It is officially summer, and maybe you have fallen behind on your New Year’s resolutions or just need a java detox to survive the July heat. Going caffeine-free can seem like a daunting task, whether you’re doing it gradually or going cold turkey, but the benefits speak for themselves. This can cause lower blood pressure, better sleep, lowered anxiety, and better nutrient absorption are just a few examples. Going caffeine-free can be a hard journey, but these alternative drink options are tasty approved, and reputable contenders for curbing your espresso cravings without the side effects.
Caffeine-Free Drink Alternatives
The Energizers
1. Coconut Water
Coconut water contains high levels of minerals and potassium, making it a great way to boost your energy. You can also add lemon and/or mint for some additional vitamins, immune system, and digestion boost. Remember to be careful with store-bought coconut water, as it often contains added sugars.
2. Golden Milk
Color-packed turmeric, cinnamon, honey, and any other spices your taste buds might crave are blended together with warmed milk to give lattes a run for their money. Enjoy this liquid gold in the morning or during your night time routine to reduce stress and improve brain function. The best part is that you can mix and match ingredients to find the right recipe for you, and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now!
3. Acai Berry
Acai juice or smoothies are a great way to boost your energy levels with their abundance of B vitamins, potassium, protein, and fatty acids. This improves metabolism and the skin and can be an overall detox, making it a great natural energy drink. You can find acai pre-mixed into a variety of bottled/canned drinks or in single-serve packets on the shelves of your local grocery store.
4. Green Juices
Juicing can be not only an effective way to meet your fruit and vegetable quota, but a meaningful method of boosting your energy naturally as well. Below are some ingredients that are a full-proof way of giving your body that healthy morning energy boost.
- Spinach
- Kale
- Granny Smith Apples
- Cucumber
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Lemon
- Celery
- Ginger
- Parsley, Mint, etc.
5. Beets
Beets are one of the many foods that can help your body use oxygen more efficiently. You can blend one small beetroot, strawberries, yogurt, spinach, banana, and almond or coconut milk for the ultimate vitamin smoothie.
Tip: Add a tablespoon of fresh or powdered wheatgrass for additional benefits of antioxidants, minerals, and even more vitamins.
The Originals
1. Caffeine-Free Sodas
Sprite, Fanta, Root Beer, and Ginger Ale are not only household names but also caffeine-free sodas. Many of your favorite caffeinated soda brands make caffeine-free alternatives that some argue taste even better. For instance, when you’re craving something bubbly, try Caffeine-Free Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola, Caffeine-Free Diet Coke and Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola Zero.
2. Juices
Many fruits and vegetables have naturally energizing vitamins and minerals that can be made at home for an easy pick-me-up on the go. Strawberry lemonade, teas, and lime water are just a few fun examples.
3. Sparkling Water/Seltzers
Sparkling waters, like clear sodas, can be found under a variety of brands on the shelves and do not contain phosphoric acid, which gives caffeinated sodas their deep brown hue. Seltzer water, club soda, and tonic water are all slight variations of carbonated water, whether it has added minerals, flavors, or a bitter-tasting compound called quinine. Certainly, check out options at your local grocery store to find the best bubbly for you!
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