Do you look forward to a hot, steamy, freshly brewed cup of coffee every morning, with strong aromas that lift your spirits, and sweet, dark sips that help you get the day started? If so, you are not alone. We've all been enchanted by the rich, bold body of a good cup of coffee to help power us through the day, but is fueling up on coffee every day really the best source of caffeine? While some may enjoy a cup or two of coffee, others may chug down energy drinks or colas for the sweet rush of caffeine, and while you may enjoy a temporary energy rush, it won't be long before the jittery crash, restless nights, brain fog, and tummy troubles begin.
Our daily caffeine fix becomes a sacred part of our morning routines, we crave the delicious and comforting caffeine buzz, but how before that caffeine tolerance starts to have negative effects on our health and wellness? and what can you do about it once it starts? If you're sensitive to caffeine or changes begin to occur in your wellness, it may be time to look for other energy-boosting alternatives that may be better suited for your needs. The high caffeine content found in coffee, colas, and energy drinks acts as a stimulant to your nervous system, which can trigger a myriad of different sensations in the body that can lead to anxiety attacks, cardiovascular issues, and other health concerns. For this reason alone it may be best to try to cut back and train yourself to drink less or switch to a healthier, cleaner source of energy entirely.
Whether you’re ready to cut back on your high caffeine consumption or swap out the coffee and colas completely, you don't have to give up the energy boost. Here are some better-for-you alternatives to consider that are convenient, great-tasting, and gentle on the body and mind.
Purple Tea
Purple tea is perhaps the most convenient, and best tasting alternative to coffee and cola on this list. Purpose Tea is a convenient, on-the-go option that is low in caffeine, with only 8-11mgs in each 16-ounce bottle. Just store them in the fridge or pantry, and take one with you as you need a natural boost of energy. Purple Tea is a type of tea derived from the same plant as black and green teas, the Camellia sinensis plant, but contains less caffeine and MORE antioxidants than other teas on the market. So you can enjoy the health and wellness benefits of the powerful antioxidant properties of the purple tea plant, and fight off the caffeine cravings in the morning or even the afternoon. While there is still caffeine in purple tea, there is also a powerhouse amino acid called L-Theanine, which helps balance your energy and the effects of caffeine in your body with a calming feeling. L-Theanine also improves focus and helps you concentrate. Really, purple tea basically has superpowers because it can make you feel relaxed, focused, and energized all at once. While one serving of purple tea has much less caffeine than coffee or energy drink, it provides a less jittery, more sustained energy boost – with no crash at the end. Purple Tea also features much higher levels of antioxidants, which protect against disease and illness.
Besides its potential health benefits, purple tea has a robust and delicious flavor, so you'll actually WANT to drink it throughout your day. You can get your purple tea fix any time of the day with a bottle of Purpose Tea from your local Kroger, Wholefoods, or Raley's grocery store.
Kombucha
Your gut health is a huge contributor to your overall health. A healthy gut means a healthy immune system, effective digestion, and improved mood. Your heart and brain health is also linked to your gut health. Kombucha is a great way to prioritize your gut health and get a sustainable energy boost at the same time. Kombucha is a pretty popular functional beverage nowadays, with tons of different flavors, textures, and varieties to choose from. It is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink. High caffeine content beverages like cola and coffee aren't the easiest on the digestive system, so by switching to kombucha, you get the powers of probiotics, and low caffeine content to provide a boost without the sudden slump.
Kombucha is also very beneficial to the liver and aids in detoxification in the body due to it being high in glucaric acid. Drinking kombucha helps you take in food more easily and provides the probiotics that work hard to improve your gut health and strengthen your immune system to make you feel more vibrant and energized. A healthy gut makes way for a healthy mind with great clarity and concentration.
Coconut Water
Seeing coconut water on this list may surprise you, but this hydrating alternative has a hidden card, electrolytes. Coconut water is naturally low in calories but high in replenishing and rehydrating electrolytes. It is also packed with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals like iron, sodium, calcium, potassium, and more. With the help of electrolytes in coconut water, you can fight off fatigue, and stay alert and focused for longer, without the same crash from high caffeine sources. One glass of coconut water in the morning, helps you feel refreshed, awake, and ready for the day. The potassium in coconut water also turns into fuel that provides stimulation and alertness throughout the day, AND it keeps you hydrated. For an added boost, try adding a slice of lemon or fresh lemon juice to your cup of coconut water. Lemon is known to help provide your body with nutrients to help stimulate your mind so you can wake up your system, and reduce the tired feeling. Lemons are also packed with B vitamins which are essential to providing energy to our body. Lemon juice and coconut can also fight off hunger pangs, boost your metabolism and keep your energy levels up.
Fruit Smoothies
Fruit as an energy-boosting alternative for coffee may come as another surprise, but fueling your body with the proper nutrients as you start your day is crucial to feeling energized, focused, and alert throughout the day. While coffee provides a short spike of energy, it doesn't last long and you spend the rest of the day looking for a way to replenish the energy you've lost. A fruit smoothie is packed with healthy fruits, vegetables, and even vitamin supplements that can help keep your system functioning at its very best and keep you feeling full and sustained until your next meal or healthy snack. When making your smoothies try adding lots of energy-boosting foods together. Healthy fats like avocado, or almond butter, make great blood sugar supporting add-ins, and coconut water provide a great hydrating boost of electrolytes.
Don't forget to add your antioxidant-powered purple and blue superfoods like blueberries, purple carrots, and even add a bottle of Purpose purple tea into your smoothie along with spinach, kale, or mint leaves for a refreshing flavor. For an added jolt you can also add healthy supplements to your smoothies such as Vitamin B or Ginseng. You can also get vitamin B through added fruits like apples and peaches. They’re natural ways to help increase energy and alertness, and help provide nutrients to get you going and ready for the day.
It's not hard to kick your high caffeine habit if you're trying to cut down or eliminate the need for coffee, energy drinks, and cola throughout the day. Opting for one of these healthful alternatives is a no-brainer - especially purple tea! As with anything, changes to your daily routine will take time. You will want to stick to a new product, or gradually start to reduce your coffee intake over time. Fill up your fridge with bottles of Purpose Tea, and reach for a refreshing, energy-boosting beverage when you are in need of a healthy pick-me-up. Head to our store locator to find the store nearest you carrying Purpose or stock up on your favorite flavors right here on our site.
