7 Alternatives To Coffee For Study, Work & Play

There is no denying that caffeine has created a huge impact on today’s society. With coffee stores on most busy corners and the affordable nature of home coffee machines nowadays, it’s hard to avoid coffee when you enjoy it! Many people have become dependent on coffee to kickstart their day. Others occasionally drink a cup to keep themselves energized during the midday. Some, however, simply just use it as an excuse to catch up with friends and family.

While a cup of freshly brewed coffee can actually improve your overall health, too much can be harmful. The ideal dose is a cup or two daily, but if you will need more than that to power you throughout the day, then you may want to consider other alternatives. This article has a compilation of some of the best coffee substitutes to help you better control your caffeine intake. The next time that your body seeks a cup of coffee, consider one of these alternatives, instead:

Smoothies

Smoothies can be a healthier choice, but be aware of fruits rich in sugar that can make this beverage unhealthy. The safest option is to make the smoothie at home to ensure you know what ingredients are in it. Smoothies with real fruits can boost your energy levels the healthy way, especially bananas, berries, or peaches. These fruits are loaded with potassium and dietary fiber. You may add a bit of peanut butter for protein and healthy fat.

You can also include yogurt or milk for more protein and other important nutrients. If making one at home is not possible, make sure to ask the vendor about the ingredients that they put in the smoothie before making a purchase. You could ingest tons of sugar if you are not careful.

Teeccino

Teeccino is a perfect alternative for people who love the rich flavor of coffee. This is a herbal coffee that has no caffeine. It is a blend of various spices, herbs, fruits, grains, and nuts to mimic the taste of coffee. It also comes in a wide range of flavors, such as Java, French roast, Hazelnut, and Mocha. For people who are having a tough time getting over their coffee cravings, the Teeccino can help you move on and live a caffeine-free lifestyle.

Dark chocolate

Chocolates with milk or any sugar additives will not help you. They will just give you more unwanted pounds and body bulges. The good news is that there is a healthy way of consuming chocolate, which is in its purest form. Dark chocolates a great for conquering the midday slump. While it does not taste as sweet as other sweetened chocolates, a small bite of this one is already enough to boost your energy levels. They contain flavanols, which are chemical compounds found to give your brain a short-term energy boost.

Lemon water

Your brain works exactly like a common house plant. If you water it frequently, the stem and leaves are perky and firm. It will wilt when dehydrated. Your brain needs to have plenty of water, at least two liters a day, to stay efficient. Whenever you feel tired or sluggish, it may be a sign of dehydration.

Lemon water is a perfect option for people who dislike the tasteless water. A slice of lemon can freshen up your senses and boost your metabolism to convert those fat stores into energy. However, you need to be extra careful as too much lemon water can damage your teeth, so consume in moderation.

Related: Best fruit infused water options

Green Tea

Sudden caffeine deprivation can alter your mood. It is often advised to gradually decrease your intake, instead of quitting altogether. Green tea is a great solution for people who want to slowly reduce their caffeine intake.

Unlike brewed coffee, which has 150 milligrams of caffeine per cup on average, this one only has 40 milligrams per serving. It is also rich in antioxidants that help repair damaged cells, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, and other health benefits. You can add a slice of lemon for an extra kick.

Milk

The brain utilizes three neurotransmitters to keep it active: dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Milk is rich in acetylcholine that excites your neurons and helps you enjoy a memory boost. A glass of milk per day will also give you the other health benefits, such as stronger bones and teeth, younger-looking skin, better muscle strength, Vitamins A and B, rehydration, and more energy. You can choose to drink it warm or cold, whichever is preferable.

Water

One great way to keep yourself energized is to consume plenty of water. As mentioned earlier in the article, your brain needs to stay hydrated to function well. You will need at least two liters a day to maintain your system efficient. Dehydration could lead to numerous serious health issues. Aside from feeling sluggish, lack of water can also cause you to contract infections. Another great thing about staying well-hydrated is having smoother and younger-looking skin.

Bottom Line

These are just some of the best alternatives to coffee. You do not always need caffeine to stay alert for work and play. Sometimes, dehydration and lack of sleep are the main reasons why you always feel sluggish. Try one or all of these alternatives, and see how much your body will thank you later on.