Coffee alternatives

America is fueled by coffee. Most people who do drink coffee, drink it every day. There are obvious downsides to coffee. It’s acidic, so it sits in an empty stomach like boiling lava. It has a bitter taste that leaves some taking a pass. And it dehydrates your cells, so you need to supplement it with water in order to stay hydrated. Coffee also has an interesting relationship with your bowels, but I won’t go into it…

If coffee has your stomach feeling sour (from actually drinking it, for ethical reasons, or maybe because you’re just trying to save some money), try a coffee alternative!

If you’re a regular coffee drinker trying to find a new routine, try substituting some of these fabulous alternatives into your routine.

Matcha

Matcha is a green powder made from pure crushed green tea leaves. It has a pleasant taste, and you can drink it a number of ways. Make it into a shake with bananas and almond milk. Mix it into hot water for a hot matcha (Swirl in some cream if you wish). Pour it over ice for a cool glass of iced matcha. It can be added to recipes for a delicious, refreshing green tea taste. The caffeine in matcha powder gives you a prolonged energy due to the way your body processes it.

Tea

Tea is another great caffeinated option. It comes in so many different varieties, you’ll never run out of options. Brew it at night and drink it over ice in the morning, or brew it fresh and drink it hot. The typical ratio for brewing tea is 1 tea bag for every 2 cups of water. Peppermint tea is great for the mornings, it provides energy and it’s great for the digestive system. Try a cup of mint tea before digging into breakfast.

Aromatherapy

Diffusing oils in the morning is an alternative to drinking caffeine entirely! Maybe you aren’t ready to give up coffee yet, but try diffusing peppermint before your morning cup. Peppermint is a great way to naturally stimulate your brain. And it’ll ease an upset stomach.

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is one of the top used stimulants in the world; it just isn’t as popular in the U.S. It contains caffeine, just like coffee. It’s easier on your stomach than coffee, and it lacks the bitter taste. Essentially, Yerba Mate is all the good things about coffee, combined with the good things about tea (and some chocolate undertones).

Protein shake

Protein shakes are a great way to begin your day. They can’t ultimately replace breakfast, but they are great if you’re in a hurry and can’t find time to make eggs. Combine your favorite fruits with some yogurt (or cultured coconut milk), milk (almond, coconut, cashew, or cow’s milk, whichever you prefer), and some protein mix together in a blender. There are lots of great resources and recipes on the internet if you are new to the smoothie game.

Don’t forget…

The key to waking up right is to eat something before you start your day. The food gives you sustained energy until lunch — avoid taking a coffee and hitting the road. This can substitute your morning liquid energy any day. And in fact, you should avoid drinking anything but water in the morning until you’ve had something to eat. It’s not kind to our delicate digestive system to give it a morning acid bath, so make sure you have some food to absorb your morning cup.

Additional idea: Try peppermint hot chocolate as an alternative hot morning beverage. It’ll give you fresher breath than coffee, and the peppermint aromas will wake up your senses.

Are you trying to kick coffee? Tell us about it! What did you turn to first as a coffee alternative? Leave me a comment!