Coffee is our specialty; as a concept store and café, we are passionate about finding the right blend, strength, and complimenting flavors. However, there are many people for whom caffeine is not a helpful substance. If you have low tolerance for caffeine, or you simply don’t like coffee, it can be hard to find a morning routine that gives you the right kick.
While there are lifestyle changes you can make to boost your morning energy levels – for example, taking a brisk walk or a cool shower – what you drink or eat can also make a huge difference. Caffeine is not the only stimulant that can fight off fatigue.
Why Does Caffeine Give Us Energy?
To put it simply, caffeine stimulates the nervous system. This stimulation produces psychoactive effects that include:
- Wakefulness
- Improved focus
- Increased energy
- Improved coordination
There are also studies that show how moderate caffeine intake can be beneficial for the body and reduce the risk of certain health conditions. At the very least, moderate caffeine consumption seems to have no inherent risks for most people, though too much caffeine can cause health concerns as well as negative side effects, such as:
- Restlessness
- Problems sleeping
- Shaking
- Nausea
Because of this, some people find caffeine too harsh for their body, or prefer to live without it. While most foods do not give the same intense kick of energy that a coffee will in the morning, the right diet can increase and stabilize your energy levels.
8 Alternatives To Coffee To Get Your Morning Kick
These simple alternatives to coffee or caffeine-laden energy drinks can give you a little boost of energy and help you to meet the day with a fresh face.
Each contains powerful ingredients that are packed with important nutrients and vitamins that will support your body’s natural functions and make you feel better in the morning (and throughout the day):
1. Lemon and Ginger Tea
Add lemon and fresh ginger to hot water first thing in the morning for a caffeine-free revitalization. Let the water cool slightly until it is room temperature to ease your body into the day, and you will find yourself becoming alert more quickly.
Lemon and ginger not only taste wonderful; they are full of beneficial vitamins such as vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for skin health, your immune system, organ function, and it has a big role to play in the energy levels you experience throughout the day.
2. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is the perfect breakfast to boost energy, because chia seeds are full of fiber. As well as taking care of our digestive system and ensuring we process waste correctly, the right kind of fiber releases energy slowly throughout the day. This prevents energy crashes such as those associated with sugar.
As well as being full of fiber, chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B1 and B3, calcium, and protein. All of these nutrients are important for maintaining energy and caring for the body. Try adding almond milk, honey, and a scoop of protein powder with toppings of your choice (e.g. dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or mixed berries) for a rounded and delicious morning energy boost.
3. A Fresh Fruit Salad
Fresh, crispy foods are an excellent way to wake your body up. Our bodies associate this crispiness with fresh, nutritious food, and the large amount of natural fiber and vitamins found in even a small fruit salad make it the perfect choice for a quick and healthy boost. Try adding apples, grapes, fresh berries, and melon to a bowl with some probiotic yogurt and honey to get your day off to a great start.
Remember, however, that fresh fruits are full of natural sugars, which may create an energy crash at some point. Try to balance this with some granola, nuts, or seeded bread to keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
4. Spinach and Feta Omelet
Rich in minerals like iron and zinc, spinach is one of the best dark leafy greens to add to your diet. If you are not a fan of its taste when raw, consider adding it to an omelet with some rich, salty feta to get a nutritious energy kick from the protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats this meal contains.
5. Green Tea
If you still prefer a little caffeine in your morning routine, switching from coffee to a light green tea could give you the perfect balance. Green tea has a lower amount of caffeine than coffee and is laden with healthy, bioactive compounds that have both short and long-term benefits.
As well as getting a boost of energy, increased focus, and a sense of alertness, green tea contains antioxidants that can improve long-term health and even help in the prevention of certain cardiovascular diseases.
6. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural powerhouse filled with vitamins and minerals that are seriously good for the body and brain. As well as having strong antioxidant properties, coconut water is laden with electrolytes; this is crucial, because dehydration can make us feel weary and irritable. While coffee is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration, coconut water will leave you feeling fabulously refreshed and ready to meet the day.
7. Banana Toast
While mashing banana on seeded bread with some raw honey may seem like a strange thing to do, this simple meal is an effective morning pick-me-up for those in a rush. Whole meal and seeded breads contain healthy fats and fiber, while bananas are a source of potassium and vitamins.
A drizzle of honey adds more flavor, of course, but is also full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and complex sugars that provide more sustained energy.
8. Salmon and Fresh Greens
Salmon is an unsung hero of the food world. While it’s certainly delicious, it’s also incredibly good for you. Packed full of healthy omega-3s, rich in minerals and vitamins, and very light, salmon will give you everything you need to start your day without leaving you feeling bloated. Pair with some dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, sprinkle with crunchy seeds, and drizzle with lemon for a morning meal that will leave you feeling fresh and invigorated.
Waking Up Without Coffee
These are just some alternatives to a cup of coffee that can help you to boost your energy levels and really get your day off to the right start. Pair any of these foods – or any other fiber, protein, or vitamin rich foods – with a glass of water or green tea and a short, brisk walk and you’ll be left wondering why you ever needed that morning latte in the first place.
Of course, there’s a time and a place for coffee (in our opinion), and on those days where you do want a kick of caffeine, HyTable has a range of specialty coffees that are sure to make you smile. We use the best ingredients to create unique and healthy drinks, such as our almond butter latte and golden turmeric latte.