Happy National Coffee Day! Not going to lie, I love my Grande Caramel Macchiato, Tall Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and Tall Café Mocha from the Starbucks menu. But outside of those staples, I’m just not a big coffee fan. Even my college filled all-nighters were fueled by snacks, not drinks. So, there’s that. But I do understand that coffee is truly the lifeline to many people’s mornings and other people’s full days. Once you reach that point of no return, coffee can be detrimental to your health! Addicting properties, teeth stains, budget sucking…the list goes on. But for those of us who can avoid that, or want to get out of the cycle; there is still hope for an energy-filled morning.
Drinking water. Chug that water! I’m not a fan of gulping down water all day but man, I love the benefits! Increasing my water intake throughout the day helps my skin, keeps me alert, and helps me stay full longer. Just think of what it boosts in the morning?! Water has the same energy boosting effects as coffee when consumed right after rising. Double points, it doesn’t give you a crash! However, you will still be wanting more of it later. Drink at least a glass (8 oz) of water in the morning to start your day off hydrated, alert and ready to conquer.
Morning workout. I’m not telling you to get up at 5 a.m. for a 10 mile run. A simple 5 minute yoga sequence will suffice. Try this morning stretching too, from the comfort of your own bed. If you are up for cardio, try this easy sequence below. A morning workout will increase your daily performance as well. While boosting your metabolism and increasing blood flow, you can also benefit from increased focus and a positive mood! No need to worry about coffee-deprived crankiness when your mood is fueled by physical fitness.
Nutritious breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day! We are all familiar with the benefits of a balanced breakfast, but how many of us actually follow through. A balanced breakfast will limit your snacking cravings, also increase your focus, and set your metabolism on a healthy track. Explore simple and effective breakfasts if you feel that you don’t have enough time.
Herbal tea. Tea is a great alternative to coffee for its lower caffeine levels. I view a cup of green tea as my “clean slate” drink each morning. No matter how poorly I eat for dinner, I can jumpstart my next day with a cup of warm tea to wake me up. There are lots of antioxidants in tea, it helps the teeth, builds up your immune system, and keeps extra weight off! If you crave that “cup in hand” feeling each morning, might as well let it be filled with tea.
Prayer/meditation. Prayer and meditation are both ways to center your mind and heart and focus on positive energy for the day. Each day I start with prayer, I feel more peace and clear-minded. Many of us jump out of bed and right into the shower without being present in the moment for at least a second. Purposefully praying for your day and meditating on God’s word or an inspirational quote will leave you feeling empowered and ready to literally take on the day.
High Five! Try combining all five of these items for the ultimate morning boost. Many of these provide overlapping benefits, and that’s just a super boost of awesome! Healthily start your day on the right foot with a combination of energy flowing, metabolic boosting, immune building, coffee-free goodness. They will surely prepare you greater than the morning cup of joe.