Energy Boosting Alternatives To Caffeine
Heres a little scenario for you. If you woke up tomorrow and had no access to caffeine, how would you feel?
Thats right no coffee to ease yourself into the morning, and no builder’s tea to get you through the mid-afternoon slump.
No stimulants, no energy drinks, no pre-workout boosters.
Nada. Cold turkey.
If you answered absolutely fine Josh then you have nothing to worry about. But Im guessing, because youre reading this article, thats probably not the case.
If you need your daily fix of caffeine just to function like a normal human, then its probably time to take a step away from the coffee maker. For a little while, at least.
Drinks To Replace Your Morning Coffee That Will Help You Stay Awake
Drinking too much coffee can be detrimental because of its high caffeine content. Too much caffeine may pose a danger to your health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. There are several other drinks that can help you stay awake in the morning aside from coffee.
Americans are drinking more coffee than ever, according to a March 2020 report by the National Coffee Association. The average American coffee drinker has just over three cups per day, according to the report.
For healthy adults, the FDA says 400 mg of caffeine a day is an amount not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects. An 8-oz. cup of coffee contains around 80 to 100 mg of caffeine.
However, there is wide variation in both how sensitive people are to the effects of caffeine and how fast they metabolize it , the FDA warns.
Here are some morning coffee alternatives that can help keep you awake.
Resort To Decaf If Needed
Want to drop the caffeine, but arent ready to do away with coffee completely? Try opting for decaf first, and then transition yourself onto one of the other caffeine alternatives.
Heads up If youre used to drinking caffeinated beverages in the AM, dont quit cold turkey! This can lead to massive headaches and irritability. Wean yourself off slowly to help avoid that extremely uncomfortable caffeine withdrawal.
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Beyond Caffeine: Alternative Energy Boosters
Related tags:, , Caffeine, Vitamin
Euromonitor International consumer health analyst, Chris Schmidt, suggests that companies should do more to capitalise on the increasing consumer interest in caffeine substitutes following a growing unease among both consumers and regulators over the possible negative effects of consuming too much caffeine.
According to Euromonitor Internationals most recent health and wellness data, global sales of energy boosting products foods and beverages positioned primarily around energy boosting claims grew by 12% to US$29.1bn in 2012, from which energy drinks account for an impressive 88% chunk of retail sales.
Within this global energy drinks category the vast majority of products sold use caffeine as the primary energy ingredient, while the rest use mixtures of vitamins and herbal extracts.
Whats in a name?
In an analyst insights blog post Schmidt said that there is a growing consumer perception that caffeine is unnatural and potentially dangerous. Companies particularly those operating in the health and wellness and better-for-you segments are increasingly positioning ingredients like green tea extract, green coffee bean extract, guarana, and yerba mate as powerful, natural sources of energy, he wrote.
Looking elsewhere
Among the energy-boosting alternatives, Schmidt outlines vitamin B and herbal or traditional ingredients like ginseng as good opportunities.
Shifting to protein
Coffee Alternatives With Caffeine To Boost Your Energy
Coffee is great but some might crave drinks other than coffee with a bit of caffeine in it. They need the hit of caffeine but coffee doesnt make them happy anymore. In this post, we are going to discuss some beverages that are pretty good alternatives.
What are some coffee alternatives with caffeine in them? Coffee alternatives that contain caffeine include Matchatea, Green tea, Kombucha, Black tea, ChaiTea, Yerba Mate tea, and Hot Cocoa. Though the caffeine levels in these drinks are not as high when compared to a cup of coffee, they can energize you without any of the adverse effects like jitters and energy crashes.
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Brew Some Herbal Coffee
If its more the flavor of coffee that youre looking for, try giving this caffeine alternative a try. Herbal coffee is made from herbs, and this particular brand uses Chicory root with a blend of natural ingredients like almonds and carob.
It tastes like coffee but also nourishes your body without the added acidity or caffeine jitters.
Another blend worth trying? Dandy Blend Coffee Alternative Beverage. Similar to Teeccino, Dandy blend has that bitter coffee taste and is made with all-natural herbs like Chicory root. It also contains Dandelion root an herb thats particularly good at supporting the liver and digestion. Best of all, it will provide you with a coffee-like boost with no added jitters.
Try sipping on it in your favorite mug with a splash of coconut milk and a drizzle of raw honey for a caffeine-free way to start your day.
Berry Beet And Wheatgrass Smoothie
This is homemade treat and one of the best natural energy drinks, with vitamins A, B, C, and potassium! Beets are one of many foods that have the ability to help your body use oxygen more efficiently.
Blend together one small beetroot, 1/4 cup strawberries, half an avocado, a handful of spinach, one banana and one cup of almond milk. Add a tablespoon of fresh or powdered wheatgrass to add the additional benefits of antioxidants, minerals, and even more vitamins.
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Is Coffee Healthier Than Soda
Cancers, strokes, and other forms of harmful health conditions are reduced when you take this supplement. A single cup of coffee contains anywhere from three to five times as much caffeine as a single cup of Coke does. In addition, coffee has many times as much caffeine compared to most commonly brewed Coke-based sodas.
How To Increase Your Atp
There are a variety of strategies for increasing ATP. Many supplements and herbs and wild plant extracts are traditionally used for this and can easily be used as part of your caffeine substitute game plan.
For example, the adaptogenic herbs cordyceps and ginseng both naturally increase ATP levels and energy .
Cordyceps sinensis is a medicinal fungi from China that has historically been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its metabolic and energy-producing effects.
The cordyceps fungi live on insects, and when the insect dies, replaces the dead insects tissues with fungal structures.
Studies show that cordyceps can increase energy in muscle and other tissues by increasing levels of ATP. Mice given cordyceps supplements have demonstrated more than an 18 percent increase in liver ATP levels, with a drop in the building blocks of ATP, indicating that the body was using these building blocks to create new ATP molecules .
Cordyceps has also been demonstrated to increase both immune cell production, and heart muscle mitochondrial ATP production .
It also seems to be especially effective at increasing ATP under conditions of stress. For example, in animals with iron deficiency anemia cordyceps has been shown to significantly increase ATP .
Like cordyceps, ginseng also has a history of traditional use in China, where it is considered to have qi-increasing properties.
Studies show that ginseng increases ATP production in the mitochondria due to antioxidant effects .
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Final Thoughts On Energizing Alternatives To Coffee
- Coffee in itself is not unhealthy when consumed in moderation.
- Introducing a selection of alternative drinks into your diet can deliver some surprising health benefits.
- Staying hydrated with water and fueling your body with protein can ensure sustainable energy levels all day.
- Matcha green tea powder is a perfect coffee alternative that delivers an energy boost as well as and health benefits.
Erin Young is a heath food writer and a tea expert. She owns two tea companies Evergreen Matcha in the USA and Zen Green Matcha Tea in Australia. She partners with sustainable tea farms in Kyoto, Japan to source her premium matcha green tea powder.
Add Some Cold Water To Your Shower
Right before you get ready to get out of the shower, turn on the cold water. While this may sound like the last thing you want to do, it may give you that much-needed morning energy boost.
Cold showers have been found to help us feel more alert, making it a great way to get the energy flowing without the caffeine.
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Fill A Glass With Water
Dehydration can cause lack of energy and fatigue, so drinking more water can offer an alternative to fueling up on caffeinated beverages. The American Diabetes Association suggests that women consume 91 ounces of water each day from foods and drinks and that men consume 125 ounces. Doing so can keep you well hydrated, which can result in an increase in your energy level. If youre experiencing that midday slump, reach for a glass of water instead of a caffeinated cup of coffee or a soda.
Read more: Dehydration
What Are Some Alternatives To Coffee That Will Give You An Energy Boost
Cheryl tells us that fresh vegetable and fruit juices, for example, are really nourishing for the body and energise you quicker. This has to do with the fact that they dont contain fibre, which means that the energy-rich vitamins, minerals and fructose within these fruits and vegetables will enter the bloodstream quicker.
Adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng and Rhodiola rosea are another good option, because they help increase energy and enhance your mental functions and physical stamina.
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Organic India Tulsi Teas
Theres nothing new about this brands flagship herb, Tulsi aka holy basil aka the Queen of Herbs. The ayurvedic adaptogen has been used to promote calm and clarity in the mind, immunity and detoxification in the body, and an overall sense of well-being for centuries in India.
The Tulsi Focus line, launched last October, also benefits from bonus nootropics gota kola and bacopa and adaptogens ashwagandha and shankpushpi . There are four functional flavors. Clementine Vanilla and Hibiscus Cinnamon are caffeine-free while Pomegranate Orange green tea and Raspberry Lemon black tea contain 13 and 30 milligrams of caffeine respectively. They also make a caffeinated Tulsi Breakfast tea that is an energizing infusion of three varieties of the herb: Rama, Vana, and Krishna.
Courtesy of Organic India
Get Moving With Your Favorite Music
Play your favorite music on your morning walk or press play on a FitOn PRO workout where you can stream top hits before your busy day gets started. Exercise is an ideal way to get the blood flowing, helping us feel more energized. Plus, it releases endorphins and our feel-good hormones, serotonin, and dopamine, contributing to increased energy and mood.
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Replace Caffeine With 3 Things Boost Your Mental Health
If you consume caffeine, how does it affect you? Knowing the answer can help you take care of your mental health.Researchers are working to determine exactly what caffeine does to the human brain and body. Some studies indicate that moderate caffeine consumption can improve memory, focus, mood, and even ease depression symptoms, while others show that caffeine can increase anxiety, intensify panic disorder, and exacerbate the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder1.
The results are still mixed on what caffeine does to our brain, so what should we do to boost our mental health? If you decide that caffeine is causing more harm than good, gradually reduce the amount you consume daily and replace it with something better. Some caffeine alternatives include:
- Water. We need at least 64 ounces daily to feel healthy and energized. If you crave flavor, add caffeine-free flavor products such as MiO or Dasani Drops.
- Energizing snacks. Complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber all increase energy, so if you down caffeine to stay awake and alert, switch to foods like almonds and walnuts, bananas, and whole grains.
- Movement. Get up and walk, stretch, do jumping jacksanything that gets you moving. It boosts blood flow to the brain and as such increases alertness.
Boost your mental health by gradually replacing caffeine with these healthy alternatives.
Caffeine Alternatives That Actually Boost Energy
Youre officially a caffeine alternative pro and know all the hacks to boost those morning energy levels without that cup of joe. So, if one of your health goals is to get off of caffeine or limit how much you consume, give one of these hacks a try. It may just do the trick to help you start your day, caffeine-free!
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Cafix Coffee Substitute Crystals
Like Pero, Cafix is made using barley, malted barley and chicory, but also adds beets and figs for a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor. This naturally caffeine-free instant coffee alternative is made in Poland, where the population has been experimenting with coffee alternatives for some time. Because of the chicory addition, Cafixs taste is also very similar to coffee and can be enjoyed warm or iced.
Buy it: Cafix Coffee Substitute Crystals, $11
Bottom Line On Caffeine Alternative
Whether youre looking to eliminate coffee completely or just cut down your caffeine intake, you should try these caffeine alternatives. They are a great way to wake yourself up and still keep yourself energized all day long.
However, if you would like a more potent caffeine replacement, we recommend you try out Mind Lab Pro. It is designed to optimize a wide array of cognitive functions including brain energy and in all types of people.
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Build Your Bodys Energy Naturally
Adaptogens, detoxification, hydration, B and C vitamins, care for your liver and quality sleep check these boxes, and youll need far less coffee than you may currently think you need, and youll find that you have true, lasting energy in the form of chemical ATP.
So if you are one of the millions of people who struggle with fatigue or you have a battery that seems chronically run down, Id highly recommend you make smart caffeine substitutes choose a safe and non-addictive energy boost and the ATP-producing strategies described above, rather than relying on that fake caffeine energy.
Sure, fatigue can sometimes be linked to an underlying illness, such as Lyme disease or a parasite or diabetes, etc. but often the fatigue is simply due to the fact that you are overstimulating your adrenals with caffeine, and the solution is not medical treatment or adding medications, but rather taking care of the natural mechanisms in your body that manufacture ATP, a true source of energy.
Natural Alternatives To Caffeine:
Maca
Maca is a herb that grows at high altitudes in the mineral rich soils of the Andes Mountains. Its a fairly new discovery in the Western world, but has been traditionally consumed for over 10,000 years by Incan warriors as a way to boost energy, endurance and alertness.
As it turns out, they were on to something. In a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Ethnopharmacology, a group of male cyclists were split into two sub groups one of which was given maca, the other a placebo. The cyclists who consumed the maca increased their time faster than the ones who got the placebo.
A separate clinical review of maca also noted its ability to improve energy levels and mood in a range of subjects, both male and female. I personally like to take a teaspoon of maca powder in a smoothie before a workout, and definitely notice the subtle yet long lasting energy boost.
Check out this article to learn more about the incredible benefits of raw maca root powder!
Baobab
I personally think baobab is one of the most underrated superfoods on the planet. I love its unique citrus-sherbet taste, either in a smoothie or just dissolved in water. Its also a great little pick me up for those days when your energy levels are flagging.
Try dissolving a teaspoon of baobab powder in a glass of water and sip throughout the day for sustained energy. Its the fruity equivalent of a vitamin IV hooked up to your arm.
Reishi
Ashwagandha
Vitamin B12
Fresh Air
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How To Choose Your Caffeine Substitute
People take their morning coffee for a number of different reasons. And while the energy boost stays universal for most, others may love different things about their coffee.
For instance, some people savor the rich flavor, while others enjoy the warmth of a soothing drink. If you are of the former category, then you may want to substitute coffee with something that offers a similar complexity and richness of flavor. Or, if you crave the warmth of a hot cup of coffee in the morning, then your coffee substitute should be able to provide you just that.
The more similar your caffeine alternatives are to the original, the more easily you will be able to replace it.
And to get you started, here are some delicious caffeine replacement options that will still give you plenty of energy, but without the caffeine.
Increase Performance With Healthy Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates like those in bananas and oatmeal provide immediate energy. The body can also store these important nutrients for later use. Carbohydrate loading can help you perform better and recover faster. Interestingly, carbohydrate intake and caffeine use have comparable performance-enhancing effects. Both of them, for example, can significantly increase speed in long-distance cycling races, according to a 2015 article in the Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine.
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List Of Best Alternatives To Caffeine For Energy
Like weve already mentioned, there are so many caffeine substitutes available to choose from. The best part? Most of these alternatives provide the same buzz that coffee gives.
Mind Lab Pro
This is the only pre-made nootropic stack to make it to this list. We have been studying Mind Lab Pro for quite some time and we can say that, for sure, its one of the best caffeine replacement supplements available.
The reason for that is that it contains premium-quality ingredients that are meant to boost brain-power.
One of its key ingredients, Citicoline, has consistently been proven to be superior to choline . Remember, choline is a well-known alternative to caffeine on its own as shown in these two studies .
And thats not all. Within Mind Lab Pro are 11 other high-quality ingredients. Among those are rhodiola rosea a well-known stress-reliever.
Remember, stress can significantly reduce your brain power and ability to focus .
So, by dealing with it , youd effectively give your brain the opportunity it needs to fire on all cylinders.
And dont get us started on the L-theanine component of this stack. L-theanine needs no introduction its the calming ingredient found in green tea leaves.
We really like the fact that Mind Lab Pro contains all these ingredients intelligently blended together to re-awaken even the foggiest of all brains .
And thats why wed like to recommend it to our readers as potentially the best substitute to your cup of coffee.
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