Raise your hand if the first thing you drink every morning is coffee. Keep your hand up if the people around you know to leave you alone until you're halfway into your second cup. Coffee is an effective way to get an energy boost, but it can grow old quickly. Shake up your morning routine by trying some of these energy-boosting alternatives.
Tea: Whether you drink them hot or iced, green, white, and black tea all contain caffeine. But it works a little differently than what you'll get from a cup of coffee. The tannin you'll find in black tea helps slow down the rate at which your body absorbs caffeine. You'll get the pick me up you're used to, but you might notice you're not as jittery and that you don't crash quite as fast.
Kombucha: A fermented tea drink, kombucha is fizzy, flavorful, and invigorating. Filled with organic enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins, kombucha gives you a burst of energy while nurturing your gut health. Win win!
Green Smoothie: Start with your favorite fruits, add a handful of spinach (or a scoop of greens powder), throw in some ice and blend away. You'll end up with a flavorful drink full of vitamins, hydration, and nutrition. The result? Plenty of the energy your body needs to keep going without a crash.
Coconut Water: Some call coconut water "nature's sports drink." This nickname comes from the high levels of potassium and other minerals found in coconuts. Replenishing nutrients you may be low on while giving your body a burst of hydration will help you find energy to start the day. Drink coconut water by itself, or blend it into your favorite smoothie.
Ginseng-Based Drinks: Ginseng is a root long prized for its medicinal properties. Many people find that consuming it helps them feel more energetic and clear headed. You'll find ginseng in many natural energy drinks, as well as in teas.
Beet Juice: Bright red and earthy, beetroot juice is a favorite of athletes for its ability to improve stamina. Whether you need your energy to run a marathon, run the boardroom, or run after a toddler, beet roots are easy to juice. Add them to your morning smoothie, or combine with carrots, celery, and other vegetables for a delicious and invigorating glass of juice.
Water: You knew it was coming. There's nothing better for maintaining energy levels than keeping well hydrated. If you're not already, challenge yourself to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Keeping your water bottle filled lets you skip all the caffeine, sugar, and other additives in most energy drinks while staying awake and alert. So drink up!