For many, coffee is an essential part of their morning routine. It helps with focus and boosts energy, making it a go-to beverage to kick-start the day. However, drinking coffee regularly can sometimes lead to side effects like bloating, increased heart rate, and restlessness. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to hydrate and energize your body, there are plenty of options that can replace your morning coffee.
Healthy Drink Options to Replace Coffee in the Morning
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most favored alternatives to coffee. While it does contain caffeine, the amount is considerably lower than that in coffee. This allows you to experience the energizing effects of caffeine without the jitteriness or anxiety commonly associated with coffee.
To make the most of its health benefits, try a cup of green tea in the morning without added sugar. You can enjoy it either brewed from loose leaves or as powdered green tea for convenience.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a thick, nutrient-packed drink made by blending fruits and vegetables. They serve as a great alternative to coffee, providing a good mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to start your day.
You can create your smoothie with a base of water, milk, or plant-based milk, then add fruits such as avocados, berries, mangoes, and bananas, and vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, or beets.
For added nutrition, throw in some oats, nuts, and seeds. Smoothies can keep you full for longer and offer a healthy way to hydrate.
Golden milk
Golden milk is a warming, antioxidant-rich drink made from milk (or plant-based milk) and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. You can sweeten it with a touch of honey for a naturally sweet taste. This drink is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for boosting immunity, improving memory, and maintaining overall health. It’s an excellent choice if you're seeking a calming yet energizing morning beverage.
Infused water
If you have trouble drinking plain water in the morning, infused water can be an appealing option. Infused water is made by adding slices of fruits like lemon, strawberries, or apples into your water. You can also include mint or a bit of honey for extra flavor.
Not only is this drink refreshing, but it also helps with hydration and is a good source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system. It’s an easy and tasty way to start the day hydrated.
Coconut water
Coconut water is a naturally hydrating drink that’s perfect for a morning refreshment. It’s packed with electrolytes, making it great for hydration. Regular consumption can also support bone health and improve digestion. You can drink coconut water on its own or blend it into your smoothies for added hydration and flavor. Its natural sweetness and refreshing taste make it a healthy alternative to coffee.
In addition to these beverages, it’s important to remember that drinking water throughout the day is essential for maintaining hydration. These healthy alternatives to coffee can help increase energy, support digestion, and provide your body with essential hydration and nutrients. You can mix and match these drinks based on your preferences and nutritional needs, ensuring that your morning routine gives you the boost you need without the negative effects of coffee.
If you have questions about nutrition or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consider consulting a healthcare provider through the Ai Care app, available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.
Looking for information about nutrition, food and other diet tips? Click here!
- dr Hanifa Rahma
La Fprge, T. (2020). 15 Morning Drinks to Get Your Day Started. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/what-do-drink-in-the-morning
Klara, P. (2024). Ditch coffee for these 6 healthy morning drinks instead. Available from: https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/healthy-morning-drinks-instead-of-coffee/
Asp, K. (2024). What Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Smoothie Every Day. Available from: https://www.eatingwell.com/are-smoothies-healthy-8357764
Bence, S. (2024). Golden Milk: The Turmeric Drink With 10 Surprising Health Benefits. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/golden-milk-benefits-8727756
Leech, J. (2023). Benefits of drinking lemon water. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318662
Lingo, D. (2024). What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Coconut Water Regularly. Available from: https://www.eatingwell.com/coconut-water-benefits-8665753#