For many people morning coffee is a godsend.  It boosts us for everyday business, lifts us when we’re sluggish, and jumpstarts our day. Some of us drink cup after cup after years of relying on it. Not only are we consuming all that cream and sugar, but we’ve also become both dependent on and desensitized to caffeine. This is a vicious cycle! And it’s one that I hope to help you break.

Caffeine is habit-forming, which means that we train ourselves to want it more than we need it. In excess, it can also increase stress and blood pressure, cause headaches and restlessness, and even lead to sleep issues. Many of these alternatives still contain caffeine, since we need to stay busy working or taking care of the kids and we still need that boost. However, these 8 healthy alternatives to morning coffee come with other benefits. Some may even help you kick caffeine altogether.

 

1.   Matcha Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m going to start with a few types of tea as the easiest replacements for morning coffee since you can brew a cup of tea about as easily and still get your caffeine fix. Matcha green tea differs from other green teas since you use the whole leaf to make it, meaning you get even more antioxidants. Like other green teas, matcha can help you lower your blood pressure and lose weight too.

Buy matcha powder or whole leaves to brew it. Just remember that the caffeine content is higher than normal green tea, so it shouldn’t take much to get your day started.

 

2.   Yerba Mate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yerba Mate comes from a type of South American holly which is then harvested and dried into this herbal tea. It contains natural caffeine, so you don’t have to give up your energy boost if you don’t want to. But unlike coffee, yerba mate is packed with antioxidants, as well as minerals like thiamine, phosphorus, riboflavin, and Vitamin C.

 

3.   Chai Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chai tea is a spicy black tea with a strong herbal taste. It contains less caffeine than coffee but also contains other properties that help you stay alert. Like many teas, it also contains antioxidants.

Common ingredients in chai tea include peppercorns, cardamom seeds, ginger, and cinnamon.

 

4.   Turmeric Milk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting beyond teas, turmeric milk (also called “golden milk”) packs an anti-inflammatory punch that makes it a great substitute for morning coffee. This is due to a natural chemical in turmeric called curcumin. Add black pepper to your drink to increase absorption. For an added boost of flavorful benefits, also consider using ginger, cinnamon, and honey.

Just remember that the drink is only as good as the quality of your turmeric. Buy organic powder that prominently displays a full dose of curcumin.

 

5.   Morning Smoothie

 

 

 

 

 

Smoothies can be customized for our needs, but the right mixture is packed with fruits and veggies. They’re known to boost our energy, alertness, and mood. You can even add carbs or protein to your smoothie to get your digestion going. For some of us, we only think we need caffeine because we’ve grown accustomed to it. A delicious smoothie might do the trick.

But what should you add to it? Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, and even apples are great fruit choices. Spinach, avocado, and kale can be good vegetable additions. Add healthy fats like coconut milk or almond/walnut butter to make it more filling. Greek yogurt, protein powder, and oatmeal also adds protein. Finally, almond milk or coconut water makes a great liquid base. Feel free to experiment with flavorful additions like vanilla and honey as well to find the perfect smoothie for your morning routine.

 

6.   Kombucha

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kombucha is a great source of probiotics that boosts your nutrient absorption and improves your immune system. It contains a little caffeine too, so you don’t have to quit cold turkey. It contains L-theanine to give you morning energy without making you jittery.

 

7.   Apple Cider Vinegar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple cider vinegar is another probiotic that can be a great replacement for morning coffee. For those that feel sluggish in the morning because of bloating or digestion issues, apple cider vinegar can help. At the same time, it has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Since it tastes pretty gross though, you may need to experiment with apple cider vinegar to find the best way to take it. Warm water, honey, and lemon may make it more palatable, as well as less aggressive on your tooth enamel.

 

8.   Bone Broth

 

 

 

 

 

 

One more probiotic for the list. Bone broth can be like a smoothie in the morning, helping you fill up and get your daily digestion started the healthy way with a full dose of magnesium and calcium. If you make bone broth, you can include tons of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting ingredients as well. These can include garlic, ginger, and even apple cider vinegar.

 

The Takeaway

Coffee has become a universal need in modern working culture. However, too much caffeine can increase our stress levels and whole fat cream and sugar can cause weight gain. Consider these 8 healthier alternatives to get the morning energy boost you need, without the downsides of that alluring cup of coffee.