For me, it wasn’t as much about the caffeine as it was the ritual. When I woke up in the morning, I ate my breakfast, then followed that with a coffee while I researched, browsed the Web, read, or watched some television. It represented the calm before the storm. (Of course, the caffeine kick is a definite plus when it comes to raising the energy to face a hectic day.) So when I decided to cut out coffee, I needed something to replace it within my morning routine.
I can tell you from experience that coffee doesn’t offer the only—or best—way to charge up in the morning. Sure, it’s healthy, and when consumed without added sugars or cream, it provides a number of health benefits; but there are other ways to get your engine revved up in the morning that you can use in place of your routine coffee. Some of these substitutes can even keep you charged up all day long!
So if you don’t like coffee or are looking for a new morning pick-me-up, here are some other, healthy ways to boost your energy before your day starts:
- Eat Some Sugary Fruit: An apple, banana, orange, grapefruit, or bowl of pineapple slices can help you get going in the morning. These fruits are high in natural fructose and can increase and stabilize your blood sugar, providing energy and eliminating sluggishness. Pair them with a healthy source of protein, like Greek yogurt, to leave you feeling fuller for longer.
- Exercise: Going for a jog or a short workout in the morning is the best way to get energized for the day. I like to go out for a 20- to 40-minute jog in the morning, and I’ll tell you, it does wonders for the rest of my day. Even if you don’t want to go for a jog, a nice stroll in the sunlight gets your heart pumping and your body and mind firing on all cylinders. It might be tough to roll out of bed and put your shoes on, but trust me: it’s well worth the effort!
- Listen to Music: A good morning playlist can really wake you up, boost your mood, and start your day on the right foot. Music can make you feel good and get your heart moving—especially if it incites some dancing!
There are lots of ways to get up and at it in the morning that don’t rely on caffeine. If you’re looking to try something new, try one of these natural stimulants!
Source for Today’s Article:
“Coffee by the Numbers,” Harvard School of Public Health web site, 2010; http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/multimedia-article/facts/, last accessed November 10, 2014.