Coffee is one of those substances that gets bipolar reviews in the public health eye. Some health professionals advocate the health benefits of drinking a cup a day, while some aggressively advise against it all together. Lately, I have not been digging the way coffee makes me feel and have been seeking other forms of energy that give me similar results as coffee.
If you ever think of cutting back, here are some things you can try.
Superfoods
Adding superfoods to your diet is a great way to be super healthy, while providing your body with sustainable energy.
Try adding things like wheat grass, flax seeds, spirulina or cacao nibs to your next smoothie or meal. These superfoods are proven to boost energy without the loco effects coffee can bring.
Kombucha
Lately, I have been having a love affair with Kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented tea, claimed to have a wide range of winning health benefits including improvement of digestive issues and preventing diseases.
Another great side affect is that it gives you a boost of energy. I have been making a habit of replacing an afternoon cup of coffee or tea with Kombucha and I love it. You can find bottled Kombucha sold in many markets or commercial stores like Target or Whole Foods.
Exercise
Do you ever get home from sitting at the office all day or finish binge watching six hours of TV and feel absolutely exhausted? This is because the more we move, the better we will feel. Though we may not want to believe it, it is true that physical activity and exercise increases energy levels.
The lazier you feel, the more exercise your body most likely needs. This can even be taking a short walk or doing some jumping jacks. Especially if you have a sedentary job, it is super important to get your body moving.
Matcha tea
In short, matcha is powdered green tea, more potent and stronger than the green tea we normally ingest. matcha has really been gaining popularity all over the place, and in my experience is a great substitute for coffee.
For me, matcha gives more of a relaxed energy than the buzzing energy I get from coffee. An added bonus of drinking is that matcha has a small amount of vitamins and minerals, and is a fantastic source of antioxidants. Drink up.
Apple cider vinegar
While admittedly considerably stomach-turning when taken solo, apple cider vinegar is a great energy booster. Along with a range of other health benefits, taking a shot or sipping an apple cider vinegar beverage is great for a tart jolt of energy. I sometimes take a shot of it diluted with a tiny bit of water before going out if I need a little boost.
If you are not down with taking a straight shot, there are many apple cider vinegar beverages on the market that taste great. Try an apple cider vinegar instead of buying an afternoon coffee.
As always, remember that we are all unique and all of the suggestions above affect each of us differently. Experiment with each and see what makes you feel best.