day.
Your Choice of Tea
If you really want to give up coffee, why not go for some tea? There are so many different flavors to choose from, so you can take your pick and enjoy your favorite. Tea is gentler on the stomach, and comes with or without caffeine. It can be sweetened to your liking, and can be sipped in the same manner as coffee. It might take some getting used to, but many people who make this switch eventually find the tea as a suitable and even enjoyable alternative.
Water
If you’re a coffee drinker, this probably sounds completely unappealing. But a full glass of cold water in the morning can wake you up even faster than coffee. And of course, it’s incredibly healthy for you! If you need something warm, try warm water with a hint of lemon and honey. Water can help to get digestion moving without the irritation, helps to focus the brain, and encourages metabolism to rev up. If you have a little willpower to get through the initial switch, water may become your favorite early morning drink.
Coffee really is a favorite of so many people, but it may or may not be ruining your health. If you want to quit coffee for any reason, try one of these alternatives. You may learn to love these non-coffee choices and improve your overall health at the same time.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.