5 Great Energy-Boosting Alternatives to Coffee

You're reading 5 Great Energy-Boosting Alternatives to Coffee, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

If you’re like me, you need to have that cup of coffee to help you get started early in the morning. Just imagine: a warm, steamy brew that gives off a gentle aroma while you take your first sip. Coffee has been around for centuries, enchanting us with its miracle effect. Besides its stimulant effect, caffeine has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. But that same cup of coffee also has a dark side. Drinking numerous cups in a day can leave you feeling jittery during the day and restless at night. Over a period of time, you can develop caffeine tolerance, which means you need more caffeine to feel the same effects. But what if it's late in the day and you still crave that much-needed energy boost, minus the caffeine crash? Here are 5 alternatives you should try the next time you need a lift:

1. Chai tea

Chai is a combination of black tea and numerous spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. With its soothing, calming quality, no wonder this tea is practically India’s national drink. Serve with a dash of milk and a teaspoon of the sweetener of your choice. The creaminess of this drink will make your brain think you’re drinking coffee!

2. Lemon water

It might not seem like it, but a glass of warm lemon water is a simple way to help you feel alert and energized. The combination of lemon juice and water also helps digestion and promotes healthy skin. There’ve been a number of times when I felt like drinking coffee, but a lemon wedge squeezed into warm water did the trick.

3. Yerba mate

Named the “drink of the gods” by indigenous South Americans, this popular brew provides a gentle and calm energy buzz without the negative effects of coffee. Yerba mate is rich with metabolism-boosting nutrients and antioxidants. You can prepare yerba mate in a variety of ways – using the traditional mate cup, a coffee pot, or a French press, either hot or chilled.

4. Chicory coffee

This alternative is probably the closest tasting beverage you can get to coffee. Highly popular in New Orleans for its rich, slightly bitter taste, chicory root reduces inflammation and regulates blood sugar levels. Steep a tablespoon of roasted chicory root in a large cup for several minutes, and top with almond milk and sweetener if desired.

5. Peppermint tea

With its minty taste, this tea is a refreshing choice any time of the day. The cooling sensation helps reduce pain and acts a natural breath freshener. Peppermint leaves are fairly easy to grow outside. You can boil either fresh or dried leaves for a few minutes before drinking.

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You've read 5 Great Energy-Boosting Alternatives to Coffee, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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