Are you the sort of person who can't imagine starting your day until you've had your morning coffee? If you're curious at all about seeing what it would be like to start the day without your usual cup of joe, then read on!
Now I'm not saying you need to give up coffee altogether (I enjoy it as much as the next person!), but it does help to be smart about your consumption. Although there's nothing like that aromatic smell, coffee still contains caffeine, which is a stimulant to the nervous system. It's also dehydrating, and consuming too much too often can increase a number of metabolic effects on the body such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, and reduced stomach acid leading to digestive issues.
So what are some tips for smart coffee consumption?
First, hydrate before you caffeinate.
I know that in the morning, the quickest thing is to grab a cup of coffee to go, but first and foremost, make sure you hydrate your body. A mug of warm water with a little lemon wakes up your digestive system and clears away toxins that your body has been accumulating and working to get rid of while you've been asleep.
Second, be choosy about the type of coffee you consume.
If possible, purchase from a local vendor or find an organic option that you trust. Not only will you be supporting small business, you'll be drinking something far less processed and acidic to your body.
Third, the best way to consume coffee is just on its own, Americano style.
Adding refined and processed sugary syrups, dairy, and preservatives depletes what coffee really is. True aficionados would probably agree with me in saying it isn't a real coffee with all those added extras!
As for alternatives, here are my three favorite drinks that I include in my own mornings. They are just as delicious and satisfying as coffee but a whole lot easier on your system.
Chaga Hot Chocolate
Chaga is a gnarly-looking medicinal mushroom that is also known as an adaptogen. This means that it helps our bodies "adapt" to our inward and outward biological, chemical, and physical environments. They provide a balancing effect on the body, particularly by keeping our stress hormones in check and preventing us from releasing more than we need to in times of crisis.
When combined with raw cacao and coconut milk, we get the tasty benefits of antioxidants and support for our immune system.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brewed chaga tea
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of Himalayan sea salt
- Optional: Sweeten with a little raw honey or maple syrup
Dandy Latte
Dandelions are so very underrated. The little yellow flower that everyone likes to weed out of their lawns should actually be finding its way onto your plate and into your diet.
Each part of the plant—stem, leaves, and flower—provides its own specific benefits for the body, and the taste of the tea has a surprisingly similar flavor to that of coffee. Dandelions are great for our digestive system; they stimulate the production of bile, help get the stomach juices flowing, and support our liver all at once.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strongly brewed organic dandelion tea
- ¼ cup coconut or hemp milk
- 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
- Optional: Sweeten with a little raw honey or coconut sugar
Liquid Gold Elixir
If you haven't already been including turmeric into your diet, here's the perfect way to add this amazing anti-inflammatory spice into your diet. Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years as a healing remedy for various ailments.
Heated with a little milk and lots of warming spices, it's wonderful for warding off colds and keeping your immune system in tiptop shape. This is a great one to have before bed, too!
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut or almond milk
- 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of Himalayan sea salt
- Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Preparation
For each of the drinks, gently heat the milk in a saucepan on the stove. Just before it boils, remove from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Whisk everything together until smooth and frothy. Drink as it is, or for an extra foamy treat, add the mix to a high-speed blender. Pour into a cup and enjoy!
Steph is a yoga teacher, holistic nutritionist, and wellness writer. Formerly working in the retail and fashion industry, she began to rethink her lifestyle when the results of her way of living showed up on her face. She opened up to the holistic world after experiencing acne for the first time in her life. Realizing the effects of suffering from anxiety and depression as well as digestive issues, changing her diet and mindset allowed her to heal her past and nourish her body. She aims to share her knowledge so that others can make informed decisions for their own wellbeing. You can find her blogging about yoga, nutrition, and wholesome food on her website and the Huffington Post.