There are many reasons why one might choose to quit caffeine such as the digestive stress and jitteriness caused by caffeine, or just the mere fact that caffeine addiction can be somewhat harmful. Whatever the reason is, here is a list of four caffeine-free beverages to replace that morning cup o’ joe.
CHICORY COFFEE
Chicory coffee tastes somewhat like a regular cup of coffee but has been described to have a more “earthy” flavour. The coffee is made by roasting, grinding, and brewing the roots of the chicory plant, a member of the dandelion family. It has a woody and nutty aroma and is also used alongside coffee as an additive to enhance its flavour. Chicory is naturally caffeine-free and is an excellent way to reduce your caffeine intake. Since it tastes so similar to coffee, it is a terrific way to trick your brain into going caffeine-free.
It is also important to keep in mind that some people may experience an allergic reaction when consuming chicory. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include pain, swelling, and tingling in the mouth. If you are looking for a boost in energy from chicory, you will be disappointed to know that chicory doesn’t give you energy but has been known to increase digestive function and overall health, so it does have that going for it.
PEPPERMINT TEA
Peppermint is one of the best smelling and refreshing herbs out there. Not only is it useful for exercise performance and supporting brain oxygen function, but it is also a natural and caffeine-free way to boost your energy. A 2018 study found that symptoms of fatigue were reduced when subjects consumed peppermint capsules. Peppermint is an easy herb to grow and a quick and easy tea to brew. You can also find peppermint teabags at just about every grocery store. So, if you’re looking for a natural source of energy that’s caffeine-free, or just looking to brag to your friends that you drink tea now, peppermint tea might be the beverage for you.
VITAMIN B-RICH FOODS
If you are struggling to stay awake for most of the day, you might want to get yourself checked for a vitamin B deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency include mood problems, fatigue, and poor concentration. Out of all the vitamins and nutrients that your body requires, daily, to keep it functioning, 8 of them are B vitamins. The importance of vitamin B lies in its ability to help your body turn energy-yielding nutrients, such as carbohydrates, into fuel. If you have a deficiency in vitamin B, you will naturally, have less energy. Hence why it is important to consume food rich in Vitamin B such as:
- Whole grains such as brown rice
- Eggs
- Legumes such as beans and lentils
- Citrus Fruits
- Avocados
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Liver
If you are the type that skips breakfast regularly, you might even consider taking a vitamin B supplement, to give you that extra boost in the morning.
WATER
Water is good for you, so you should probably be drinking it every day! Add some lemon or cucumbers in it for some extra flavour if you’re not a fan of guzzling down some plain bottled water. If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not chug on some sparkling water?
All jokes aside, water is a great way to boost your energy as even minor levels of dehydration can and do cause you to feel the onsets of fatigue. Sipping on a tall glass of water after waking up is a great way to wake up your brain and rehydrate after that 8-hour fast (by “8-hour fast” I mean sleeping).
So, there you have it, four ways to combat fatigue naturally without the use of caffeine.
